He really doesn't want to think very hard about whats under Lashan's anything, and the change of topic is welcomed. Besides, he earnestly wanted to ask her why she gave up freedom on the Plains to babysit a bunch of girls in a compound (and the errant boy, apparently). Freedom out in the open was much more alluring than being stuck in some village.

The question his caught in his throat when he sees her reaching for her bow, and he silently takes the hint to focus ahead. Body tensed, senses alert, his eyes dart back up the dirt trail, seeing nothing in the trees but hearing the weak gurgle of slow river water. He could see the twinkle of the moving water catching rays of light. It appears they were practically at their destination, but something was off. All the birds had gone quiet.

He scours the underbrush for hints of any human movement, left hand at Lashan's scabbard in case he needed to draw.