The lute is the instrument I am most partial to as there is something atypically soothing about its usual portrayal. It is a more smooth thing with a softer sound and not played, at least not normally I understand, vigorously in any capacity and instead serves as a sort of ambiance. I do so prefer actual ambiance as well, typically natural like that of the woods, and a lute makes a charming edition to that and not so much a distraction.