11

[Dept of PMM Castle Life]

] Wealthy, but serving as courtesan for social or political benefits
Those from wealthy backgrounds, either by birth or marriage, and who were only acting as courtesans for the social or political advancement of themselves and/or their spouses, were generally treated as equals. They were more respected by their extra-marital companions, both placing one another's family obligations ahead of the relationship and planning their own liaisons or social engagements around the lovers' marital obligations.

Affairs of this sort would often be short-lived, ending when either the courtesan or the courtesan's spouse received the status or political position desired, or when the benefactor chose the company of another courtesan, and compensated the latter financially. In instances like this, it was often viewed simply as a business agreement by both parties involved. The benefactor was aware of the political or social favors expected by the courtesan, the courtesan was aware of the price expected from them for those favors being carried out, and the two met one anothers demands.

This was generally a safe affair, as both the benefactor's spouse and the courtesan's spouse usually were fully aware of the arrangement, and the courtesan was not solely dependent on the benefactor. It, rather, was simply an affair of benefits gained for both those involved. Publicly and socially, affairs of this sort were common during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, as well as the early 20th century, and were generally accepted in wealthy circles. [2]

[edit] Courtesan intrigues, witchcraft allegations
Prior to the Victorian era, courtesans were sometimes limited in their apparel by various sumptuary laws and were restricted in where they could appear at social functions. Periods of overt religious piety in a city would often lead to persecution of the courtesans, up to and including accusations of witchcraft. In many cases prior to the 18th century, women leading the life of a courtesan in a royal court, with romantic relationships with kings, achieved wealth and status, but eventually it would lead to many of them being executed following very public trials that often left them appearing to have been evil, or power-hungry, when in fact they more often than not were nothing more than a lover and mistress to the king.

Very often, courtesans would betray one another in acts of political intrigue in attempts to climb into higher positions of power within royal courts. There are many cases throughout history where one courtesan would attempt (sometimes successfully) to supplant the mistress to a king or emperor. This was typically preceded by her discrediting the ruler's companion, often by divulging secrets that could lead to her rival being cast aside and replaced by her. However, this was a delicate process, and if a courtesan of lower status attempted to replace a courtesan who wielded a substantial amount of power within the court, it would often result in the lower courtesan being exiled from the royal court, or married off to a lesser noble in an arranged marriage, or even at times eliminated altogether. There are also many examples of courtesans who took advantage of their involvement with powerful individuals, which usually ended in their downfall.

[edit] Longevity of a courtesan's career
In later centuries, from the mid-18th century on, courtesans would often find themselves cast aside by their benefactors, but the days of public execution or imprisonment based on their promiscuous lifestyle were over. There are many examples of courtesans who, by remaining discreet and respectful to their benefactors, were able to extend their careers into or past middle age and retire financially secure. By the late 19th century, and for a brief period in the early 20th century, courtesans had reached a level of being socially accepted in many circles and settings, often even to the extent of becoming a friend and confidant to the wife of their benefactor. [3]

More often than not, a woman serving as a courtesan would last in that field only as long as she could prove herself useful to her companion, or companions. This, of course, excludes those who served as courtesans but who were already married into high society. When referring to those who made their service as a courtesan as their main source of income, success was based solely on financial management and longevity. Many climbed through the ranks of royalty, serving as mistress to lesser nobles first, eventually reaching the role of mistress to a king, or prince. Others were able to obtain a position on that high level early on, but few lasted for any length of time, and there was nowhere to go but down after serving a prince or king.

"Geisha," pronounced /'ge? ?a/, is a proper noun. Like all Japanese nouns, there are no distinct singular or plural variants of the term. The word consists of two kanji, ? (gei) meaning "art" and ? (sha) meaning "person" or "doer". The most direct translation of geisha into English would be "artist" or "performing artist".

Another term used in Japan is geiko (??), a word from the Kyoto dialect. Full-fledged geisha in Kyoto hanamachi are called geiko. This term is also commonly used in the Kansai region to distinguish geisha practiced in traditional arts from onsen geisha (see below), who are prostitutes that have co-opted the term geisha. Prostitutes wear their bow, or obi, in the front of their kimono, but geisha wear their obi in the back. True geisha usually had the luxury of a professional aid to help them in the difficult process of dressing; their clothing is made up of several layers of kimono and undergarments, and an obi is more than a simple band of cloth. Dressing could take over an hour, even with professional help. Prostitutes, however, had to take off their obi several times a day, so theirs were far less complex, and tied in the front for ease of removal and replacement.

