QuietPanther says:
... Let’s go with someone thinking she was there all along. ...
Cool. Do you want to narrate your presence and informing them of this?
Possibly you merged with the group around the time they first asked about you [
ref], and can make it seem like you have been trying to get them to listen to you since then?
QuietPanther says:
... Is there any other bonus for the 12? ...
I was sorta incorporating that into having them believe you were there all along and that that is reasonable, that is a pretty tall order since they went out looking for the two women who Hilda (your host) said had not 'checked in'.
QuietPanther says:
... General good will that helps if she tries to convince them of something like Ezme’s innocence? ...
Yes. That is included in them not thinking
you suspicious as well. It makes the whole situation easier to 'explain away' and less tense.
QuietPanther says:
... Lille currently has her belt with knife and sling+stones, but not her staff. ...
Nor your new sword. :) That all helps pacify the situation as well.