"Thank you," the Chief mutters along with Wash. At least it's normal to respond awkwardly to something like this, he hopes.

Honestly, he feels a little guilty in the face of the Olumite woman's sincerity. The mission is the most important thing, they have to get through to the lands beyond the temple if they're going to stop the Herald. But in order to do it, they are definitely disrespecting something sacred to these people. It's not enough to stop the Chief, but it is enough to make him wish it didn't have to be this way.

"Nana!" a voice calls, a younger Olumite woman hurries toward them. She gently touches the elder on the elbow. "Nana you can't just go up to people like that!"

Her tone is exasperated, but in a resigned and familiar way. This has clearly been a point of discussion more than once.

"I'm so sorry, I hope she hasn't disturbed you too much. Nana's just always been very passionate about the singing stones." She smiles, but it's an obviously embarrassed expression.

The Chief, at a total loss, just looks to Wash. He's the one leading this half of the op, right?