[PRP] A "royal" pain in the butt || Mwana/Momo

[Tahja Estes]

She'd never seen lands like this before, honestly though that just made it all the more irresistible. The climbing was hard, that was true, but once she got the hang of it it wasn't taking long at all to move from level to level, and it helped that she was currently moving downward instead of up.

Her tail wagged slowly as a barrage of scents drifted her way, and she slowed to a stop. In the recesses of her mind instinct told her to be wary. Lions. Lots and LOTS of lions in this territory, and other big cats too. Having grown up around the Pridelands, though, made it difficult for her to even consider being wary. She only stopped when she did to avoid having to get herself killed trying to make a fast escape. This was far enough, she thought, to have a good look.  

[Tahja Estes]

Some might have thought that, having finally gained a high position and having children who would take that role someday as well, Mwana would be content. But anyone who actually knew her was well aware that content was just something she didn't do very well. Though she supposedly had "everything" she ever wanted she was out here, on her own, brooding.

It was a very calculating sort of mood. Back at the den she was always very busy grooming her children to be just as wonderful as she was raised to be; smart, political, and unafraid to go after what they wanted...but the proper means. But there were other things she had to think about and, out here, she was trying to get to them.

Mainly she was thinking over her half sister, who, much to her frustsration, was a rank higher than her. And, by the growth of her children, she knew she had to have another litter soon, else her sister catch up. It was quite a competative jumple in her head. So much so that she was wandering the highlands, keeping her paws busy as her mind went.  

[Tahja Estes]

There, sadly for Mwana she had been spotted. Momo's ears perked, and she approached the lioness with confidence.

"Hey there!" She called ahead, ignoring, purposely mind you, the fact that Mwana was in such a bad mood.  

[Tahja Estes]

At the interruption Mwana's face immediately twisted to a scowl. But within seconds the expression disappeared, washed away by the mask put in its place, which was still rather disdainful but more appropriate. If her sisters had seen they might have called her emotional, but in comparison to the general public, usually she was quite...controlled.

"May I ask your business in the lands of the Northern House?" she asked with bland politeness. She would overlook being addressed improperly...this time. If it continued, a correct would be in order.  

[Tahja Estes]

Momo slowed to a stop, a confused expression taking over the cheerful one just seconds before it. The term was unfamiliar to her, or rather, the description. "Northern what now?"

Nevermind that the lioness was being falsely polite, Momo didn't care, she ignored it with what was probably annoying oblivion.  

[Tahja Estes]

What ghastly manners! And what ignorance. It was why Mwana hated dealing with commoners. Her being a canine really didn't help either. But even a civil wild dog was better company than...than this bleating, delirious girl! She felt she might get a headache soon and they had just met.

"The Norther House," Mwana repeated sternly, her eyes hooded a little, "These are their lands. If you have no business here, I suggest you don't stay long. We are not...the House who's patience should be tried."  

[Tahja Estes]

Momo snorted derisively, yup, she'd heard right. "Well what a weird thing to call a place. Why don't you just call it your territory, why bother with such a stuffy, fancy title, lady? Who are you all trying to impress?"

She laughed, far from a wise thing to do, but she knew she could outrun damn near anything but a cheetah or maybe the occasional hare. It wouldn't take much to get away, not that she'd thought that far ahead anyway. She was a risk taker and HOW.  

[Tahja Estes]

"Do NOT address me with such disrespect," Mwana quipped, her voice edging along a growl though she tried to keep the curl of disgust from her mouth. Stupid little b***h! Why, she should have her mate tear her apart for her insolence.

"It is called thus because it is one of the four great houses," she informed, though the information she felt that, by wandering in this area, the wild dog should have known. "We are a pride strong in our unique traits and our unity. We need not impress anyone; we are beyond that in stature." Which, in her mind, was true. This pride was mighty and they need not answer to anyone, especially not such a ragged, lone canine.  

[Tahja Estes]

"No offense meant, lady, geez, loosen up. What did ya do, sit on a prickle patch this morning?"

The sadly ironic part of it all was that Momo didn't mean it to be offensive, she just was that way, she had her mother's natural blunt and abrasive manner of conversation, getting right to the bottom line, and she didn't stop to think much over her words. Bad combination almost any day of the week, really.

"Anyway, sounds.... interesting, but I think I'll just be going."  

[Tahja Estes]

Ohhh, the nerve! Mwana's expression twitched visibly, though somehow she managed to keep it from a complete breakdown. Only her mate or sisters, people she trusted, could get past her walls and had enough of her trust to let her emotions fly. It was, however, very difficult not to give this wild dog a nice slash across the face for her impudence.

"Yes, your departure would be wise. We have little tolerance for...stranges such as yourself," she replied. The disdain and disgust were in her tone, but she managed to keep it from seething. She was, mostly, still composed, if in a foul mood compared to her earlier brooding.  

[Tahja Estes]

Momo just grinned as if partaking in some great secret as she moved back the way she'd come, thankfully not far into the territory or it would have been a very long climb. Her tail was STILL wagging when she reached the top of the area by the time Mwana finished speaking, and grinning wider she crowed back, laughter on the tip of her tongue.

"Have fun picking the thorns out of your butt, your highness!!!"  

[Tahja Estes]

Insolent little wretch! Mwana felt her brow throbbing with irritation. The only consolation, the real reason for her lack of reaction even now, was that she kept telling herself what she believed to be an obvious fact: that mangy mutt was not even worth the strike of her claws, not even worth the attention of a single guard to chase her out! She was scum, plain and simple. She would be gone soon if she knew what was best for her.

But despite all of these reassurances Mwana refused to move from the spot. Instead she took a seat there. Moving would be a retreat. And she refused to loose, especially to someone barely worthy to share the air her pride breathed.