[He can feel the moment that Jasper releases his hold on the horse, and he gathers the reins a bit to maintain the same amount of control as had been applied earlier.

He wants to offer comfort and optimism, but it's also tempered with the reality of how difficult the months after the Fall have been for those under his protection.]

It will not be easy, no. It will require work on all sides.

[That is broad enough. What he wants to focus on is Jasper's question.]

Perhaps you can ascertain that by thinking back on how long you have felt that way?