The Old Ice Frog promptly pops up once Salem is on its back, and swims to the other side, dropping her off on the edge of the water, and swimming back to the group, turning sideways once more.

"Well then," Senine says, gingerly maneuvering herself on to the frogs back, "Didn't see this coming."

The Frog wiggles a little uncomfortably with Senine astride, but repeats its prior action and ferry's her across to meet Salem, then returns to the other side ready for the next passenger.

Faineant hops on, not wanting to be left without light and figuring the frog can do all the guidance.  The Frog seems more uncomfortable than ever with the feathers, but they make it across and it returns once more.

Thistle will excitedly hop on, thrilled to have this up close interaction with such an interesting creature. She pats the frog on its head and thanks it for ferrying her.

As the rest of her party is being ferried across by the giant frog, Senine will move forward some to see where the passage leads.

Thistle makes it across safely, the frog making low, happy sounding ribbits as it swims.  It returns for its last passenger.

Senine looks around the corner and sees a bending tunnel, but notices light shining on the cave wall, indicating a possible fire further ahead.

Sanjay climbs on, happily, as soon as the frog seems to be settled and ready for him. When he gets to the other side, he says, "All of my years in the wilderness, and that was the first time I have ever ridden a frog. Such an amazing creature."

Giving Sanjay a look from over her shoulder, Senine snorts a bit. "Whenever you lot are done gushing about the frog ride, have a care. There's light up ahead, bandits probably. Best ready yourselves."

"Or," Sanjay hypothesizes hopefully, "it could just be Hulil...?"

"Still not convinced she isn't workin' with'em, but who knows." Senine says, giving her morningstar a flourish while taking a few steps forward, shield at the ready. "We all ready to move out?"

The frog croaks happily at you all before sidling back into the water.

((Who wants to take the lead, or what positions do you want to be in to continue down the path?)))

Sanjay would want to be in the middle, I think. He's out of spell slots and he knows that his most effective means of self-defense is going to likely be short-range. 

Senine with shield up, out in front to protect the casters.

Salem will take lead, along with anyone else.

Now that you've all made it to this side of the pond, you carefully line up and proceed forward.  Senine, having recognized that someone or something may be ahead, chose to take the lead, with Salem close on her heels. As you walk around the slight bend, a warm rush of heat comes from a massive fire burning in the center of this cavern, its smoke venting up through a narrow stone chimney. The flames illuminate a rough painting of a five-headed dragon that dominates the north wall. A bedroll is spread out beneath the mural. Near the crackling blaze, a dwarf bundled in a heavy cloak sits on a stone chest beside an elf whose face is covered in dragon tattoos. The dwarf’s face is streaked with pulsing blue veins.

You highly suspect this must be Hulil, but you don't know who the Elf is.  Perhaps one of the Bandits, but you don't recall them having those tattoos. Neither of them notices you as they are both in deep meditation, and it sounds like they're praying.

"Are you Hulil?" Sanjay calls out calmly/peacfully. "We were sent here by your sister."

The dwarf's eyes snap open, though her head remains tilted down.  She puts out a hand to calm the Elf beside her.  "Stand down!  I see those weapons," she says, looking particularly at Senine.  "You were sent by my sister?  Why?"

"I see those blue veins, there," Sanjay responds. "So far one person has died, if you didn't know, and your sister shares those same symptoms. We think they're related and we're trying to track down what we think might either be a cursed artifact or a disease. We want to help, if we can."

Hulil is eyeing you all skeptically.

((Sanjay needs to make a Deception check.))

((Or persuasion))