Exploring the Gardens
T'Challa couldn't believe his luck when he came out of the changing room in his shifted form and saw that while Tony seemed focused on what was around him, his mind was definitely somewhere else. How else could he not notice the tiger before him? And honestly, it sent a thrill through T'Challa to know that he provided a space Tony felt safe enough not only to shift in but to relax and let his mind wander.
However, he did feel a little guilty for startling Tony when he pounced on his tail, forgetting how such an act could be percieved by the older man who has had the horrible experience of people close to him betraying him to the point he couldn't even have things handed to him. And so he laid himself down, showing he met no harm and let Tony set the pace even though every inch of him was telling to comfort, protect, and care for the beautiful panther.
He would show Tony he was going to always be on his side. He might not always be able to put Tony first for his duty as Prince and future King would take precedent at times just like SI and the Avengers would for Tony. But he would do everything to see that the man was happy, and if he must........
T'Challa shook himself from his thoughts as the two slowly made their way through the garden, letting Tony explore to his heart's content as he kept an eye out for any danger - his tiger required it of him even though the Dora Milaje was also keeping guard. He would make sure his friend knew that someone would always have his back. That he had a friend he could count on.
Tony lets out a chirp sound and T'Challa moves over to check out what caught Tony's interest. He watches as Tony paws at a plant that was silver in nature but when disturbed took on a purple color and let out a soft twinkling noise. He would explain what it was to Tony later when they were human again, but for now he sat on his haunches and paws at the plant and its surrounding companions, the delicate plans letting out a pleasant melody that was soothing to any who heard it. Tony joins in, the sound growing louder as the plants are moved around with more frequency. Their tails shaking in joy before they brush and wrap around one another for a moment or two.
When they move on to explore further, they walk a little closer to the point that they would even rub themselves along the other's side. And while T'Challa couldn't say how Tony felt, he could say with surety there was a pep in his step, and a lightness as if he was floating rather than walking along the ground.
That warmth continued as they made their way to his favorite part of the garden and watch Tony show so much awe and respect for the place; a grotto that seemed out of a fairytale. It was protected on all sides by cavern walls that reached fad into the sky, easily passing 60 feet. There was various structures carved out by a waterfall that pooled into the clearest water anyone has ever seen. It was also the cleanest as several minerals filtered the water making is safe to drink and was thought to have healing properties as it supported the trees and plants that all have medicinal properties. The animals who lived there also outlived their typical lifespans, and kept more harmony than any ecosystem known to man. It was the place where prey laid down with their predators without fear, and animals helped forage for food and shared shelters.
T'Challa chuffles and nudges Tony to follow him along the green-covered rocks to a tree that bared magical berries that glowed blue similar to the blue of the arc. He carefully works his way up the exposed roots and the slick rocks the falling water cascaded over, and groans as he begs a starling to release one for him as the tree's limbs seem to delicate to hold either feline's weight.
He gives a purr in thanks when the fruit falls and is caught by the interweaving roots, but when he goes for it, Tony's faster reflexes and smaller paws allow him to snatch it up and into his jaws. He gives a playful fake out as his tail stands straight up before he takes off with the stolen goods up the moss covered bark of a fallen tree and up into the cliff sides.
The chase was on.