[That kind of answer actually makes you feel better, not worse -- so it's just one of those kinds of caves, which likes to collect people because it's lonely, or maybe just wants to eat them. Could be worse.]

[Come to think of it, this person might not be human either. Probably polite to tactfully put out the cigarette and not offend your hosts, if that's the case. A good smile might help too.]

Sounds familiar. I thought I was crossing a regular mountain path, but this place... doesn't look like anywhere I've been before. Have you been here for a while, or did it just happen?