When they left the compound through the portal, it was late Friday evening New York time. When the group emerged into a small, private study of T'Challa's, it was mid Saturday morning, Wakanda time. Which had been done on purpose, even though it meant for a long day for all of the newcomers.

T'Challa was waiting for them, with Shuri by his side and Okoye and a small group of palace servants standing in the background. The king of Wakanda waited politely for the portal to close before stepping forward and greeting Pepper, first. An action that made her smile as he gave her a hug that was far less formal than the rules of courtesy may have demanded.

"It is good to see you."

"Thank you, T'Challa," was the reply.

Pepper let him go and turned her attention to Shuri, hugging the girl, cheerfully, and then moving out of the way so the two Wakandan royals could greet each of them, individually. Peter and Ned hung back, allowing the adults to all go first, despite the fact that it was Peter's party.

"Ned," T'Challa said, offering the teen his hand and a genuine smile. "I am glad that you decided to come."

"Thank you, your majesty," Ned replied, a little more formal with T'Challa than Peter was. He wasn't as used to hanging out with kings, after all. "I had to talk my mom into letting me come, instead of going to my aunt's house for the weekend."

The king nodded, even though he didn't know the story and wouldn't ask, just then – although if it was an interesting one, he knew that he'd hear it from Shuri at some point.

"We will try to make sure you are entertained, this weekend, then."

"Thank you."

Ned moved to say hello to Shuri, who was surprised to see him, but hugged him, warmly, and T'Challa shook Peter's hand. He was careful not to be too rough, knowing full-well that the hand might still ache, despite being out of the brace, now, and affording Peter much more use of it.

"Peter. How are you?"

"I'm good, thanks. You?"

"Very well." He smiled. "The tribes have been gathering for more than a week," T'Challa added. "This is an exciting time."

"But I'm not going to have to do anything, right?"

He'd asked, just to make sure. It wasn't going to be fun for Peter if a Wakandan celebration in his honor meant that he had to stand still and attend a bunch of stuffy formal ceremonies and listen to a lot of speeches.

T'Challa understood the question and he shook his head.

"It is a celebration of life, and of new beginnings. Something of a festival, or a carnival. There will be a ceremony tomorrow evening that will require your attendance. Other than that, you are here to simply enjoy yourself. Shuri can help you with that."

The girl nodded her agreement.

"Of course, brother."

"I will want to talk to you and your parents, later, but for now you should look at what is offered for your enjoyment and have a good time."

"Thank you."

He walked over and hugged Shuri, then, and she kissed his cheek.

"Would you like some refreshments?" she asked as she released him.

"Sure."

The others had already been led to the table that held beverages and finger foods, and Shuri and T'Challa mingled among their guests to make small talk and gauge how they all were doing. If they required rest before being presented to the others, it could be arranged, or they could just join in the festivities that were already in full swing in the city and in the area surrounding it. It wasn't a formal reception by any means, and it was clear they were going to try to keep it that way for them.

"My people are aware that you are coming," T'Challa told his guests. "They are in high spirits and have prepared many entertainments and contests. You are free to join in on anything that you want to try, and avail yourself of all vendors and craftsmen that interest you."

"How many vendors are we talking about, T'Challa?" Tony asked, curiously.

The young king didn't smirk, but his expression was a mixture of amused and smug.

"Follow me, please. All of you."

With Okoye at his side, he led them out of the study and down one of the wide hallways of the palace. As always, there was art displayed for them; hanging on the walls, or sitting on pedestals in alcoves. T'Challa didn't slow, however, and they were soon assembled on a huge balcony that opened out to a view of the capitol city on one side and the plain that dominated the area to the west.

"Wow…"

The city was brightly bedecked with colors of all kinds. Banners and bunting and flags, and people that were so far away that to most of those looking, they were simply brightly colored dots. Turning toward the plain, however, there were also people. Not as crowded as the city, because the plain was so large that it could hold a huge number of the population, but it was definitely a party.

There were open areas where livestock was being held. Small groupings of tents and pavilions that almost certainly were acting as marketplaces and temporary living quarters for those who had arrived for the celebration. Even from the distance, they could hear the noise that so many people and animals made in daily routines – much less festivals.

"Many have heeded the invitation," Shuri said, excitedly. "There are tribes from all over Wakanda – some that have not seen each other for a generation."

"All have sent their finest craftsmen," T'Challa added. "To show off what their people can do, and to make commissions for works. Some of the best of Wakanda is on display – and available if you are interested."

"I should have brought a goat," Ned said, leaning over the balcony rail to try and see the street below.

It was T'Challa, himself, who pulled the boy back. No sense in taking any chances, after all.

"You do not need goats," he assured them with a smile as Ned walked over to stand next to Pepper, who put an arm, idly, over the boy's shoulders, protectively, to keep him close – and away from the rail. "My people have been informed that they can take your money at a value that was explained to them. When the festival is over, they can bring your dollars to my treasury, and it will be exchanged for whatever currency they would prefer."

"That's great," Steve said, looking pleased at the idea of having a chance to wander through the markets that he could see – and explore others that were a bit out of the way. "That will definitely make things easier for negotiations."

"Many do not speak your language," Shuri added. "But T'Challa has arranged for translating stations within every marketplace, if needed. They will be able to help you with your negotiations – and can help both parties understand the value of the currency."

"Smart," Stephen said, also looking out at the market.

It was clear he was looking forward to doing some shopping. Maybe there would be a competition between him and Romanoff to see who could find the first ugly Wakandan t-shirt to buy the other.

Peter groaned, though. He hadn't been expecting a need for money, and – as such – his wallet held about $25 dollars. Which wasn't going to be enough to buy anything, really – short of some treats, or little things. As the others already began pointing out the things that they could see that might interest them, he turned to that most common of all teen-aged tactics, and went from the railing to stand in front of Tony and Pepper, looking hopeful.

"Mom…? Dad…?" He smiled at their amusement as they figured it out even before he finished. "Can I have some money? Please?"