Apprentice geisha are called maiko. This word is made of the kanji ? (mai) meaning "dancing" and ? or ? (ko) meaning "child". It is the maiko, with her white make-up and elaborate kimono and hairstyle, that has become the stereotype of a "geisha" to Westerners, rather than the more demure true geisha

Geisha and prostitution confusion
There remains some confusion, particularly outside Japan, about the nature of the geisha profession. Geisha are frequently depicted as expensive prostitutes in Western popular culture. While not entirely true, this is by no means very far from the truth either. The Geisha were entertainers, their purpose being to entertain their customer, be it by reciting verse, playing musical instruments, light conversation or sexual favours.[1] Geisha do not engage in sex with clients in modern times. However, geisha were able to purchase a permit allowing them to sell sex before prostitution was outlawed in Japan.[citation needed]

Geisha have been confused with the traditional high-class courtesans called oiran. Like geisha, oiran wear elaborate hairstyles and white makeup. A simple way to distinguish between the two is that oiran, as prostitutes, tie their obi in the front. Geisha tie their obi in the back in the usual manner.

In Japan there is also a modern variety of prostitute known as the Onsen geisha. These women typically work in onsen towns such as Atami and market themselves to tourists as "one-night geisha."

[edit] Personal relationships and Danna
Geisha are expected to be single women. Those who choose to marry must retire from the profession. While geisha engagements may include flirting, this is not expected. A true geisha ("Geiko") is not paid for sex, although an individual geisha may choose to pursue sexual relationships with men she meets through her work outside the context of her role as a geisha.

It was traditional in the past for established geisha to take a danna, or patron. A danna was typically a wealthy man, sometimes married, who had the means to support the very large expenses related to a geisha's traditional training and other costs. This sometimes occurs today as well.

Although a geisha and her danna may be in love, sex is not expected in exchange for the danna's financial support. The traditional conventions and values within such a relationship are very intricate and not well understood, even by many Japanese.

[edit] Appearance
A geisha's appearance changes throughout her career, from the girlish, heavily made up maiko, to the more sombre appearance of an older established geisha.

[edit] Makeup

Typical nape make-up

Today, the traditional make-up of the apprentice geisha is one of their most recognizable characteristics, though established geisha generally wear full white face makeup characteristic of maiko only during special performances.

The traditional makeup of an apprentice geisha features a thick white base (originally made with lead or rice powder) with red lipstick and red and black accents around the eyes and eyebrows.

The application of makeup is hard to perfect and is a time consuming process. Makeup is applied before dressing to avoid dirtying the kimono. First, a wax or oil substance, called bintsuke-abura, is applied to the skin. Next, white powder is mixed with water into a paste and applied with a bamboo brush. The white makeup covers the face, neck, and chest, with two or three unwhitened areas (forming a "W" or "V" shape) left on the nape, to accentuate this traditionally erotic area, and a line of bare skin around the hairline, which creates the illusion of a mask.

After the foundation layer is applied, a sponge is patted all over the face, throat, chest and the nape and neck to remove excess moisture and to blend the foundation. Next the eyes and eyebrows are drawn in. Traditionally charcoal was used, but today modern cosmetics are used. The eyebrows and edges of the eyes are colored black; a maiko also applies red around her eyes.

The lips are filled in using a small brush. The color comes in a small stick, which is melted in water. Crystallized sugar is then added to give the lips lustre. Rarely will a geisha color in both lips fully in the Western style, as white creates optical illusions. The lower lip is colored in partially and the upper lip left white for maiko, and newly full-fledged geisha will color in only the top lip fully. Most geisha wear the top lip colored in fully or stylized, and the bottom lip in a curved stripe that does not follow the shape of the lip.

Maiko who are in their first stage of training will sometimes color their teeth black for a short period of time. This practice used to be common among many different classes of women in Japan, but survives only in some districts, or even families.

For the first three years, a maiko wears this heavy makeup almost constantly. During her initiation the maiko is helped with her makeup by either her "older sister" (an experienced geisha who is her mentor) or the "mother" of her geisha house. After this she applies the makeup herself.

