Chapter Text
Catti-Brie walked her way to the Hosttower, Gromph had politely invited her because he wanted to show her a new enchanted item he had made. She was deeply suspicious already.
With every step towards his quarters, she questioned why she was bothering to meet with him. Yet curiosity got the better of her as it always did. When Gromph had first arrived to the surface he was selfish, self centered and used the arcane arts in abusive ways. Since then, however, especially after she confronted him on his behavior she noticed he had changed. In small ways. There was always a large room for improvement when it came to Gromph. She was also apprehensive on how he would behave in the upcoming match with her father in law on the opposition team.
How much had the old ambitious Archmage changed, was his robes still grey or turned more towards a lighter shade? Of course she also had some academic curiosities. Could Gromph ever weave anything that would surpass the strangeness she saw at the Harpell household everyday. She laughed to herself. No. She doubted the Harpell descendants or the Archmage himself could surpass the eccentric ways of Harkle Harpell.
As she approached the door it opened automatically, a cool breeze blew out smelling like sweetest wildflowers found in the deepest woods. The two stone guards bowed and welcomed her by name. He’s still a show off, she thought before a spectre led her to Gromphs study, a large room now adorned with floating bookcases.
“Catti-Brie, and here I had thought you ignored my invitation.” said Gromph getting up from his chair.
“I had to put my daughter to bed first” she said “but I’m here now and you said you had some new enchanted wonder to show me.”
“Straight to business” smiled Gromph. He took out and placed a small statuette on the table. Catti-Brie could see from where she was standing it was hardly a new artefact. She had seen similar before, one like it was currently hanging from her belt hook for her daughter. Like hers this was a panther statuette, but it wouldn’t summon anyone as special like Guen. Who was family.
“Are you looking to copy my husband?” she said smiling. “It’s a nice copy.”
“I didn’t make this for myself. Jaraxle asked me to make one like it. I assume he still has his copy unless he’s already switched it with the one on your belt.” Said Gromph not letting his eyes leave Catti-Brie. He wanted to see how that tidbit of information would land.
“What?!” she said, her hand moving to the Guenhwyvar statuette.
Gromph hid his joy. Jarlaxle had paid her a visit and made the switch.
“Yes the copy, by touch or any arcane detection spells it would feel like the same one. Except Guen wouldn’t come if you called. It would appear like she would need more rest.”
Catti-brie, picked up both stattettes and inspected them both. They really felt the same and as if Guen was tired. She thought back to how long since her daughter had called her best friend, long enough for Guenhwyvar to be rested she thought.
“Let me show you a way to detect the fake, or at least reveal it was my handiwork” said Gromph moving closer. He took the statues and held them up “sil'iluuth” he said and they both turned a bright violet colour. Much to his joy.
“Let me assume during todays match he distracted you,” he said. “I was curious if he returned the real Guen to you already, but I know him well. He can’t resist a new plaything.”
Catti-Brie glowered and let several dwarvish curses flow through her mind but she breathed in and tempered her anger. Gromph was sly he wouldn’t be showing her all this if he didn’t want something. It was the day before Hosttowers' match against Ship Kurth. That was no coincidence.
“Are you trying to recruit me into your team?” She says raising an eyebrow.
He smiled, “I’m giving you a chance to wipe the smile off his face. We’d make good…allies.” He had hoped she wouldn’t see through his reason to bring her here, but Catti-Brie was sharp and that’s exactly why he wanted her on his team in the first place.
She leaned over the desk, “wouldn’t you be powerful enough to do that without my help?”
“Yes” he said, a lie, “but I can’t underestimate him, I never have. This is why we both survived so long without killing each other. I ask you again, would you like to join me in humbling Jarlaxle.”
She chewed her lip. Humbling Jarlaxle would be worth it, but there was a balance here. The loss of ego from him might make Gromph more arrogant. While he’s still the mean old archmage, he had made progress to be someone she might trust as a friend…one day. Yet she’d humbled Gromph before and worst case she was powerful enough to do it again if Gromph crossed a line.
“I’ll only help on a few conditions.” Said Catti-Brie.
“I am all ears to negotiate on your terms, Catti-Brie,” smiled Gromph.
“No spells aimed at the players that will harm them or transform them. Changing the environment only. To add to the challenge but not maim or kill anyone.”
“May my own team still enchant their own performance to resist such…environmental changes?”
“All I care about is my father in law ends the match in one piece.” She said. Zak was resourceful, she thought. She could flood the field or turn it to ice and he’d be skillful enough to strategise around it. Plus it’ll be Jarlaxle's tricks she’ll be up against too.
“It is agreed and you have my word no harm to the opposition players. I can work a strategy within the bounds of your requirements.” he said not showing a glimpse of disappointment. It was as if it was going exactly as he had hoped.
“If you don't, you'll regret it.” She warned.
Gromph smiled. He knew with this alliance and plans the only one regretting their actions would be Jarlaxle.