The shrine is very easy to see. At the far end of the village, directly opposite the gate, stands a tree of colossal proportions. Around the base are braziers, torches, and small altars, all of which are flanking small buildings. 

thanks the guard before returning to the party

I approach it with interest, surprised by the tree's large dimensions.

The tree, as you get closer, seems to grow almost to the size of the mountain in the background. On your way to the tree, you pass by other wood elves, some Humans, Halflings, and even a few Drow. They all look very friendly and are going about various tasks. Some are shopping at small open kiosks, others going down side streets to respective businesses and homes, and some heading in the same direction as you. The tree itself is a huge, as the village name would suggest, maple. The leaves though, are about as big as some of the Halflings. As you approach, the rest of the village noises seem to become muted and quieter as the sheer magnitude of the maple sinks in to you. 

(can i roll a nature check?)

(For what? Meaning, what do you want that roll to accomplish?)

(attempt to glean some of its history?)

(That would be a history check. Nature would be more to determine what type of tree it is or how to find one in the wild, something like that.)

(can i roll a history check then?)

While Nico is doing that, what are the rest of you doing? As this is a safe village, it's ok to split up to get things more accomplished. It's mostly dangerous in dungeons or in the wild, where you have no guarantee of safety.

I look up to the tree "Such a tree must be have seen many events past, if only we could speak" I look back down towards Nico wondering if he knows how to speak to trees

(Yes, you can roll History.)

8 (History check)

(As a monk is there anything i could do to accomplish gaining a skill or seeing about any equipment?)

"i will be checking the local taverns, if those who wish to have a drink i don't mind if you follow. although i won't be staying for long i foresee"

Looks to the young maiden and the Tabaxi

"perhaps we should find shelter first, i do not wish to abandon the maidens"

"I'd much like a drink to be honest with you Bard, Perhaps you could enlighten me a bit more to this groups status and past" 

"Tabaxi is there somewhere you should go or someone we need to meet?"

"Durkannon is right, I should go with him to help the maidens find a place to stay. They need a guard, someone should stay with the girls. They are being hunted after all."

The Tabaxi goes over to the shrine and looks inside. "There is temporary bedding in here enough for all of us, which will be more than satisfactory for the time being. We will make ourselves at home here. Thank you for your concern and help, fair people. Sometime later, we should regroup. We might be able to help each other." 

(What do you mean by "gaining a skill"?)

Nico, while this tree is certainly fascinating, there isn't anything you can remember about its history. 

(Such as learning an attack relevant to my class if this is possible)