by Donald White
The other bore a look of mock astonishment. "Lady Yahrin. You do wound me with your insults... even unto death." She fell sprawling across the naked elf. "Not much here to cushion my fall..."
"You shall not so easily raise my ire, little one."
"Darby, Lady Yahrin. Darby Mizilmix."
The elf turned away. "How did you discern my name?"
"You told us."
"I did not."
"Yes you did, silly. When you were tied to the table, you told us your name."
The nymph suddenly remembered. She seethed anew. Gnomes!
Darby traced one of the nymph's nipples with a finger. "Now, that we have become so intimate, perhaps you have something you wish to tell me."
"I have nothing to say to you."
"You told us your name and your affiliation already..."
"I have nothing more to say to you." She calmed herself.
"Lady Yahrin, this friendship will not work if you are not open with me."
The elf was taken aback. "You are no friend of mine."
Darby grinned, and proceeded to the other side of the room.
Lady Yahrin wondered what instrument of torture she was procuring.
The gnome returned.... with a bowl. "Walnuts. Would you like one?"
"You cannot purchase my cooperation with mere treats."
"Suit yourself. I offered." Darby took a mallet and began to crack walnuts with it.
At first, the nymph was annoyed. But then, the sound took on a whole new feel. It did not sound like the crunch of shells, but the snapping of bones. She remembered the battle, and how her energy bolts had impacted with enemy chests, producing a similar sound. She tried to ignore it, but it continued. Just when she was about to cry out... the interrogator returned.
"So, you participated in a pitched battle today." The gnome picked a piece of walnut from between her teeth.
"I have nothing to say."
"And you got knocked flat on your back..."
"I will tell you nothing."
"You were beaten to a pulp..."
"I will not answer your questions..."
"And dragged from the battlefield by your ankles…"
"Cease, gnome."
"I believe they mentioned your head bouncing off a few small rocks. That could explain the apparent amnesia you are experiencing at the present."
"I am not unaware. I am simply not assisting you in any way."
"A blow to the skull might be the culprit. Then again, your brains might have been jarred loose and are rolling around in there as we speak...”
"Enough! I remember everything that happened."
"I know. We had a cleric heal you after the battle. Now, what do you say?"
Lady Yahrin looked perplexed. "What do you mean?"
"It is polite to say 'thank you' when someone assists you."
"I will not thank you."
"Not even a little one."
"I will not."
"Just a 'thank' would be fine, the 'you' can easily be presumed."
"No, no, no."
"Why?"
"Because..."
"You do not even know. I think deep down inside you are thankful."
"I am not," she protested.
"Yes, you are." Darby drew close. "I can see it in your eyes."
Lady Yahrin grew frustrated.
The gnome reached down and unfastened one of the nymph's ankles.
"What are you doing?"
"Experimenting."
The elf tried to kick her.
"Careful." Darby gripped the squirming leg with both hands.
Lady Yahrin struggled against her.
The gnome let go as the elf was pulling.
"Ahhh!" Her heel had impacted with the table.
Darby waggled her finger. "I told you to be careful. Now, see what you did." She grabbed the ankle and started to pull it upward.
"What are you doing?" the elf winced.
"I have always heard that elves are flexible. I want to test that theory." She effortlessly pulled the nymph's leg up behind her head and secured it there. "Fascinating."
Lady Yahrin glanced to the side, seeing her own calf next to her face. "Why have you done this?"
"Hmm. Perhaps I should do the same thing with the other leg..."
"I will resist you."
"Of course." She loosed the other ankle and stepped back as the elf kicked at the air. "Interesting. All of that energy contained in one limb."
"Do not come any closer."
"The irony of the situation is this. All of that energy... " she reached up and was soon able to grab hold of one of the elf's toes. "Can so easily be restrained." With that, she yanked the leg behind the nymph's head and tied it there. Darby walked around the table, observing her handiwork.
Lady Yahrin grew flushed. Her legs were tied over her head and her posterior was in full view.
Darby patted her backside. "This is a good vantage point. I must say, you are attractive from any angle."
The elf looked up at her own groin. "So this is your game. You wish to have your way with me. How unique," she scoffed.
"No, I just wanted to take a peek." Darby placed a hand between the nymph's legs. "Smooth. Not a bit of hair. Perhaps, this end will speak to me." She gripped both of the outer labia and played as if they were capable of speech. "Hi, Darby. How are you today? Really? I am fine."
"Unhand me, please."
"But these lips seem to be quite talkative." She chuckled, letting go. "Now, perhaps we should get to the bottom of things." She patted the nymph on the rear.
"Molest me all you wish, I will tell you nothing."
"Silly elf, I have no intention of violating you. That would ruin our friendship!" With that, she gave the nymph a light slap on the buttocks.
Lady Yahrin recoiled slightly. "You cannot beat me into submission."
"We already did that on the battlefield. There is no need for a repeat performance."
"Then, what do you intend?"
"I thought we gnomes were the curious ones. What makes you think that I harbor any intentions?"
"You wish for me to answer your questions, do you not?"
"Lady Yahrin, you are the one who has been asking questions here."
