Merric continues to walk behind the group as he is constantly surveying the scene around them. When Keeliel moves towards the hermit, Merric positions himself a bit closer trying to hear that conversation. 

Pilo has nothing to stand around and wait for so he follows the group as well, falling in next to Merric. He asks what the rogue is searching for on the island.

“I have cautioned others against going there for the wrong reasons… a few have never returned, and everyone who has sought that place has been for different reasons.” 

She pauses briefly as she walks past a doorway in the rock on her right. Anyone that would peer inside would see that it opens into a dining room with a long table. Two benches run the length of the table, and a single chair sits at the table’s head. A short hallway connects to a small, tidy kitchen.

”What are your reasons I wonder? Power? Solitude? Solace? Vengeance? Understanding?… Ultimately it matters little to me what your reason is, unless it harms those affiliated with this cloister. If you are willing to help us figure out why zombies have started showing up and help Tarak re-establish contact with the myconids. Then, and only then will I share its location with you.”

During this bit of her speech you pass an actual door, made of sturdy oak with iron bands set into the side of the cliff. As she continues making her way toward the temple. 

There’s a few awkward moments during the ascent as Kobolds try and make their way back down the path. As it’s only 5 ft wide at most places and narrower in others. 

Keeliel makes an offended face when the Elder questions her motives, but her protest is cut off as Runara continues. Then she looks offended that the Elder would keep the location of the observatory secret from her. This stops Keeliel in her tracks, but as a kobold or a party member bump into her, she hurries after her again.

"I... yes, of course we will help you," she says, adding the other party members without consulting them. "I thought the zombies were related to a ship that had gone down, did I not hear that somewhere? From one of the kobolds, perhaps... um, Wick, or Pips... or um, Sicks...?"

The Kobold in question just happens to be passing by … “my name is Rix” as they continue on their way chuckling a little at the other ‘names’ that were kinda close.

I suppose we are all here searching for something Merric says to Pilo I'm looking for a lost friend who Ive lost contact with and my colleagues have sent me here in the hopes he may be there

"I mean, someone has to take care of the zombies, right? And what are these myconids?" Pilo says, speaking up finally.

Keeliel, stymied, stops and turns to look at the others as the Elder keeps going. “Fine, let’s go get Tomas up, and handle those zombies.” She grabs a passing kobold, “Where did you take the dead pal… I guess he’s not dead. The injured paladin?”

As the three of you stop to converse, Runara continues down the path towards the temple.

Tomas, you awaken and find yourself, at the highest point of the cloister, in an open-air temple that overhangs the cliff. It’s supported by arched stone struts anchored to the cliff face.

The north wall of the temple is carved directly into the rock, while the rest is open to the sea air. Heavy pillars mark the three open sides, supporting the wooden roof. In the center of the temple stands a stone statue of a kind-looking old man with canaries perched on his hands, shoulders, and head. A feeling of serenity suffuses the place.

Looking up directly at the statue you also discern two figures, an elderly looking woman and the eager face of a kobold. The woman sees you open your eyes, “I see you’ve managed to survive your wounds. Kilnip and I, ” she gestures at the kobold, “have treated what seemed to be the worst of your injuries but you would do well to take it easy for a while.”

I... ow...oh... Tomas stirs, tries to move, and feels quite a sharp pain in his side and back, and decides to stop. I... thank you. Thank you both. For the healing, and for the good advice which I promise I shall take. It is good to meet you, Kilnip. I am Tomas, and I am very glad to be alive. And to look upon... he looks up at the statue, and seems momentarily lost for words. I hoped... that I would feel him, you know.  When I travelled here. That I would have a chance... his words drift off as a gazes on the figure of the man surrounded by birds, and smiles deeply for a long moment before clearing his throat and returning to the woman: Please tell me your name, ma'am. And what of my travelling companions? Are they well?

Quote from rkmobius >>

"I mean, someone has to take care of the zombies, right? And what are these myconids?" Pilo says, speaking up finally.

 
One of the kobolds that’s passing by from bringing Tomas up to the temple answers, “You’ll wanna speak to Tarak. He usually goes and trades with ‘em. Hasn’t been able to for some time now. Muttered something about the entrance being guarded.” They give a shrug like they don’t fully understand what Tarak is talking about and heads east on the path towards the kitchen as it’s close to lunch time.

Quote from Mingofaust >>

Keeliel, stymied, stops and turns to look at the others as the Elder keeps going. “Fine, let’s go get Tomas up, and handle those zombies.” She grabs a passing kobold, “Where did you take the dead pal… I guess he’s not dead. The injured paladin?”

 
A different kobold addresses your question in passing, “We took him over to the temple.” They point in the direction that Runara was heading. 

“My apologies, I often forget to give my name as most here have known me for some time. I am Runara. You are welcome to stay here and rest for as long as you need. You’re traveling companions seemed to have been in better shape after fighting the zombies on the beach than you.” She gives a wry smile, “Though protecting those who need it is something Bahamut sees value in.”

In the distance you can barely hear Pilo, Merric, and Keeliel talking amongst each other and to a few of the passing kobolds. It seems they are headed in your direction. 

Keeliel strides in the direction the kobold pointed.

You have my gratitude then, Runara. And you have my promise to repay you if there is any way I can, though I know you have not asked for any payment. But perhaps that's a conversation for a time when it doesn't hurt quite so much to move, he says with a weak smile. I doubt I would be of much use to anyone today.

He shifts again, winces a little at the pain, and tries to relax himself for a moment as he listens to the voices of the approaching group.

Pilo darts forward to Tomas' side, through the rooms and attendants. "You're back! What do you need?"

Ah, hello, yes, Tomas says, smiling up at Pilo. I guess I survived. It's good to see that you did to. I think I'm being very well taken care of and will just need a little more time. This isn't quite how I'd hoped to arrive here, but what's done is done. Do you know anything about those creatures that attacked? They were undead, I'm certain of it. Were they attacking us, or the temple I wonder.

Keeliel stays at the doorway, leaning against the jamb, arms crossed. She frowns when Tomas mentions more rest, but lets out a little breath. "I suppose we could sit for a bit, it was a long trip and an unexpected welcome." But she taps her foot a little as she contemplates the inside of the chamber, eyes landing on the depiction of Bahamut. She snorts a little under her breath. Then she looks around for a handy kobold.

Keeliel would notice Kilnip still in the temple, as well as Runara. Besides the others that she traveled here with. 

Keeliel frowns again at Runara, but approaches her and Kilnip. "Where are we able to rest? Tomas here could surely use more private accomodations. And I suppose we will need food." She puts a hand to her coin purse, as if to weigh it unconsciously. "We will pay for both, of course."

"A rest would be a smart thing," Pilo says. To Tomas, he replies, "zombies, maybe? Apparently it's not the first time it's happened. She knows more than we do..."