Despite the obvious - that being Flora's place nestled against his heart as an adoptive daughter - Ronin can at least appreciate the Dragoon's turmoil, and he lets out a soft sigh and leans back on his hands as he considers Koa's next words. "A smart soldier weighs the options and consequences before any decision," he points out. "Going home is a valiant idea, providing you can heel and toe the line - and most importantly hold your tongue - should you need to. Fight the good fight from within, and all that."
Smirking, he rolls his shoulder in a shrug and glances sidelong at the other man, brow furrowing to see the splinter break the skin. "I was never good at holding my tongue," he clarifies, reaching out to gently remove the sliver of wood from Koa's hands, promptly launching it out into the waves. "So if I were in your shoes, I'd go with that second option. Rally my support in a place of safety, until some other plan can be established."
As for Soh, Ronin shakes his head. "We don't know what's become of her," he corrects gently. "I plan to do some digging of my own up in Stormbreak, so your assistance would be appreciated if you want to join me, whether there or from afar." Dead isn't something worth considering until it can be proven. Only then can the grieving process begin as far as Ronin is concerned.
As for what Koa is going to do, he shoots the other man a wry smile. "Do whatever you're best at," he says simply.
But of course, he has to delve a little deeper, because whether the Dragoon is aware or not, this is more personal than he knows. "Whatever you do decide, though," he adds pointedly, "do not hurt Flora in the process. You won't like the outcome. Are we understood?"
