You're the one I Dream of
Okoye and Shuri sat on the porch, done with their meal; full and content. Now they were drinking of the warm brew of sweet nectar tea, Okoye made from the fruit trees growing outback of her house. Another reason Okoye was thrilled to be home. Everything consumed in Wakanda, was directly from the earth, non process or additives included, fresh and healthy.
It was getting late, and nightfall would be making its call. Her first night in her country, she stared out into the open fields. Then stood to her feet, and slowly walked off the porch. She made a coo-coo sound, and a fierce rumbling came forth, as the earth quaked. Seemingly out of nowhere, the great beast and her pet rhino, Mbandi materialized; stopping just short of Okoye and giving her cheek, a long swipe of her enormous wet tongue.
Okoye smiled from the affection displayed by the gentle giant. She was a rare black rhino, standing over seven feet at her shoulders. Okoye was there when she was born, and the little thing at the time, would follow her around. She cared for no one, as much as she did Okoye.
“Shuri, come,” she beckoned to her little sister. “Let’s walk our meal off, while you tell me about the changes Wakanda has gone through in my absence, and how well is the alliance going.” Shuri obliged, and came to her side.
“Well, the alliance was met with great resistance from the Elders,” she informed her.
“I have no doubt about that,” Okoye concurred. “My uncle made me a proposition, that I was not in agreement. One of the reasons I left, to curtail anymore suffering for our nation, Bast knows, it has been more than enough.” Shuri knew, of what she was speaking.
“Yes, we don’t need more than we have already endured,” she echoed Okoye’s sentiments. “Especially, not knowing what the UN is planning.”
“I wouldn’t worry too much on that end,” she assured Shuri, who gave her a questionable expression.
“What is it you know that I don’t?” Shuri inquired. Okoye smiled.
“It’s better you didn’t know,” she told her. “Just know, though I wasn’t here; and no longer hold the position as general in the Dora. My job as keeping our nation safe, became a global task as a Midnight Angel; and with the help of your favorite colonizer. With that being said, let’s move on to my question.” Shuri nodded.
“And of course, Namor has been cordial, but I get this feeling he’s always plotting,” she revealed. “I will never trust him, and never forgive.”
“I think there lies the problem with the council,” Okoye stated. “He did too much, and they can never find it in their hearts to forget what he had done.”
“I know, it was I he hurt the most; he took my heart beat,” Shuri went silent, taking long breaths, and a swipe at her eyes, and looking away to conceal the tears dropping from them. Okoye placed an arm about her shoulder, as they continued their walk.
“How about you come and stay here with me for a while,” she suggested. “At least, until I get use to being back.” At that moment, Shuri let out this joyous laughter, trotting a few feet away from Okoye, who looked bewildered at this reaction.
“Okoye,” Shuri ceases from her laughter, and stared at her big sister. “Where do you think I’ve been living all this time?” Okoye stared blankly, but with an understanding why everything looked so well preserved, and lived in. She shook her head, vintage Shuri, she thought. They finished their walk and talk, then return to settle in for the night.
Later that night; Okoye came out unto her porch, and took a seat on the top step, staring out into the night, as it slowly made its way into place. She closed her eyes; inhaled the cool brisk air into her nostrils and allowed it to fill her lungs; and stream through her blood vessels, replacing the diminished oxygen they crave. Then, with pursed lips, she exhaled the remnant of depleted air out pass them; returning it to the twilight.
She felt rejuvenated, and continued to close her eyes, then went into a deep meditation. There she would meet him, her phantom lover. She senses his presence, as he seated himself at her side, his arm moved around her waist, while his free hand hooked her chin, tilting her head back. His head leaned down, his lips pressed against hers, his tongue snaked its way from his mouth, and burrowed into hers. Their tongues met, entwining one another, dancing about, causing a subtle moan to escape from her throat. He pulled back disconnecting their lip lock.
“Okoye,” he spoke her name, his warm breath brushing her lips.
“Okoye,” Shuri called her for the second time, touching her shoulder, then sitting next to her. “Are you alright?” Okoye's eyes flew open, staring Shuri in the face, hers expressing concerned. Okoye let out a soft giggle, which left Shuri confused.