After a maiko has been working for three years, she changes her make-up to a more subdued style. The reason for this is that she has now become mature, and the simpler style shows her own natural beauty. For formal occasions the mature geisha will still apply white make-up. For geisha over thirty, the heavy white make-up is only worn during special dances which require her to wear make-up for her part.

Further information: History of cosmetics

[edit] Dress

Rear view of a maiko in a teahouse, her richly embroidered obi clearly visible

Geisha always wear kimono. Apprentice geisha wear highly colorful kimono with extravagant obi. Always, the obi is brighter than the kimono she is wearing to give a certain exotic balance. Older geisha wear more subdued patterns and styles. The sign of a prosperous okiya is having geisha not wearing a kimono more than once, meaning that those okiyas with higher economic status will have "storehouses" of sorts where kimono are stored and interchanged between geisha.

The color, pattern, and style of kimono is also dependent on the season and the event the geisha is attending. In winter, geisha can be seen wearing a three-quarter length "overcoat" lined with hand painted silk over their kimono. Lined kimono are worn during colder seasons, and unlined kimono during the summer. A kimono can take from 2-3 years to complete, due to painting and embroidering.

Geiko wear fully white nagajuban, or under-kimono. A maiko wears red with white printed patterns. Her kimono collar's white and silver embroidery progresses further down her nape until the two ends meet; once this happens, her collar "turns" and she becomes a geiko.

Geisha wear a flat-soled sandal, zori, outdoors, and wear only tabi (white split-toed socks) indoors. In inclement weather geisha wear raised wooden clogs, called geta. Maiko wear a special wooden clog known as okobo.

[edit] Hairstyles

A Maiko in the Gion district of Kyoto

The hairstyles of geisha have varied through history. In the past, it has been common for women to wear their hair down in some periods, but up in others. During the 17th century, women began putting all their hair up again, and it is during this time that the traditional shimada hairstyle, a type of traditional chignon worn by most established geisha, developed.

There are four major types of the shimada: the taka shimada, a high chignon usually worn by young, single women; the tsubushi shimada, a more flattened chignon generally worn by older women; the uiwata, a chignon that is usually bound up with a piece of colored cotton crepe; and a style that resembles a divided peach, which is worn only by maiko. This is sometimes called "Momoware," or "Split Peach."

These hairstyles are decorated with elaborate haircombs and hairpins (kanzashi). In the seventeenth century and after the Meiji Restoration period, hair-combs were large and conspicuous, generally more ornate for higher-class women. Following the Meiji Restoration and into the modern era, smaller and less conspicuous hair-combs became more popular.

Geisha were trained to sleep with their necks on small supports (takamakura), instead of pillows, so they could keep their hairstyle perfect. To reinforce this habit, their mentors would pour rice around the base of the support. If the geisha's head rolled off the support while she slept, rice would stick to her hair and face. The geisha would thus have to repeat the tiresome process of having her hair elaborately styled.

Many modern geisha use wigs in their professional lives, while maiko use their natural hair. They must be regularly tended by highly skilled artisans. Traditional hairstyling is a dying art.

A mistress is a man's long term sexual partner and companion. Historically, the term has denoted a "kept woman", who is maintained in a comfortable (or even lavish) lifestyle by a wealthy man so that she will be available for his sexual pleasure; essentially a kind of highly expensive, single-client prostitute. Today however, it is used primarily to refer to the companion of a man who is married to another woman; in the case of an unmarried man it is usual to speak of a "girlfriend" or "partner." The relationship is generally stable and at least semi-permanent; however, the couple do not live together openly.

Historically a man "kept" a mistress. As the term implies, he was responsible for her debts and provided for her in much the same way as he did his wife. In more recent and emancipated times, it is more likely that the mistress has a job of her own, and is less, if at all, financially dependent on the man. It is not uncommon for a man to have acknowledged children by his mistress.

Historically, mistresses are often thought of in terms of the best-known women such as Nell Gwynne and Madame de Pompadour. However, the keeping of a mistress was not confined to monarchs and the nobility but permeated down through the ranks. Anyone who could afford one, regardless of social position, could have a mistress.

