Protocol is common courtesy kicked up a notch.

Sometimes it is scary how well someone else has written about a lifestyle situation that parallels ours. Laura Antoniou, in The Marketplace, has captured our home and philosophy exceptionally well.

From Chapter Seven of THE MARKETPLACE by Laura Antoniou

"Many aficionados of the scene imagined that being trained to be a slave is a journey through a magically erotic kingdom. They envision an endless stream of sexual stimulation ranging from the most common sexual encounters to prolonged sessions of agonizing torture. With all the participants suitably costumed, of course.

"It is disillusioning for these people to realize that masters and mistresses do not often feel compelled to conduct their affairs in gleaming black leather or latex, complete with jackboots or stiletto heels. Their faces fall in disappointment when they are made to understand the slave’s life is mostly composed of patience and study.

"Yes, study. If not with actual books, then following the example of greater, senior slaves. Or learning every nuance of their owner's character, so that they can more completely and seamlessly offer themselves at the right time and in the right manner.

"True slaves, those who will be cherished and valued, will never allow their skills and talents to become stagnant. They will never be satisfied with their level of confidence. And they will always be willing to follow their owner’s lead, quickly, respectfully, and to the best of their ability.

"To be thrilled at the touch of leather, aroused by the sound of harsh words, or satisfied by the security of rigid bondage is the mark of a lover.

"To be thrilled at the opportunity to provide useful service, aroused by a pleased nod, and satisfied by the proverbial job well done is the mark of the slave.

"It may sound severe. Almost anti-erotic. Until you see two people, owner and owned, existing in a complementary relationship where each suits the other like balances on a delicate scale, until you feel the energy of their rapport, you cannot understand how they fulfill each other, take and give in ways no negotiation could possibly express.

"Then you will understand that singular intimacy that drives such people on their search for perfection. It is beyond orgasm. Beyond love. It can almost be called rapture.

"To achieve that level may require many years of training. But in the end, there’s nothing that compares to it. At our house, we know this, and we construct our training with that exact goal in mind. We demand that applicants leave behind their foolish dreams and expectations, and we strip away any falseness that may linger. Those who survive and go on must be implanted with the urge to go further. Our name and reputation depend on it.

"But it’s so hard to get good material these days."

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Normally a slave in Our home is at least partially naked, collared, does not use the household furniture or appliances except as ordered, and sleeps on a designated mat or futon on the floor (not necessarily in Our bedroom). This stripped-down lifestyle is the default condition for slaves; exceptions are made to accommodate physical disabilities, work requirements, special needs, and so on. Although a slave (like everyone else!) will benefit from learning humility, the purpose of these restrictions is not humiliation or degradation. Rather, it is to give the slave practice in obedience, by following a discipline, and to enhance his focus on service by removing distractions.

A slave who is in Our service is an extension of Us and must strive to obey Us in all things. A slave who is in training temporarily puts himself under Our direction and that of any other Masters designated to work with that slave/trainee. A slave may ask questions in order to understand Our intentions regarding his service. Every question a slave asks regarding Our intention becomes an order once We answer.

Normal and natural. A slave should strive to accept the prescribed patterns of slave behavior, however unconventional, as normal for slaves, and strive to follow the Protocol and other orders in such a way that his actions and speech both feel and look natural. The slave is in effect a part of Us, and should obey Us as naturally, and with as little attitude, as any other part of Our Body. There is no humiliation or shame in obedience, and a slave should feel none when he is doing as ordered.

Obedience and correctness.A slave will never give the appearance that he thinks We have made a mistake, whether by facial expression, body language, or verbal challenge. We are not perfect, but whatever We order is "right" because it is Our will. If the slave feels that he has information that We are lacking, or sees a better possibility that We may not have considered, the slave may—within the limits of the Protocol—ask whether We wish him to convey such information or to make a suggestion. The slave who approaches Us with questions or suggestions in the proper manner will find that we are receptive and appreciative.

Being open. A slave exists without privacy or defenses. What he is, what he does, and even what he thinks and feels must be open for inspection at all times. A slave should always carry himself with dignity, whether naked and in chains or out in the world, and his appearance and behavior should always reflect positively on his Master and his slave brothers.