Cannot find Thackeray for scavenger hunt

A few weeks ago I completed all of the conversations with gwen, though I knew I didn't have the items for it. I definitely saw them discussing the picnic, and then he left. Now I am ready for the hunt, but I can't find thackeray. Everything I've found on this says that he's in ice cliffs just outside the eye of the north outpost, but there are only two npcs there and no thackeray. Did I somehow bork my account and am now unable to complete hearts of the north?

You may have a quest interfering with the spawn. I don't believe anyone other than Thakeray is supposed to be standing outside the Eye. Finish of any quests that take place in Ice Cliff Chasms, then try again.

Thanks for the help! I decided to investigate why those npcs were there, and apparently my game completely skipped the picnic and the ebon vanguard scout was there to give me a hint about the arrowhead. I didn't know the picnic could be skipped. Anyway, thanks a bunch.