A mistress is not generally thought of as a prostitute, although many of the more notable mistresses of history began, or ended, their working lives in that profession. Both professions exchange sex for money, but the principal difference is that a mistress keeps herself exclusively reserved for one man, in much the same way as a wife. She often provides companionship as well as sex, and demands a lavish lifestyle as well as actual cash, and these factors have historically led her to be much more highly regarded than a "common" prostitute. Neither are mistresses always confined to the obscurity of a clandestine relationship; in the courts of Europe, particularly Versailles and Whitehall in the 17th and 18th centuries, a mistress often wielded great power and influence. The mistresses of both Louis XV and Charles II were often considered to exert great influence over their lovers, their relationships being an open secret.

While the extremely wealthy might keep a mistress for life (as George II of the United Kingdom did with "Mrs Howard"), even after they were no longer romantically linked, such was not the case for most kept women. In 1736, when George II was newly ascendant, Henry Fielding (in Pasquin) has his Lord Place say, "…but, miss, every one now keeps and is kept; there are no such things as marriages now-a-days, unless merely Smithfield contracts, and that for the support of families; but then the husband and wife both take into keeping within a fortnight." Wealthy merchants and young nobles might have a kept woman, but when they were through with her, either because of disease, waning fortunes, waning beauty or waning affections, she would move down the criminal sexual ladder rather than up it. Thus, being a mistress was an occupation for younger women, who might go on to marriage, if fortunate, or prostitution, if not.

Negotiation in BDSM community is a form of communication where participants make arrangements on each others' requirements, responsibilities and limits to find the best possible agreement.

As BDSM is sexual practice that keeps to SSC philosophy, negotiation is necessary to set sexual activity within the boundaries of these principles.

Activity within BDSM relationships requires trust, openness about most practices that may include risks. On the other hand, partners have certain needs which should be clearly defined in order to be properly satisfied. In this regard, negotiation is essential part not only when parties were not familiar with each other but also in case when partners have long-term relationships.

Negotiation may not only concern a particular session but touch upon a more wide range of subjects on a BDSM philosophy in general: considerations on a lifestyle, the perspectives of the relationships, religious believes and many other issues that can be in one way or another connected to BDSM activity.

Negotiation within the limits of BDSM practice can be performed either verbally or in written form. One of the most common ways to clarify all the issues concerning participation in BDSM activity is to make use of negotiation form.

Negotiation form form is a list of needs, limits and activities within BDSM practice presented to both participants for a specification of the details of BDSM session.

[edit] Types of negotiation
1. Scene negotiation takes place before the actual participation in BDSM session, during the session and after it. It can be done in written form, where all the topics discussed will be listed for agreement or disagreement. This is made to evaluate the possible productivity of the session and compatibility of both partners.

Negotiation on a pre-scene phase may include discussing such things as:

a.. Arrangement of Roles - who will take the part of the top partner or bottom partner, and participation of any other observers, the way partners address each other;
b.. Expectations and needs of both partners - likes and dislikes of submissive and dominant partners and the ability to fulfill each other's needs;
c.. Limits of the scene - boundaries that are set to define what experience is acceptable within psychological (such as humiliation, obedience or verbal violation) and physical limits (such as pain, marks and resistance to various influences);
d.. Types of play - practices that would be included in a scene: bondage, role-playing, spanking or sensory deprivation;
e.. BDSM Gear and attire - what materials, adult toys and fetish wear will be used;
f.. Duration of the scene - at what time the game starts and ends, who will be in charge of the time;
g.. Health concerns - talking over existent health problems: allergies, chronic diseases, STD's, taking any medications and other;
h.. Safety measures - any safety tools to prevent situations when something goes wrong way;
i.. Sexual contact - what type of sexual activity is accepted if any;
j.. Safe words - one or set of verbal and non-verbal signs that will be used to stop the play or slow it down.
Negotiation that takes place after session is focused mainly on the following: possible drawbacks or otherwise positive moments, feelings and suggestions on the next sessions.

2. Relationships negotiation is a form of negotiation that concerns consideration of building up a scene relationship or a more committed 24/7 relationships. Partners who are interested in long-term relationships sign up a kind of contract that is similar to one a couple signs when getting married. Together with the questions that concern BDSM activity, partners discuss long-term arrangements: type of this relationship, agreement on living together, financial and psychological responsibilities. When both parties agree on TPE relationships they usually agree on signing up a contract in support of their commitment to BDSM lifestyle and each other. Such contracts do not have a legal base but they allow partners to determine all the aspects of their lifestyle more clearly.

