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He never lost himself in the song he was playing, remaining acutely aware of every curious person who passed, of what he was doing and who he was with. Kai's accompaniment elevated his simple playing, and it helped him have the nerve to continue until the song was done, or rather, until he got to the part where he was meant to improvise. More talented musicians used this break in the melody to show off. Alek thought it was the perfect place to stop.

"Thank you." He knew better than to dispute compliments given by those who were determined to give them. "I will."

Now that he was done, Alek didn't quite know what to do next, especially with Kai moving closer. His fingers tapped lightly against the lute, grateful for its presence as a makeshift shield.

"Your counterpoint suited the song well. The last time I played it isn't the happiest memory, but I'm glad I could replace that experience with this one." He smiled down at his knees, not meeting Kai's eyes.

Kai's declaration and its implication was certainly unexpected, and Alek raised his head with surprise in his eyes. Was he suggesting that Alek come with him? Travel with him across Tendaji? Alek was nowhere near interesting enough for that. But the thought of parting ways and potentially never seeing Kai again left a small, sharp knot of panic in his chest.

"I... If you truly want me there, then I could come along for a little while." He was going to have to send a letter home explaining this impulsive decision, and he already knew he would be constantly on edge, wondering if everyone who looked at them funny was poised to strike. He couldn't defend Kai if someone wanted to hurt him, but had he become a good enough healer to save him once someone already had?

"I do have quite a bit of money left and I could make some medicine to sell on the road?" Alek left his thought half finished, abruptly concerned that he had made too many assumptions and was about to be disappointed.

"Okay." Alek nodded to himself, keeping his excitement under wraps by shifting his gaze toward nothing once more. As it turned out, he hadn't been disappointed at all. "We will... figure it out!" His attempt to match Kai's enthusiasm was more comedic than inspiring, but Alek didn't seem to notice. He smiled at his companion as he slid to his feet, looking over at the empty spot where his borrowed lute usually sat.

"I'm not good at being spontaneous, if you couldn't tell. But I'm not being forced, I assure you. I'm looking forward to this." He gestured toward the instruments. "I should return this. Then maybe we can go looking for one I can buy?"

"A pretty one." Alek's smile gained the faintest sardonic edge, but he didn't argue, not when he was making such an effort to be positive. At least he didn't feel embarrassed, not even when Kai's arm encircled his shoulders for a second. The shock over his life's unexpected new trajectory was keeping him occupied, and as he moved toward the door his mind began furiously making lists. Clothing, food, transportation, shelter, everything they would need to stay alive on the road.

Once they were outside, Alek took a look around. He had no idea which direction they should head in to find musical instruments, but he supposed they had as much time as they wanted to use. "This way?" He gestured to the left.

He could have continued to allow his thoughts to spiral as they strolled—he had enough practice at it—but Alek forced himself to stop when he was addressed, turning his attention to Kai with a vague smile.

"Sorry, I'm... I was thinking about what we might need during our trip before it has even started. I can stop. I should be more present if we're going to see the world."

"Mmhm." Alek straightened, surprised to find himself reassured by Kai's... reassurance. Leten had never been much of a toucher.

"One step at a time." He nodded. "Let's go."