Fae would remain quiet for now. She preferred to observe from a distance and let the charlatan do what he does best. Instead, Fae would be interested in sensing the elfs intentions. He seemed too at ease and appeared to be alone. She'd take the occasional glance around for any evidence if that wasn't the case.

Zeke maintains a distance from both the elf and the halfling, watching the newcomer carefully.

'Untie him.  He's a guest, not a prisoner.'  His words come as a deep growl from deep within his body.

'And i can't kill him if he's tied up....'

Finnan backs off a bit after all of the admonishment and the elf rises to his feet.  He reaches both bound hands out to 'Maxie', spreading them a bit so he's still able to shake.  He looks Maxie in the eye and says "there's no need for illusions my friend, although that is a fine cloak to be sure."  He winks at Arvel and smiles.  "I trust your rescue mission went well?"  He scans all of the new arrivals and seems to fixate on Sildar for a moment, the veteran looking far worse off than the rest in his current bloodied and tattered state.

As all seem to agree to remove the prisoners bonds he simple says "it's alright, there's no need" and slips out of the crudely tied ropes.  Glancing back to Finnan and Farnin he says "I do thank you for your protection though, kind sirs, until the return of our heroes, plus one, even."

In response to Zeke the elf looks him up and down quickly and says "thank you".  "I aspire to raise no quarrel with you most of all..."  He pauses to look around at the rest of the party and the halfings before squinting at Zeke and then adding "...he who is the protector of all others."

To Arvel, Ethan and the rest the elf says "how rude of me, you may call me Rizen."  "It is nice to meet you Maxie and Ethan, oh and Farnin to be sure."

*Fae please make both an Insight check and an Investigation or Perception check.

Fae thinks this stranger seems confident, capable, and well equipped for travel.  It is highly unlikely that Finnan and Farnin could subdue him and far more likely that he was seeing if they needed help, protecting them, or something else of the sort.  Although quite confident, he does not seem to be deceptive or dangerous but rather just simply a bit mysterious.  Additionally she does not perceive any hidden threats lurking in the woods or anything and surmises from the elf and his gear that he is more equipped for self sufficient solo travel.

 Tarja reverts back to her dwarf form and introduces herself to the stranger.

Good to meet you! Our rescue isn't done yet - we still need to find one of our companions. What brings you here? Did Tharden or Nundro send you to help?

Zeke snorts at the strangers greeting and shakes his blade back to normal size, sliding it smoothly into the scabbard at his waist.

'I like this one, he is funny'

With that, he stalks off to walk the perimeter before settling down just within earshot of the group, facing away from the conversation and watching the approaches for any signs of the goblins they sent scurrying away.

Fae would meet eyes with the elf when it was her turn for an introduction, "Rizen." She'd nod her head in greeting. "I'm Fae. You're lone traveler I presume?"

When Tarja transforms Rizen claps briefly and says to Finnan and Farnin "you do have talented friends, indeed."  He studies the druid and replies "I'm afraid I'm not familiar with your other friends."  "How can I help?"

To Fae with regard to being a lone traveler he bows slightly and says "that would be accurate."  "And you?"

 "Hello Rizen."

Ethan smiles and relaxes, as Zeke gives his approval, and the stranger further proves his lack of hostility.

"What is it you do? What brings you way out on this road? And how did you know Arvel was using illusion magic? Do you have something that lets you know? Is it an innate ability or do you have some items that lets you see? If its an item, could I have a look at it?"

Ethan starts to get carried away, starting to talk a little faster, but stops himself.

"Ah, um, sorry, never mind about that, unless you are interested that is, uh sorry..."

Ethan trails off, letting Rizen and the others talk.

With an exasperated sigh, Arvel lets his disguise drop.

"What gave it away?"

Rizen walks over and puts one hand on Ethan’s shoulder and one on Arvel’s before whispering a one word answer to both men, “magic.”  He does add “I won’t tell if you won’t though, Mr. du Champris.”

Suddenly Rizen is gone, replaced by a faint cloud of silvery mist.  The party quickly realizes he is atop Finnan’s wagon gathering his bow, his pack and his quiver.  Seconds later he jumps off however and returns to Ethan and Arvel.  “We all have our secrets and our tricks after all, but don’t tell the twins over there, it may hurt their pride.”

“You were saying about a rescue?  Someone may have sent for help?  I’m afraid I am keeping you.  Might I assist in any way before I take my leave?”

"I don't have secrets, I would tell people everything I know, if they would let me, and we had the time."

Ethan thinks for a moment,

"Hmm, maybe I wouldn't tell goblins everything actually. I'm not sure I like goblins any more, certainly not the ones from around here."

"I mean, how can the world progress if we keep secrets? Sharing information is required for more rapid breakthroughs. If everyone just kept everything they know secret, we would all, each have to start from scratch."

Ethan thinks to himself, not aware if anyone is still listening to him any more.

"What a horrible world that would be..."

Tarja studies Rizen carefully.

How can you help? I think that's a question we can ask you! How CAN you help? We're looking for a friend of ours. Kidnapped by goblins, we think.

"I've done my fair share of wondering." She'd reply to the elf.

Fae's eyes would narrow just slightly as she watches the elf disappear only to reappear on top of the wagon. Catching glimpse of the silvery mist, she's reminded of some conjuring magic she's read about before. Witnessing it, she couldn't help but feel a little impressed. A fine 'trick' indeed. Fae would think to herself.

While the others continued to question Rizen, Fae couldn't help but stand back and ponder. He shows up apparently noseying around. Allows himself to be kidnapped and literally kicked about by halflings. Isn't even mad about it. Perceptive and cunning, but not threatening. Willing to help, but doesn't want to keep us. She'd tilt her head, stumped. What's his motive? And she'd continue to listen to what he has to say to the others.

Rizen looks at Ethan curiously before concluding "I don't think we're talking about the same thing, my friend, but no harm done."

Rizen ponders Tarja's words.  "I've heard of various troubles in this region, but know little of goblin activity.  I did meet a curious fellow far north of here in the Neverwinter Wood who spoke of various troubles, but he was more concerned with spiders than goblins.  I believe his name was Reidoth."

OOC. Correct on the long rest for the purposes of leveling, although I might just allow it on the remainder of the wagon ride if you have an extended stretch without trouble even if that doesn't amount to 8 hours.  You did complete a short rest back at the cave for the purposes of hit dice or any abilities or spell slots that would refresh, however.

Ethan mutters to himself,

"No harm done? What is he talking about, what can be a secret, but not a secret?"

Ethan wanders over, to stand near Fae.

Ethan leans over to Fae, and quietly asks,

"I'm not sure about this guy, he seems a bit odd. Secrets that aren't the same as secrets? I don't know what he's talking about, do you?"

Ethan decides to let the more socially experienced members of the team talk to the stranger.

Good to hear Reidoth's lending a hand up north. Last I heard from him he was headed up north to Thundertree, though he didn't say much about why. He never says much. Nice fellow though. 

I still don't get why you're here or what help you're offering us. Can you help us get to Phandalin faster, before nightfall, do you have some spell or trick that could help? 

Fae would shuffle closer, leaning into Ethan to listen before answering him in a hushed voice, "He is a curious fellow. I don't believe he means us any harm. I think he was just hinting to magic and spells."