Types of consent
Consent is a vital element in all psychological play, and consent can be granted in many ways. Some employ a written form known as a "Dungeon negotiation form"; for others a simple verbal commitment is sufficient. Consent can be limited both in duration and content.

Consensual non-consensuality is a mutual agreement to be able to act as if consent has been waived within safe and sane limits. In essence it is an agreement that, subject to a safe word or other restrictions and reasonable care and commonsense, consent (within defined limits) will be given in advance and with the intent of being irrevocable under normal circumstances, at times without foreknowledge of the exact actions planned. As such, it is a show of extreme trust and understanding and usually undertaken only by partners who know each other well or otherwise agree to set clear safe limits on their activities.

It is not unusual to grant consent only for an hour or for an evening. When a scene lasts for more than a few hours, some might decide to draft a "scene contract" that defines what will happen and who is responsible for what. Some "contracts" can become quite detailed and run for many pages, especially if a scene is to last a weekend or more.

For long term consent, a "Slave Contract" is sometimes used. BDSM "contracts" are only agreements between consenting adults and are not legally binding; in fact, the possession of one may be considered illegal in some areas. Slave contracts are simply a way of defining the nature and limits of the relationship. Other couples know each others likes and dislikes and play accordingly. Such arrangements typically use a safeword, a signal that the action in question has gone too far and that those in a dominant role should either stop that particular activity or that the session should end completely.

[edit] Legal aspects
Several of the activities in sexual BDSM play would be considered illegal and fall under the definitions of rape, assault or similar crimes or torts, if performed without consent. However, most legal systems include a general defence that activities performed with the victim's consent shall not be considered a crime or a tort. This raises some legal and ethical issues, such as:

a.. What is consent?
b.. Who can express consent? (For example: children are typically not considered to be able to give consent to sex.)
c.. When do we define consent as given?
d.. When is given consent invalidated?
e.. And are there activities that we still cannot allow, even with the victim's consent?
These concerns apply not only to BDSM but to every kind of interaction between persons. See Consent (criminal) for the general discussion.

The issue of consent in BDSM has caused a controversy in some countries since certain activities, (including some kinds of edgeplay) remains unlawful even when consent has been freely given. In such countries, these activities will always be viewed by law enforcement as unlawful when discovered, even though the activities have been entirely private. The Spanner case in England demonstrates the point, where participants in a consensual mutual BDSM play party were arrested. At all stages, the national and European Court ruled against them on the basis that a person under English law may not give consent to anything more than minor injury. Interested people may think that private mutual activities should not be the subject of law as a matter of public policy, a view which has some legal backing in the United States from the case of Lawrence v. Texas where it was effectively ruled that the state lacked the power to declare an activity illegal on purely on the basis of moral opinion. But, even in the U.S., arguing by analogy with consensual sexual relationships is not likely to succeed in cases involving the use of more violent force, e.g. as in knife play or branding. The March 5th 2007 conviction of Glenn Marcus on counts of sex trafficking & forced labor renewed much debate on this issue. [1]

Implications for other activities that might fall under the same umbrella, such as body modification, are not clear.

limits refer to activities that a partner feels strongly about, and to which special attention must be paid.

Before a BDSM scene, it is common to perform a negotiation to outline what will and will not happen during the play session. During this time, all participants outline what they desire and what they will not tolerate. This is the time to discuss limits.

Both Dominants and submissives can express limits. They can be spoken or written, and discussing them fully usually results in an improved experience for all involved.

Popular variants include:

Hard Limit – something that must not be done. Violating a hard limit is often considered just cause for ending a scene or even a relationship. Examples include “scat is a hard limit for me” or “I have a back injury, so striking on the back is a hard limit”.

Soft Limit – something that someone will do only in special circumstances or when highly aroused. Example - “I will only do anal sex with a very experienced partner”.

"Must" limit – something that a person will not do the scene without. Examples include “lots of hair pulling is a must-limit for me” or “If you’re going to flog me, I’ll need lots of aftercare”.

Time limit – an amount of time after which play ceases.

No Limits – the Dominant may do anything he/she cares to with the submissive. This is usually a sign of an inexperienced player who does not yet know what their limits are. In reality, even the most hardened and experienced players have limits. “No limits” play is more the stuff of porn and thriller movies than in actual, real-life BDSM. This is also sometimes used as a term for TPE or Total Power Exchange.

re you going to a BDSM party for the first time? Aren't you sure about the way you should behave there?