“Yes, my little sista,” she was embarrassed, but didn’t show it. “I was just mediating.” She put her hand on Shuri's far thigh, and pulled her closer in, then rested her head on her shoulder. Shuri, laid her head on top of Okoye's, then she interloper their arms, clenching their fingers as one fist; and covering them with her other hand.
“I thought you had gone to sleep,” Okoye told her.
“Oh, no, it’s too early for me,” she expressed. “I was laying their happy, knowing you were in the next room. And I wasn’t here alone anymore.”
“You don’t know how much my heart rejoices, knowing you were here all this time; spreading my house with your love,” Okoye said to her. “The love is evident in how the land looks, my animals are content, my fruit trees and garden blooming, from the affection you graced upon them. Thank you, my love.”
“It was my pleasure. It made me feel close to you, no matter where you were,” Shuri sighed deeply. Okoye repositioned herself, and gave Shuri a delicate kiss on the forehead.
“I think I will take a ride on Mbandi, it’s been too many years,” she parted from her, and stood to her feet. “Unless you have been riding her.” She looked at Shuri, and saw her face contorted; informing her that would be a, ‘No’. Okoye called her pet rhino, Mbandi; who came trotting over to her.
She decided to ride bare back, not feeling the saddle tonight. Mbandi bowed her front legs, allowing Okoye to mount, once she saw she was securely on, raised up. Okoye gave the command, and she took off at high speed. Okoye needed to let loose, and give the beast a good workout. Shuri watched as they sped off into the darkness; vanishing from her sight. She went back inside to see what she could snack on.
M’Baku sat behind his desk, pondering over Attuma’s dilemma. He was one of the good ones. They became friends due to Namor’s immaturity. As a leader he really needs to learn diplomacy. The negotiations process for the alliance were between Attuma, and himself. The council of Elders, made out their demands, and Namor his. The two of them looked them over, and express what would be doable, and what wouldn’t. After months of back and forth, finally a treaty was put forth that both nations could accept.
But during the time they interacted, they grew close. It wasn’t always about business, but a lot about them just getting to know one another. So, it was no surprise, when Attuma would spend a lot of time coming to see M'Baku, having meals together. They complemented each other, being the counterpart in their kingdoms. They were the big guys; buff and gruff, warriors to the end. Though being a king has simmer M’Baku down slightly.
Attuma has tried to fit into the Wakanda’s lifestyle, as this is where he will take a wife. It’s not a wonder, to see him walking around one day dressed as the river tribe, or another as the mining tribe, then as the border tribe. He hadn’t done the merchant tribe yet, maybe because he frequents the marketing place, where he purchases everything.
Even though he has dated a few of the Dora Milaje, it never seems to work. The Dora are career motivated, and marrying then having children; would mean to give it up, and they aren’t ready to do so. They just wanted to scratch the itch, and he was one of the most sought-after candidates. Due to his big boy physique, and his genuine good personality.
No, he would need to find some one most like him, in every way. But who? He basically knows all the ladies, the other tribes would be too domesticated, which is what he needed if he wants a family. But as nice as he is, he’s still is a wild thing, and would they be able to tame him?
He needs someone who wants to settle down, but who is also a warrior at heart. Some one who will have his back, and fight beside him; without blinking an eye. Again, who? Then M’Baku got a thought. He made a call.
“Hello,” Shuri answered Okoye’s kimoyo beads, she had left, when she went on her ride.
“Shuri?” He said. “Where is Okoye?”
“She's out riding,” she informed him.
“How are you answering for her?” He inquired.
“Because she left them, and I answered; My King,” she let out a giggle, knowing that annoys him.
“Shuri,” he warned. “Then this means you will continue to reside at her house?”
“That would be a affirmative, “ she continue laugh.
“I can’t deal with you tonight,” he said, with exasperation in his voice. “Can you let her know, I need to meet with her as soon as possible? I have a proposition to discuss.”
“Really? What?” She asked.
“Give her the message please, Princess,” he commanded, then hung up. Shuri stood holding the beads, curious about what it is he wants with Okoye, so soon after her return.