[ Hearing that reference to Soren reminds him of one of his top concerns. The Greil mercenaries now have lost two leaders in around a little over a year. He's just hoping Titania and Soren are handling things (which he does) while he's gone. ]

I know I'm not alone and that I'm with someone I can count on. Thanks. [ He doesn't tack on a bunch of other words to describe how he feels about Ranulf being here. While he isn't happy someone he knows is with him in these circumstances, he is thankful and appreciative it's someone he knows and trusts from experience. ]

[ Ike's eyes look at the tail poking at him, watching it briefly. He thinks about what it would be like to have a tail, but that doesn't last long. ]

So treating their partner equally and with respect. [ He says it like a statement more than a question. ] My parents treated each as equals who respected and appreciated their different strengths and qualities. [ It's his main reference for a good relationship so that's the first thing he thinks of. ]