Actually BDSM parties as well as well as many other events imply some certain etiquette rules. Being aware of these etiquette rules will help you feel free and more self confident. Thus you will show your good manners and you will always be a desired quest at such parties.

Actually following of etiquette rules does not begin at the party itself. As well it covers some things you should do before the party and after it.

Before the party

1.Before going to a BDSM party find out whether you should bring there something. You might be asked to bring for example some food. It would be rather unpleasant if you realize that all participants of the party but you have brought something.

By the way, keep in mind that in many communities drugs and alcohol are forbidden at play parties. So do not bring such things without discussing the matter with the host.

2. Before going to a play party, try to find as much information about matters you are interested in as you can. This should be done in order not to bother the party's participants by asking foolish questions. Leave only those questions you cannot find answers to in other sources.

During the Party
Naturally the vast majority of etiquette rules concern the party itself. Necessarily keep in mind the following things:

Never touch anyone without permission. The fact that a naked woman (or a man) is standing near you, drinking lemonade and smiling does not mean that you can spank his or her buttocks or even touch his arm. No touching without permission!

On the other hand you certainly can offer your hand for handshake or ask permission to embrace someone, or to kiss, or have a closer look at someone's piercing. This is unlikely to be considered invasion, but be ready for refusal which should not offend you. You do no want everyone to touch you, do you?

Keep silence during action. If you feel like chatting - than go somewhere else. You might think your joke or admiring comment was heard only by your neighbor. However, this is likely to turn out that it was heard by the top or bottom participating in the scene. Would you like to hear someone speak while you are reaching orgasm? You certainly would not. So be polite and keep silence. Your imprudent remarks can destroy someone's nice scene.

Do not interfere in someone's action even if it seems to you that everyone can take part in it. The scene might look like an invitation for everyone to join and to play with the bottom. However, the scene might have been planned in advance on purpose so that to make group play look casual. The Top might set hidden signs to those whose participation he considers necessary. You can join only if invited. If you have some doubts than ask the Top whether you should join the action or not.

Never touch anyone's BDSM toys without permission. Even if someone offered you his or her BDSM toy, ask the owner whether you can do this or that with the offered BDSM toy.

Be especially careful with someone's metal BDSM toys, for instance with knives - it might turn out that the owner has just sterilized them.

Never stare at anything you have never seen before. Well, you can watch and learn something new, but do be polite. Behave yourself, do not be like a 10 year boy watching his girl classmate with her skirt up.

If you see something that shocks you - too much blood, too severe tortures or nipple piercing or something you didn't expect to see and that seems too extreme to you - try to hide your emotion. Or go out if you feel you cannot hide your reaction.

Generally speaking you should relax and be as you are. Be open and friendly. Do not know what to speak about? Well, you can ask questions about BDSM techniques, BDSM toys and other things you are interested in. Listen to the answers friendly and attentively. And do not forget about sense of humor.

After party
Never mention the participants' names when speaking with someone who didn't take part in the party. Never place in the Internet any information that contains someone's names. Even mentioning a name in a letter is likely to be considered breach of etiquette. Even if you think that the person you are speaking about is not known to the person you are writing to - do not mention any names, nicknames or other details a person can be recognized by. Small world!

Clean up the play area and pick up all your BDSM toys. Ask the hosts to give you cleaning materials so as to leave after yourself completely clean play area and furniture.

Thank the hosts of the party through e-mail and do not think this is not going to be observed. Do that even if you have thanked the hosts when leaving the party.

Rules for Serving

1:)When serving a new Master/Mistress, always mention, subtlely, the color of your silks
2:)Move quickly, but gracefully
3:)Be very deferential
4:)Keep your eyes downcast
5:)Arch your back(i find that this can really hurt your back that if you keep it straight you can still push out your chest but your not hurting your back or causing bad posture), while kneeling
6:)When kneeling, rest upon your heels Cradling the serving bowl/goblet/platter to your chest
7:)ask permission to Kiss the rim of the bowl before presenting it to the Master/Mistress.
8:)Offer your hopes the Master/Mistress will be pleased with what you are erving and with your service
9:)Vary your serves, try not to repeat the same thing over and over...as they will notice Make each Master/Mistress feel as if they are special
10:)While serving, NEVER speak with anyone else, unless the Master/Mistress commands you to
11:)If asked to serve, respond "yes, Master/Mistress" before beginning your serve, so they may know you heard them
12:)*** The trick is to serve from your heart, feel it, live it, the rest will be easier. Gorean slaves never curtsey
13:)The only emotion on Gor to be forbidden is pity
14:)A Master is always right even when he is wrong
15:)Bosk and Larma you may hand feed a Master
You may also place a piece between your teeth and offer it that way
16:)A slave is forbidden to hold a sharp instrument such as a knife
17:)Sa-tarna bread should be either pre-sliced by the kitchen Master or you may break chunks off to place on a platter before serving

