Your Definition

[Jasper]

January 10th, Year 1

The sun was starting to set on the horizon of the Pridelands. Vivid oranges and reds cast across the landscape burnt it a temporary red and orange sea of light and wonder. Mismatched hues watched the spectacle in silence. His face trained to be unreadable while he mulled over his thoughts. As the month grew on he felt his strong resolve starting to grow sparse, too much on his mind and too much to do. He had to reform his ranks, he needed people he could trust, it felt as though the Freedom Fighters were falling apart at its hinges. The death of the King had left many scars among both his men, and his family. Simba's passing had dissolved relations that had yet to be built and Jasper was simply staggering to keep up.

He was thankful though, that at least today it had been peaceful. His long ebony tail curled slowly as he took in the last light of the day. He wouldn't focus too much on the stress that idled his mind constantly. The shift of pebble underfoot caught his immediate attention even above the noise of the camp below. He turned to look towards the young princess, a frown pulled at his lips as guilt sat in his chest. Poor child...

"Princess Kiara, what can I do for you?

[Kiara]

Under the light of the setting sun the earth seemed dipped in blood. It was a fitting setting for the mood of the day; a small detachment had left for Australia only a few hours prior under the command of Council member Aladdin. Along with them had been one of her elder brothers. Kiara had been too late to stop Kopa from leaving, and the stress of worrying over his fate left the young lioness to the cold shakes.

What if he returned the way her father had, cold and lifeless? His pelt torn apart and face twisted into a mask of pain and rage...

Kiara's tail hung as listlessly as her head with her approach to Jasper. Warm eyes of amber-red were downcast and lined heavily with the burdens better suited to adults well beyond her teenaged years. For a moment those eyes rose to meet Jasper's tiger form, but they quickly dropped as her brows screwed together in an expression that looked dreadfully close to tears.

She couldn't get the words past the lock of anxious fear lodged in her throat.

[Jasper]

Whatever calm resolve had settled over him that day dissipated just as quickly as it had popped up. Her broken expression caused his ears to lay flat at the sides of his skull, his body was quick to move away from the perch he had been standing on. Quiet paws steps brought him to her and he was quick to nudge his head against hers. He was not her father, would never be so, but he found himself needing to bring those children so much comfort.

He sat himself down beside her, one paw rested on her shoulders and pulled her close. "He will be fine." He whispered in reassurance to her softly. Kopa wasn't the strongest cat in the Pridelands but he had enough smarts to get himself out of trouble if need be. And if not, Rafael, Hikaru, and the others would have his back hopefully.

This was just a supply mission, it was a get there and get back type of ordeal but he had not heard any reports back from them yet. And it dawned worry on his soul.