Itembe stared at the ground as he tried to find a good-very good-excuse to make Vitani believe in as to why he hadn't shown up until now. He wasn't doing very well.
'Go on," the lioness groaned with a roll of her eyes. -Impaitent as always- Itembe mused and inwardly smiled to himself. 'Uh, I was busy, okay?' he finally said and his friend rolled her eyes again. 'Really?'
'Yeah...'
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So this is after Itembe returns to the Outlands and agrees to join Zira's side. Vitani demanded a good reason why her friend hadn't come home sooner after leaving the Outlands. Itembe was happy to oblige.