So there's a path ahead of me and a ledge I can climb up to? Velda would attempt to move forwards, but keep the ledge in mind for later.

The room that contained the wolves had a fissure large enough for one creature to squeeze through at a time. After going through the fissure, you find yourself in the area described previously. There’s enough space in what appears to be a roughly chimney shaped natural rock formation. There isn’t a path further forward. Only up the chimney if you so choose or back through the fissure into the ‘kennel’

If it was Gert who entered as he was going to - then he would risk and climb it. If Velda was the first one inside then he waits for the result.

Velda throws her torch up, and slowly climbs up into the area above, carefully checking to see whether someone is waiting for her up top. As soon as she gets top side, she'll pick up her torch again.

Athletics to climb: 19

Your torch lands on a small ledge about 15 ft or so above your head and you manage to climb up to it quite easily finding a spot to rest for a moment. You still have 15 ft to climb to reach the top of the chimney. You start to smell the scent of smoldering wood and the lovely smell of a campfire. Either direction you would like to climb requires a dc 10 athletics to do so safely. If you roll less I’ll narrate the results. 

The smell indicates fire, and so Velda decides to leave the torch stuck in the wall, instead climbing up further, hoping the crackling fire will keep their attention.

Athletics to climb: 17

Fionn looks at Nova and Cadence.

"Should we follow them or go the other way"

Nova would look to Fion, “I was expecting communication on what’s beyond to know.” She’d look down to Borris, “It could be a challenge for my brother who doesn’t have disposable thumbs” She’d hold out her hand, flexing and wiggling her thumb. She’d pause to blink a moment before letting out a snort. “Opposable! Opposable thumbs!” The half elf would hastily correct herself. 

Fionn laughs softly at that

"Yes. Disposable thumbs would be a bad thing.   Wouldnt it boy" he half absentmindedly scratches the wolf behind the ears."

Then while waiting examines the kennel area

Investigation 11

Cadence mentally speaks to Pine, "Fly above the cave for me. Let me know if you see anything on the cliff above or where this chimney's exit could be." 

Pine's perception : 24

Velda

Continuing to climb the remaining 15 ft to the ledge you clamber onto the ledge you saw earlier. Seeing two stalagmites ahead of you. You take cover behind the closer of the two and take a look around the room. On your right (south side of the room), you see sacks and crates of looted provisions piled up, giving you the impression that the goblins have been raiding people from this location for quite some time. Continuing to look around the room, you see a fire with two goblins currently cooking some type of meat. One is seated on the west side, while the other is seated on the south side. Directing your attention to the north side of the cave you see an opening at the top of what appears to be roughhewn stone steps. Please roll a stealth check with disadvantage. If Velda douses the torch upon seeing the goblins, let me know otherwise I’ll assume it is still lit.

 Fionn

Looking around the floor of the kennel you see little here besides bones with bite marks on them and the pile of debris leading the fissure that Velda and Gert have gone in.

Cadence

Pine gets your message and flies around the hill/cave that you all currently find yourself in. Looking for any other way in or out the cave and sees only the entrance that you used to enter. After conveying all of this to you says, “I’ll keep an eye on the entrance and let you know if any goblins should return”.

Nova appreciated Fion's acceptance of Borris.

Borris would force a sneeze in response to Fion, agreeing with him before nuzzling into his hand and appreciating the scratches. Normally Nova was the only one who can scratch that good. None of his other brothers or sisters had those thumbs that Nova and her friends have.

The longer they waited in silence, the more uncomfortable Nova felt. She'd huff where Gert and Velda were to get familiar with the scents before looking back to Cadence and Fion. "I always hate splitting up the pack, but I wonder if it would be wise for some of us to try to go around?" Then she'd look to Borris. "Or can you stay quietly while we try to get up there?"

(Basically, if no one wanted to go around Nova will have Borris stay. He doesn't have to be able to come. But if we wanted to try to venture around, we should go now?)

"If there is a way around i'll go with you, never been much fond of climbing things

If you decide to go around instead of climbing the chimney, I will need a marching order. Also that passage is dark, so Fionn at least will need a light source, which as far as I know he still has.

While you are deciding on what to do, Hugs seeing how friendly and docile Borris seems to be, decides to sit on his back and ride him. Very similar to how one might ride a horse.

Borris would immediately tense up, grumbling and ready to panic. His crossed eyes would dart between Fion, Cadence and Nova. His front end would dip to the floor. He was ready to start bucking and snapping. Nova will suck some air through her teeth.

 Nova would nod and lead the way down the tunnel with Borris, passenger or no passenger.

Fionn follows Nova. About 5 feet.behind

 Gert was getting a bit impatient - Velda disappeared and did not signal whether she wanted someone to come up, or just waiting for her with information. Since Velda did not scream and fall down in a hurry, Gert eventually assumed, it is safe for someone else to join the warrior.

Athletics to climb: 3 and 20  (after his firs fall, should he try again?)

After a failed first attempt to find a good route to follow Velda. You manage to reach the ledge that Velda did about 15 ft off the ground on your second attempt rather easily. Roll another athletics to either continue climbing or to descend back down to the ground. If Velda happens to lower a rope to help you do so with advantage. 

Roll one: Athletics to climb: 18 and two in case of a rope 3 (did not help much)

Nova will wait to proceed too far until she's given everyone a chance to decide if they were coming.