Tarek nodded his head, both relieved and even more saddened when Holly agreed to his terms. He knew this hurt her, but he wanted her to trust he would return. Without saying anything, he nodded again, trying to express he understood her. It didn't feel right to speak so soon after saying what he did. As Holly started counting the bushes, he looked on with open curiosity.

"What could you-?" he started to ask, already forgetting his desire to stay silent. Curiosity overrode. Before he could finish asking her intentions though, she pulled something out of the dirt. He had to lean closer to see what it was. Faintly, a smile crossed his face. With gentle fingers, he touched the ocarina's outside before taking it in his hands, mindless of the dirt. Unlike Holly, he knew nothing of this land and the forest. As strong as his survival skills had grown, he could still use such a gift. And besides, he found the little instrument oddly beautiful.

"Thank you. You are very thoughtful," Tarek whispered back. Leaning over, he gave Holly a quick kiss on the cheek before stepping back again to cough behind his hand. "Ehem, it is the traditional parting gesture of my people if you are to meet again soon." And just a little bit, an extra thank you. He felt an odd compulsion to do it, even if the kiss meant nothing except perhaps comfort and kindness. "Farewell Holly. I shall see you again." With that, he finally turned away and started walking before either of them could talk him out of leaving.