Hex nods in agreement with Auriel. "Yeah, I was thinking the same thing in regards to Erik. I can use some thaumaturgy to scare him off. We have about 15 minutes before Krulek's next break. Should be enough time to look around."

"Sounds good," Auriel says. "It's better if the sneakier ones handle that. I can keep an eye on the camp while you create the distraction, and Hildigrim and Carl could check the tent, perhaps?"

Hex furrows her brow as she thinks to her self for a moment. "Hmm... actually, maybe I should be the one to go in. Since I have Rathene's face, if we do get caught, it'd be easier to talk myself out of it then if Hildigrim or Carl got caught instead. Ruse already seems suspicious of you guys."

As Ruse hesitates, Hildigrim studies her closely, searching for any flicker of recognition or suspicion that might betray their ruse. (Insight check, please.)

He’s ready to move forward with Hex's plan to scout Krulek’s tent, but when the tiefling suggests it might be safer for her to go alone, he nods in agreement.

"You're probably right. Though, if you'd like company, Carl could accompany you invisibly." He glances at Auriel, then adds, "Meanwhile, I could go with Auriel to check out the path to the other camp. Not to go ahead alone," he assures them quickly, "just to get a look from this side to know what we're up against."

"Hm, you're right," Auriel agrees with half-orc Hex. Listening to Hildigrim, he nods as well. "Be careful, okay?" the paladin warns Hex. "Not even Rathene's face would get you in that berserker's good graces if they catch you there."

With that, he motions for Hildigrim to start moving to check the path to the other camp. "You first, my friend."

Hex gives Auriel a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, we'll be fine. You two be careful as well. They may not like that you're walking around without Rathene."

With that settled, she turns to Carl. "You ready to go? You can be the look out while I'm inside, gimme a signal if you see someone coming?"

A military tent is pitched to the north of the main camp. As you draw closer, you see the outline of a seven-foot tall brute standing vigil outside the tent.

Carl nods to Hex, saying “Do you want me to turn invisible?  They might see me, castin a spell and so forth.  I can just make a signal if I see somethin brewin.  Stand as a lookout.  I can find a way for Squirt to help…”. 

"If you're willing to, you could go invisible. It'd make things easier... though I suppose you could just send Squirt with me and signal when someone's coming through him." Hex shrugs nonchalantly and gives Carl a reassuring smile . "It's up to you. I'll trust your instincts."

Whenever Carl is ready, Hex will lead them towards Krulek's tent - trying to take a route that would keep them out of anyone's sight. She settles down behind cover, around 20ft away from the tent so that Erik doesn't see them, and casts Thaumaturgy to create the hoot of a screech owl. She centers the spell in a direction so that if Erik decides to run away or towards the sound, he'd hopefully run further away from them.

Auriel follows Hildigrim along the path he’s discovered, moving away from Hex and Carl’thuzad. As he goes, he checks once more on Ruse and the rest of the Gray Patriots, ensuring no one is paying too much attention to what’s happening near Krulek’s tent and that they all keep to their business.

As they inspect the thickets, he glances at the halfling and asks, “So, you’ve been with us for a couple of days now.  Are you feeling okay with us so far?"

Carl nods and says, "Pass off anything that you want to Squirt, then get outta there if ya need to", and then he walks with Hex, sitting down cross-legged on the ground after finding a small piece of wood.  He nods to Hex, sending Squirt Mudbottom over to stand beside her, aiming to keep within 60 feet of the tent.  Carl busies himself with carving the wood, trying to make a depiction of a face, an ill-defined face roughly on the piece of wood.  He frequently looks up and sighs, like he is waiting, just like everyone else.  He pulls the gray cloak around himself for comfort, waiting to see what happens after the screetch owl hoots...

There is an immediate and visible change in the demeanor of the large man in the distance. The moment the sound of the owl fills the air, he fumbles with the strap holding his mace and holds it in front of himself. His head darts from left to right, and twists to look behind him into the tent, clearly very suddenly wary and afraid.

Somewhat disappointed that he didn't just immediately run, Hex uses Thaumaturgy again to surround him with the sounds of ominous whispers - centering on the tent itself.

If he finally does run, she makes her way stealthily into the tent.

If he doesn't run, she sighs and looks to Carl with a shrug. Looks like she was going to improvise. While Erik is distracted looking into the tent, she approaches him from behind, though keeps a safe distance in case he suddenly swings. "You alright, Erik?"

Hildigrim’s head swivels as he moves, his sharp eyes scanning the path ahead. He catalogs every twist and rise, making note of landmarks and potential hazards — not just for safety now, but for future reference.

"Capable," he replies to Auriel without hesitation, his tone measured and analytical. "I’m not used to working with others, and I was concerned it would be a hindrance. But your various skills have proven an asset."

He slows, then stops entirely, considering something before turning to meet Auriel’s gaze. "Does your church or oath restrict your ability to join a faction?"

Auriel considers Hildigrim's question, his steps slowing slightly as he thinks it over. “No," he answers after a moment. "My oath is a promise—to uphold justice, to stand against cruelty, and to protect those who cannot protect themselves. It does not demand isolation, nor forbid allegiances."

He glances at the halfling with curiosity. "So long as I remain true to my vows, the banners I stand beneath matter less than the cause they serve." He pauses, then a tilts his head slightly. "Why do you ask?"

Hildigrim nods as Auriel speaks, his expression thoughtful, as if mentally checking off a list. When the elf finishes, a small smile tugs at the halfling's lips, and he gives a brief, approving jerk of the head.

"Another time, my friend. For now, let’s just say I’m glad to be in your company."

With that, he turns and continues down the path, eyes sharp as he catalogs every detail — landmarks, footing, possible cover — anything that might prove useful if stealth or speed becomes necessary.

Auriel is left intrigued, but he just nods and smiles. The eladrin is also genuinely pleased by the sentiment—and by the fact that Hildigrim is feeling comfortable within the team.

Like the halfling, he keeps his focus on investigating the path, though he glances back every so often, hoping Hex and Carl are doing okay.

"You alright, Erik?"

Erik jumps, emitting a noise typically reserved for those of smaller and more feminine stature, spinning and properly scowling at Hex when she speaks. "Damn it all, Rathene, what in the hells are you trying to do, get yourself killed?" he growls. "If that was you makin' that noise, I'm of a right mind to make that happen."

Hex raises her brow, trying to look genuinely confused as to what he was talking about. "What noise? I just got here. Ruse told me you were guarding Sahnd's tent. Just wanted to ask if you had any news about how the talks with the dragonborn was going."

"Hells if I know, that's Krulek's business," Little Erik grumbles. "He told me not to let anyone in his tent, so that's what I'm doing. They've been at it for hours already, though. I don't envy him."