You just closed the door in the hallway that has the snore door and smithy door off it. So you are in the same passage as them. No torch issues and you hear and see them in the passages torch light. They are approaching you.
So we just closed the door labeled “freshly used door” on the map? Also by “no torch issues”, I’m guessing that we ditched the torch as soon as it wasn’t necessary, right? Thanks.
Yes to both questions.
Elfstan hurriedly whispers, “let’s flatten ourselves along the opposite wall and be ready to follow these orcs depending on where they go.”
As you wait, out of the way (you hope) the orcs come past you and go through the door that leads to the bats and beetles and those poor little furry animals of course.
“I think we should follow them.”
Elfstan slips through the door behind them if there is time, hoping not to bump into Mulligan if he had the same idea. If there wasn’t time, things might get a little trickier (ie. we will have to wait on opening the door and maybe lose the orcs).
I really want to know why everything looks so deserted other than the doors showing signs of frequent use. Something hasn’t been adding up.
Agreed
The Orcs light two torches and leave the door open behind them. They appear to be carrying large sacks and a fine mesh net.
They head right for the bat cave and light a few extra torches on the way.
They open the door to the bat cave and go in.
Do you follow?
Silly question. 
Elfstan ducks back into the bat cave, trying to read the orcs’ body language and stay out of the way of any potential changes in their direction. He’s wondering what these orcs are up to.
The Hobbits over hear the Orc discussing how to coordinate their actions to drive a few dozen bats to the the orc with the net so we can make the chief happy. The Orc with the net wants the orcs with the torches to chase the bats to him. He mutters something about if they don’t do their job well that they will end up on Grilianch’s menu.
Elfstan continues to listen to the orcs while avoiding the bat harvest. He will attempt to follow them back out when they leave.
The orcs concentrate of capturing bats and filling up the large sacks. They spend about 15 minutes at it. Do you do anything else in this time?
The are making more than enough noise for you and Mulligan to whisper at ease.
“When they leave, I think we should try to follow so we can see what they are doing with the bats.”
“We just need to have our order down through doorways. One of us first with the other a few steps behind.”
Elfstan also tries to do whatever exploring he can using the light from the orcs’ torches. He checks for drafts or breezes that could indicate openings to the outside. This might be hard to accomplish with the orcs harvesting bats, so safety first.
You find the chamber is quite large, from the large main chamber there is a lower section to the right (East), a small tunnel to the West and then a sharp rise to the North that when followed reveals some sunlight sneaking through an entrance you could get out of if you chose. It might be impossible for some of the large party members or orcs though.
Outstanding! I think it’s time to wait for the orcs to finish harvesting and follow them as far as we can, pending agreement from Mulligan.
As the afternoon wears on, Thoroncir sees the Sun sinking towards the horizon and says quietly to Renee, outside of Hodwain’s hearing, “I worry about our scouts, my lady. We may have to go to their rescue soon.”
Has Miron rejoined the party yet, or is he still watching from a distance?
There’s our backdoor entrance then
Can we tell what time of day it is from the amount of sunlight. in the sky?
Let’s follow them when they finish, you go three steps behind them, I’ll be six behind them and so three behind you.
I wonder if they are hunting for a meal?
“If that’s their idea of second lunch, I’ll pass.”
After gathering herbs he’s been stealthily making his way back to the camp. Assuming What? thinks enough time has passed for him to have gotten back, he’ll be concealed somewhere within earshot. Blowing a signal whistle or just saying “Yo, Miron” should be more than enough to find him.
Thoroncir excuses himself from the party’s chat with Hodwain, takes out his writing kit and writes down everything he’s learned about Rhun. When he’s done, he realizes he hasn’t seen Miron in awhile. He cups his hands and calls out to the Elf-warrior.