Soren's guard increased at the playful gesture, though it only manifests like a prickle of pending action rising up his backside, in case he really should find it imperative to move. That alone stirs the persistent ache behind his shoulders to erupt, which he winces at with a bated, shuddering puff of breath.

"And that's the price for buying cheap loyalty," he replies, still biting back the pang from seeping into his soft voice at that first sentence. It evens out the longer he speaks, but with an air of subdued tension left over. "It can be bought just as cheaply by someone else — including the enemy. Anyone who understands that should never trust you as a comrade." He trains his focus on the mysterious swordsman at his side. "But you're probably fine with that... unless you were to turn coats with the same side one too many times. The fun might be over shortly."