Somewhere Out There

"What happened, kid? Snapplegob get you?"

Even glowing as he is, the dwarf's resemblance to Tulfgar is obvious. Just imagine Tulfgar and make him way older, pinch his nose, and you'd end up with someone almost exactly like this dwarf. It can only be Tulfgar's father, Father Tulfgyr.

"I-I died, an Ogre killed me. I felt my ribs crush my organs..I couldn’t breath, I couldn’t save them. They’re probably dead too." Dieter says with tears rolling down his cheeks. His legs fall out from under him and he sits on the ground sobbing "It wasn’t supposed to be like this…I lied to Tulfgar, I told him I would return and now I can never go back! I was supposed to keep them safe."

Tulfgyr's wrinkled and tattooed hand pats Dieter on the shoulder. "An ogre, eh? That must have been some way to go! But it sounds like you did protect your friends. If that ogre's blow hadn't found you, it would have found one of them." He chuckles. "I don't worship Ilmater, but I have a good friend who does. He would have approved of your actions! In fact, I'm sure that he does, considering it's his daughter and her friends that you protected. Have a look!"

He waves his hand and a window of sorts appears before Dieter's eyes. There's Stella, consulting her book and wearing a mask of concentration. Around her are some of the others. His comrade-in-arms, Runeson. Solid Sheemish. Shy Kay. Furtive Rift. But where are Aiwe, Wirrow, and... the zombie guy?

"Their journey is far from over. They're going to need a lot of help before it is. And who better to help them than someone who already once gave his life for them?" The window shows more detail, and Tulco appears with Dieter's own body across his back. "Look at them! They're taking your body with them. Only one reason they'd do that." He grips Dieter's shoulder. "They want you back, boy."

Father Tulfgyr lets that sink in for a moment, then goes on. "There are two temples nearby where they could do that. The Song of the Morning Temple in Beregost - that would by my choice, since it belongs to Lathander - or the Temple of Wisdom at the Friendly Arm Inn. Garl Glittergold's an odd one, but he'll get the job done!"

He looks into Dieter's eyes, his own bright and full of wisdom. "It all depends on if, when the opportunity comes, you're willing to go back."

Dieter wipes away his tears and looks with shock as he sees his friends, his face hardens with resolution "The decision is not mine to make, even in death I will fight for those I cherish." he stands and bows to Tulfgyr "what would you have of me?"

Tulfgyr nods sagely. "An honorable perspective!"
"What would I have of you? I'm just someone happy to do the Morninglord's work. And I don't think even he wants anything from you, other than what he hopes of everyone across the planes." He shakes his glowing head. "No, just see to it that this second chance at life is lived doing more good than bad. I had only one life to balance my actions out, and I finally achieved it by the end. It's doable!"

Dieter hugs the old man " I could never repay what your family has done for me, I will make you proud grandfather" dieter says in dwarvish the words rolling off his tongue like gears turning on a master crafted clock.

Tulfgyr returns the embrace. "I have a few grandchildren, as you know. I'm proud to call you one of them."

He pulls back with a grave expression. "But remember, boy, where you come from. One day, when you're ready, you'll have to return and face what's happening there."

"I do have one favour to ask. Who is lythander? Growing up I was taught our ancestors watched over us and guided my path, they were the only gods I knew but I do not see them here" Dieter asks

The grandfatherly dwarf looks surprised. "My son never taught you about Lathander, eh? Well. Leave it to the professional!"

Father Tulfgyr straightens his posture and smooths his celestial beard. "Lathander is the Morninglord, a god of life and light. As surely as the dawn comes every morning, so too does Lathander bless us with his care..."