[The man is older, which in of itself doesn't necessarily require respect, but he seems like he knows what he's doing, which is a point in his favor. Elders have more wisdom to impart, and though she has a tendency toward barreling through things when she feels strongly about something, she's just as lost as anyone else on this trail.

She inclines her head deferentially.]

As you say. I can make neither heads nor tails.

[She gestures vaguely at the jumble of prints in the mud.]

Do you think they expected to be followed? It could be they are trying to lose us in this confusion.