Author's Note: Alright, so this is going to be a series of one shots which are in the same 'version' of the Realms. 'Version' is a very loose term as these stories keep changing with what I learn. I just like the characters. This has nothing to do with my other fanfiction. I'll try to give some sense of timeline, at the end of the story if nothing else.


Proper Reverance

Gromph Baenre was sure he had never been more openly humiliated in all his long years. His teleportation carried him straight to his office at his home, where he arrived with a bit of a bang and the rushing of air. His piercing amber eyes settled on the small bed against the wall, noting its disheveled state. With a groan he opened the door to be greeted with the smell of someone cooking. Forcing the anger off of his face he headed towards the dining room.

Being as he rarely had many guests the dining room was small, its table only fitting six. He had more space when he needed it but even when he had a mistress living with him, as he did now, he often ate alone. The smell of cooking meat and the sound of something being sliced emanated from the kitchen. He sat down, continuing to mask his irritation, and did not have to wait long before his slave came out with two plates of food.

Gromph had, in his mind at least, the most exotic slave in the entire city. The slave's purple eyes gleamed more vibrant than faerie fire and his platinum hair seemed almost drab in the blackness of the Underdark. His face was angular, very much the same shape as his master's, and his skin was deep brown. His sparkling white teeth were proudly on display as he set one place in front of his master and the other in front of the chair across from the Archmage. Any other slave would be lucky to be alive after sitting across from their master as an equal; this one not only as across from the very irritable Archmage, but started conversation as well.

"You can stop looking at it as poison," he announced in perfect High Drow, his voice following its own song.

"I am allowed my concern when you try new recipes," the Archmage responded evenly.

He must not have kept the anger entirely out of his voice for his slave seemed to grow a bit more cautious. "This is not the first time I have prepared venison."

"It is, however, the first time you have prepared it for me."

The slave shrugged. "My friends were quite fond of it when I prepared it from them."

Gromph was clearly still skeptical. "What is the green stuff on the side?"

"They are called sprouts and are primarily used for decoration, though they are edible. I thought they would taste good with red wine sauce."

The Archmage eyed the plate a moment before gently prodding it with his knife. The meat was clearly quite tender.

His slave, who had already started to eat, gave him an exasperated look. "Master, will you at least pass judgment after you have tried it? It is not as though I am going to feed you something to make you sick and I worked hard on it."

Gromph snapped. Glaring at his slave he hissed, "Just as I am sure you worked hard on desecrated the Baenre chapel?"

The slave pushed his chair back, staring wide-eyed at his master. "They found them? But…I…" He looked down, unable to match his master's angry gaze. "What did she do to you?" His voice shook in a combination of fear and guilt.

"Use your head, Svrick. Now, even after my humiliation, I am expected to create something grand for the temple…and you will help."

There was no room for argument when Gromph Baenre used that tone, and Svrick would not have argued anyways. His position as a heretic was well established, but his loyalty to his master went above everything else. "Whatever you need."

"First," stated Gromph as he finally dared to try the food before him, "I need an idea."

Artistry was clearly Svrick's department. "Some sort of golem?" he suggested sheepishly. It was well known that his master was brilliant when it came to golem craft. In fact, while he could enchant almost anything, golems were about the only thing he could really craft.

Gromph waved the idea away. "We have several already. Besides, I need something faster to construct and more unique."

"Will you have the help of a priestess?"

"If I need it, after all, this is going to be sacred to the Spider Queen."

Svrick winced. The idea of his master creating anything dedicated to Lolth hurt him profoundly and he was all too well aware that this was all his fault. "What about something to reflect the Spider Queen's ever changing mood?" Svrick paused for a moment, and was grateful to see his master growing intrigued. "It would be a combination of arcane and divine divination, and divination is your specialty."

"True, however both my transmutation and illusion skills are lacking, as is my ability to form an…exact replica of the Spider Queen's chosen face."

"Could you do it if you had a painting or a sketch before you?"

"Yes, but it would have to be appropriate."

Svrick grinned. "What if I do some sketches of your mistress?"

Gromph leaned back for a moment. Putting a mistress on a pedestal with a goddess was a dangerous move, but she was by far the loveliest woman he had ever seen. It made sense to use her as a model and she would think nothing of Svrick drawing her. His slave, in drow disguise, often visited her. She was also not the craftiest individual and would likely simply be flattered by the act instead of using it for her own ends. There was also the advantage that she was unlikely to ever enter the Baenre chapel. He looked to Svrick. "Very well, sketch her at both of your best and I will prepare the ritual.

Svrick beamed. The moment of concern had passed and his master would, hopefully, forget, or pretend to forget, his discretion. It probably wasn't a brilliant moment to mention the apple pie, however.


AN: So, this is the story of how Gromph got conned into decorating a temple to Lolth. It is also an introduction of Svrick, who I will write with a lot. Also, if Gromph seems to be behaving a little off it is a combination of writing him around someone he (basically) likes and knows very well. More importantly, some he completely trusts. I will also mention that he is very hard for me to write, so if you think there's something in particular that could be improved in how I portray him please let me know. I love him and want to do his character justice while still having my fun.