The day had been entirely too long and too hot, but the Lion Guard must continue to protect and serve the Pride Lands regardless. Vitani sent her guard home for the evening, stating she would do one final patrol alone, as a reward for the team doing a great job today. They group bid their goodbyes and made their way back to Pride Rock while the former Outlander warrior began her patrol. A few seasons had passed since the war and teh unificaiton of the prides, but Vitani still wasn't used to not having to fight tooth and claw to survive anymore, nor with the budding relationship between herself and a certain royal. Lost in her thoughts, she was unaware of a silently approaching presence, and with a swift movement, the General was pinned to the savannah floor by a golden-honey colored lioness.
"Heh, pinned ya, 'Tani!" Kiara grinned, swishing her tail in achievment. Vitani's cheeks flushed slightly before she shook her head and smirked up at the princess. Taking her back paws, Vitani pushed Kiara back, catching her off-guard, and promptly pounced on her, pinning her to the ground instead.
"Now who's pinned who, Princess?" she teased before getting off and helping Kiara back onto her paws. "You've been getting better at sneaking, it seems," Vitani commented.
Kiara smiled and nodded her head before laying down onto the ground, "Between my mother and Kovu, I was bound to finally get it, heh. What are you doing out here alone? Where's the rest of the guard?"
"I sent them home early for good behavior, hah!" Vitani remarked, half jokingly before laying down next to Kiara and glancing up at the setting sun. She sighed before continuing, "I also just wanted to be alone to think... though I won't complain about the present company," she smirked.
Kiara rolled her eyes playfully before licking the tawny lioness's cheek, causing her to blush. When Vitani tried looking away, attempting to scowl, Kiara nuzzed her head into the fluff of Vitani's cheeks and poked out her tongue, "You know you love me, 'Tani."
Vitani glanced back down at the princess and smiled a genuine smile, nuzzling Kiara back, "Yes, I do."