Finally, the night before you are set to return to the Temple of Elemental Evil, you all gather at the Inn of the Welcome Wench for dinner.
Sign of the Welcome Wench:
You have all gathered at your usual table in the Wench's taproom, a large circular hardwood table surrounded by eight armchairs, nearest the hearth and furthest from the door. Ostler has again outdone himself, serving you an incredible meal: a salad of bitter greens tossed with pinenuts and a cream dressing, hot oatbread baked with bits of apple and nuts, buttery garlic potatoes, and honey-baked pheasant. It is a delicious and filling. As you finish supper, you relax into your chairs to enjoy a few pints of ale and each others' company for a couple of hours before bedtime rolls around.
Deren finishes his mug, and sets it down loudly, drawing your attention.
"My friends, I have something to tell you," says the halfling, his voice quiet, and carrying a tone of sorrow with it.
"I've given this much thought, and well...there is no easy way of saying this: I must take my leave of you. While it has been an honor to fight by your side, I can no longer risk my life for this cause. Shoon's death, our close call with the ogres and trolls, and the other vile things that I have seen over the last several weeks have convinced me that if we are to continue in the face of such unstoppable evil, we will surely all die." Deren shakes his head, and offers you a sad smile.
"It has taken me some time to realize this, but I now know that I value my life too much to throw it away on this fool's errand." He sighs heavily, and looks down, staring at the tabletop as he continues.
"I have done many bad things in my life, and made many bad choices. I've tried to help you, thinking it a way to right those wrongs. But I'm afraid I must find my redemption elsewhere." With that, he stands, and bids a warm farewell to each of you, steadfastly ignoring any arguments that you make in an attempt to convince him to stay. He merely shakes his head at such arguments, and says
"I must do what I must do." Finally, the goodbyes are said, and the halfling heads to his room to retire for the night, before leaving Hommlet on the morrow. He turns one last time at the stairs to offer you all a sincere wave, and then he disappears into the shadows of the stairwell.