The elf was livid. "Then, why have you brought me here?"
"To meet you."
"I tire of your sarcasm, gnome."
"But I do not tire of you..." She pinched the nymph's bottom.
"Stop that."
"Why?"
"Because I do not like it."
"Hmm. You have long arms and even longer legs… quite a bit longer than mine!"
"Yes, I am aware of your lack of size," she sneered.
Darby kissed her on the thigh. She rubbed her hands up and down the nymph's legs. "Oh, so smooth. Do you ever do this yourself?"
"What are you talking about?"
"Such soft, supple skin. Do you not appreciate it? I mean, I like my own flesh, but yours is so much more enjoyable to touch."
"If I had my staff, I would blast you into unconsciousness."
"This room eats magical energy like you elves eat apples."
"Are you going to ask your questions or not?"
"I just did ask a question. And I did not receive an answer. How impolite. I was under the impression that elves were a more refined and courteous lot."
Lady Yahrin grew flustered. "You have strapped me to a table with my posterior up in the air, and you refer to me as impolite?"
"I know," Darby clapped her hands. "We could play a game."
"I do not wish to play."
"Why not?"
"Because I am strapped to a table with my rear end on display."
"You have nothing to worry about. For this game, you can stay right in that position."
"I will not play."
"It will be fun."
"Nothing about this situation amuses me."
"I can cheer you up." Darby gave a mischievous smile and proceeded to th
e head of the table. "Look at how long your feet are." The gnome placed her own foot on the table and measured it against the nymph's. "And your toes are longer than mine. Excellent."
Lady Yahrin became concerned. What was this creature’s intention?
The gnome caressed her soles. "Even this part of you is soft. Fascinating."
"What are you doing?"
"Elves are timeless, are they not? You do not age and die like the humans."
"We do not." The gnome's hands were beginning to produce sensations.
"So, your beauty does not change naturally."
"No." She felt a slight itching in her soles.
"And your people are dispassionate and introspective."
"Yes..." She felt her toes begin to twitch.
"So, this heightened awareness produces a heightened... sensitivity?" Her hands halted above the elf's toes.
"Foolish gnome, you would tickle me as if I were a pixie?"
"Lady Yahrin, one of your little pixies would be more apt to enjoy the game."
"And if left to their own devices, they would subsist on nothing but candy beetles."
"Sweets are fine from time to time."
"Play your game. It will avail you not."
"You are not sensitive? So it should not bother you if I continue."
Lady Yahrin rolled her eyes at Darby.
"Now, the name of the game is 'Catch the Feather.' This is how we play." Darby went over to a bench and procured a handful of pointed feathers. "I use the feathers on your soles. You try to catch them with your long toes. I have only restrained your ankles, so your feet are free to move. If you grab a feather it goes out of play, however, if you drop it, then it goes back into play. Are you ready?"
"Your scheme is now apparent. You wish to annoy me until I reveal all."
"It is just a game, silly." With that, she rubbed a feather tip against the elf's sole.
The nymph moved her foot to avoid the plume.
"You will not win the game that way." Darby used two feathers to titillate the elf's sensitive arches.
Lady Yahrin suppressed her laughter. "Do... you... really... expect... this... to work?" She struggled to grasp a feather between her toes... and succeeded.
"You caught one! Excellent! Just seven more to go."
The elf squirmed and laughed. She tried to go after another feather, only to lose the one she had gotten. The game continued for quite awhile with her grabbing plumes and losing hold of them due to the extreme titillation she was experiencing.
Darby continued until the tickling turned to torture.
Lady Yahrin held out for all she was worth. Her life was already over, due to the fact that she had been taken alive. Her own people would kill her for her failure. And it would be painful. But she still struggled to maintain her loyalty. For the honor of our people, no sacrifice is too great. She spoke the Queen's words over and over again in her mind.
The torture continued, and the doubts built up deep inside her. They would betray me. If they apprehended me, they would do even worse. I have witnessed them doing worse things than these. But I am a soldier of the Unseelie Court. I must be loyal, even unto death. But madness? How does that serve the Queen? Curse the gnome! Curse her little fingers! Curse my weakness! Please stop. Please stop. She cried out, "Please stop!"
Darby halted. "But Lady Yahrin, you only have four more feathers to go."
"No, no more. Please. I will tell you anything. Just, halt your vexations."
The gnome grinned. "Very well. Say whatever you wish to say."
Deep inside her, the floodgates opened, and Lady Yahrin gave in to the power of Gnomish persuasion.
THE PRIZE
Chapter 1: “The Terms”
The water was full of nymphs. Most of them were lesser fay sprites: diminutive creatures long of limb and sharp of feature, standing a head shorter than a man. They were dark elves: haughty and olive-skinned with green eyes and straight black hair. They splashed and played in the pond, enjoying its coolness.
Seated at the water’s edge was the greater fay Lady Persephone. Standing, she was a head and shoulders taller than the sprites. Her green eyes were emerald pools filled with inhuman wisdom. The sharp features and long dark hair along with her cool gaze gave a sense of grandeur and wonder to be in her presence.
