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Montecristo had been wandering , just minding his own business (okay, to be fair, he may have been low-key stalking a squirrel that was sitting at the base of a nearby tree - but surely even a guardian cat couldn't be expected to ignore temptation like that?), when he was suddenly attacked, out of nowhere - someone attempting to use his elegant scarf to choke him with!

Or perhaps not.

Leaping straight up in the air with a short, sharp yowl, straight-legged and with a rather impressively arched spine, he turned to face his accoster. And in so doing, realized that he may, possibly, have overreacted.

Having done so, of course, he had two options: play it off like he hadn't just leaped half out of his skin, or refuse to act as if he'd overreacted at all.

"What the ********?! Were you trying to kill me?" He practically hissed - obviously choosing to be dramatic. Truth me told, he was more embarrassed at being so taken by surprise - it was a sign that he really needed to be more on his game, and he hated feeling like he'd screwed up. Even on something minor.

"Who are you?" He continued, lifting his chin, tone only slightly less sharp. He noticed, vaguely, that she was spotted, similarly to him, but in shades of grey and white - and he recognized her as another guardian, but that didn't necessarily mean that she wasn't dangerous (although the fact that she hadn't come at him aggressively certainly indicated otherwise...if he was willing to admit it. IF)

He narrowed his eyes at her criticism of his...choice of language. "Of course I ******** do, when they attack me out of nowhere." The fur along his spine stood up slightly in sheer indignation.

She made a good point, but he wasn't inclined to admit it, not with his ego already smarting, so instead he just sniffed mockingly.

Inclining his head the barest inch at her introduction, he debated witholding his own name, just to be petty, since she hadn't asked for it, but after a brief hesitation, he relented. "Montecristo."

He didn't, however, make an effort to smooth things over, opting instead, rudely, to smooth his still-ruffled fur with his tongue.

Montecristo snorted, pausing in his self-grooming, an barely restraining himself from asking if she always greeted strangers by nearly choking them with their neckwear.

At her question, and shortening of his name, he stiffened slightly, but he also stopped his grooming. "It's Montecristo." He said stiffly. Nicknames were only acceptable from someone who was more than an acquaintance.

Then he grimaced, becaude he wasn't particularly familiar with the area, and he hated not being able to answer a question. "I don't, actually - but from the smell of things, there are probably a couple of places that aren't too far that would be...passable..."

"Any particular preference?" He asked after, almost imperceptible hesitation.

Montecristo inclined his head keeping his expression regal, and deliberately a little condescending, while choosing to overlook her overemphasis of his full name. A smart cat knew how far to push a point, after all. Privately, although he wouldn't admit it, he was a little impressed that she'd given as good as she got.

He then nodded at her remark - that made sense, and explained why she'd asked in the first place. Straightening at her next question, he eyed her thoughtfully for a moment, then seemed to decide to let some of his offense go. He then nodded, perhaps a smidgen formally. "I'm getting hungry too, so that works."

Getting to his feet, he gave a small shake, then batted at his scarf again until it lay just so. Shall we try this way first?" He asked, motioning toward a well-lit street that from the smell of it, had a variety of food options to choose from.