Serving methods of a slave

1. Fetch the drink: this is your opportunity to describe yourself, to paint a mental photograph for all watching. So be descriptive. Things that can be described include

- your hair as it bounces when you glide gracefully.

- eyes

- skin

- muscle tone, texture

- lips

- waist, bottom or breasts

- any feature that makes you stand out.

2. Selecting The Goblet, Bowl or Platter. This is an opportunity to show the care and joy you experience when serving. Taking care to check the rim for flaws and carefully cleaning it.

3. Moving elegantly to fetch the beverage or food. This is the chance of more descriptions of yourself and even the effects of elements surrounding you, being included in your serve. for example:



- flickering flames of the hearth dancing off your skin, - tresses gleaming by firelight or torchlight. or perhaps the way your body reacts to the cool onslaught of cooler or how your eyes shimmer in the cloudy mist escaping the opening.

5. Pouring the beverage into the vessel, or lifting the food to the platter. Here is a chance to the describe the beverage. Is it rich, scarlet in colour? Does it trickle softly or cause droplets to travel the exterior? Does it sizzle, giving heat to Your flesh? Does it have steam that may caress the flesh of Your small hand? All of it showing quality of the food or beverage, and your sensitivity to your surroundings.

Please note that alot of food and beverages are poured or prepared at Their feet. so points 5 to 7 may vary accordingly.

6. Moving back to the Free Person to kneel at Their feet, gliding the through the room or camp. Again a chance to describe your beauty and grace and beauty, for a kajira is most elegant and knows how to please...even in her movements.

Slipping to the nadu position: describe how gracefully you move to this position and the beauty of your body as you display it for the Master or Mistresses pleasure

Please note that girls serving Mistresses, and white silk slaves do not part their thighs. Also, in general now, the reference to 'heat' in the open channel is frowned upon. There is a place for such scenes...the alcoves/private message. Best to check with the channel protocol before getting into to such depth.

8. After kneeling and preparing the beverage at Their feet (thats if the beverage wasnt already poured at the hearth or elsewhere,) one may ask to kiss the body of the vessel.

A slave should always ask for permission to do this. Some channels have an ircism where the slaves kiss the rim and taste the drink. This is fine, but also realise this is not gorean practice from the books.

9. Raise the vessel up in offer to the Free Person, whispering a 'silent' prayer for the Free Person's health and well-being. Dont forget to smile. Keep your head up and proud, but eyes lowered submissively. Please note that you lower your eyes, not your head. A kajira is proud in her slavery and keeps her head up unless told to do otherwise by a Free Person.

10. Speak. Tell Them what You brought Them and how much you enjoyed serving them.

11. Return to your original position and await further orders or to be released. Do NOT leave the Free Person's feet until you have been released.

Master's RULES

**Never!!! Speak to Me except in a soft submissive voice**

**The duty of My slave girl is absolute obedience**

you have no rights.**

**The key to being the perfect slave is being as feminine as possible. Always appear graceful and beautiful before Me girl**

**The merest whim of Mine is your highest law.

**The collar entrusted to you carries My honor, you and you alone, can make it as light or as heavy as you wish

**My slaves never attempt to impart instruction to a Free Man, because it would place him in your debt, and nothing is owed to a slave.

**Never!!! Touch a coin little one ... slaves cannot have money.

**Never hold a punishment whip in your hands little one always bring it to Me clenched between your teeth

**Never touch a knife of any kind. there are knives in the servery chained to the cutting counters which are used by slaves to prepare food. Always state that you are using a CHAINED knife to cut with.

**~ And Most Important ~

Never!!! Touch a Master's weapons without His permission

The penalty could be death!!!! unless you have My permission