While the commoner nymphs played, her little Ladies attended to her. The difference between commoners and ladies was inside, manifesting itself on the outside in the way they carried themselves. If the others were child-like, the little Ladies were more adolescent in their love and desire to please the greater fay.
One of them, a plucky little thing named Laressa ran a brush through the long dark locks of Lady Persephone. “Milady, your hair is so soft and beautiful.”
The greater nymph smiled. “Thank you, little one. But it is your tender, loving care that keeps it so.”
Laressa blushed.
Two other nymphs attended their Lady, on each side. One was named Veesee: a quiet, introspective girl. The other was Syndra: passionate, yet focused. Each had a wooden cup and was pouring water over the arms of Lady Persephone.
The Greater Fay glanced down. “Veesee, tell me your thoughts.”
She nearly dropped her cup. “Milady, I was observing the water and how it flows over your skin, dripping off your elbow to join once more with its like.”
Syndra rolled her eyes.
Lady Persephone noticed. “Do her musings vex you, little one?”
The lesser fay became self-conscious, bowing her head. “Milady, they distract Veesee from her duty.”
“Syndra, she is still performing her duties. She has not been remiss.”
Bowing her head, the sprite said, “Forgive me, milady.”
Reaching down, the greater fay placed a hand on the girl’s cheek. “She serves me with her hands, and her eyes. I delight to hear what she sees. As I enjoy Laressa’s audacity, so long as it does not lead her into peril.”
The one brushing her hair assured, “Never, milady.”
Lady Persephone glanced over her shoulder, winking at the girl. Then, she returned her gaze to Syndra. “I like your passion, little one. In the morning, you are the first sight to greet me, kneeling and waiting to hear my desires. I am pleased with each of you, for your patience and diligence.”
All three bowed. “Thank you, Milady.”
She nodded.
***
Nearby, the human Prince Hayden and his friends were on the hunt. However, the stag had eluded them. The young prince became frustrated. “The accursed wind threw off my aim.”
His friend Ernest was a young nobleman with strong ties to the royal family. The youth had short dark hair and a rugged aspect. He held up a hand, grinning. “I feel no wind, Your Highness.”
The prince’s other friend, Tristan, was small of frame with golden locks. He glanced reprovingly at Ernest. “I felt the wind. It is strange that you did not.”
Hayden smiled. “Thank you, Tristan. At least one of you does not think I have taken leave of my senses. Come, the beast went this way.” And he plunged into the bushes.
Ernest gave the signal and Tristan along with the other hunters followed after.
A short distance ahead, Ernest bumped into something. “Your Highness?”
The prince was crouched down, staring ahead. He swiftly enjoined his friend to silence, bidding him duck low and then pointing at what had gained his attention.
Ernest gaped at the sight before him. He whispered, “Elves, Your Highness.”
Prince Hayden smirked, speaking softly, “Naked elves, my friend.”
Tristan appeared behind him, and was swiftly silenced.
The other hunters approached.
Holding up a hand, the prince managed to quiet them. But it was too late.
Laressa perked up. “Something moves among the bushes, Milady.” She glimpsed a few heads and cried out. “We are discovered!”
The nymphs became alert. They halted their
play and stood there trembling as the men approached.
Lady Persephone bade them remain calm.
Prince Hayden gestured and his men surrounded the pond. Then, he turned and bowed.
The greater nymph stared down at the man in her nudity. “Peace, human. We mean you no harm.”
He hesitated, glancing back at the rest of his group. Then, he spoke. “I am Prince Hayden. We are out hunting and have happened upon you.”
Lady Persephone gazed at her sprites. “Your searching has brought you beyond your own realm. Please, leave us in peace.”
The eyes of the humans were filled with lust.
Prince Hayden licked his lips. “You are at our mercy. What will you give for us to leave you in peace?”
The little nymphs cowered in the water, wishing to shield themselves from the probing eyes of the humans. However, they crowded around their greater fay, glaring at the men.
Lady Persephone caught movement behind her. “Laressa!”
The sprite held a sharp stick in her hand. She halted at the command of her lady.
Chuckling, the prince directed his men to draw their weapons. “Maybe you should give me that one.” He pointed at Laressa. “I admire her courage. Rest assured, she will not be harmed.”
Lady Persephone shook her head. “Leave us, or do you wish for war with the Queen’s elves?”
Prince Hayden asked. “Would that be the very same people who were recently exiled by their own?”
The greater nymph glowered at him, and the youth became silent. “We are the elves of Queen Nicnivin the Blue, rightful ruler of all elves. Do not associate us with the usurper and his ilk.”
The prince bowed his head and said, “I am sorry,” and was surprised to realize that he was. “Nevertheless, you are in my power. The Elfin Civil War has weakened you considerably. You cannot afford a war with us.”
Lady Persephone’s eyes dropped slightly and he noticed.
Prince Hayden spoke, “Give me the little one. No harm will come to her.”
The greater nymph saw the look of fearful acceptance in the eyes of her sprite. She bowed her head. “I shall go with you, human. And you will leave them in peace.”
Outraged, the youth responded, “I am not in your power. You are in mine.”
Lady Persephone raised her head, staring right at him. “I have given you the terms, human.”