Its a trap!

The nymphs stepped forward, only noticing the net when they were stood right in the middle of it.

"Assha!" Niamh shouted, but too late. The net erupted from the ground as if by magic, sending a fountain of dried leaves into the air and wrapping tightly around the nymphs, who fell to the floor in a bundle, kicking and shouting and clawing fiercely at the net. It was no use - the rope was tough and thick.

Laughing, the elven rogue pulled her hands from the pillory and used them to lift the bindings around her head. Groaning theatrically, she slowly stood upright and lithely stretched her arms and legs, leather armour creaking, clearly glad to be free from the wicked device. Then she stepped lightly forward and grinned at her two captives.

"You nymphs really are stupid," she remarked.

There was a stream of curses from the nymphs, and the netted bundle thrashed and kicked. The elven rogue tutted reproachfully. Then she then gave the bundled figures a sharp kick, and Assha wailed.

"That's for making me wait so long in that blasted pillory," the elf grumbled. "I expected you here yesterday! You must have been going at a snail's pace."

Eilwy flinched. So it had been a trap - the elf had been waiting for them! She looked around for an escape route, but with her arms bound behind her back and her mouth still gagged there was no realistic way she could get away. Instead she stood with as much pride as she could muster and watched the elf with cool eyes.

Leaving the still struggling bag of nymphs behind her, the elf slowly sauntered over to Eilwy. She had a swagger in her hips and a light smile playing on her face. The sunlight shone brightly on her blonde hair and it practically glowed. Closer up, it was apparent her armour had seen considerable use - it was worn and marked. She herself looked young, but the confidence in her movement suggested an ability beyond her years.

She stopped before the bound enchantress and stood, hand on her hip, appraising her.

"Well, well, well. So it was true! The mighty Eilwy, the Black Reaver herself, captured by a pair of stupid nymphs and laid low." The elf bit her lips and looked at Eilwy coquettishly, speaking in a tone of mock concern. "And I bet they really did lay you, didn't they? I bet they've been having some fun with you at night? Making you cry?"

Eilwy tried to keep her composure, but she was aware that her reddening cheeks were telling their own story.

"I thought so," said the elf, smugly. "Aw, poor you. And now they're taking you to the market for sale like a pig, yes? All trussed up and ready for display. And I bet you would catch a high price, am I right?"

Eilwy scowled at her.

The elven rogue moved closer, smiling, and Eilwy caught the scent of honeysuckle. The elf brushed some dirt from Eilwy's shoulder and leaned in to whisper in her ear, invading her personal space and making her feel decidedly uncomfortable, although she tried to hide it.

"So now you're asking yourself a question - is she going to let me go or fuck me? Right?" The rogue's breath was warm on Eilwy's ear, and the honeysuckle scent was strong. "Well, enchantress? Which do you think it will be?"