Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Coquette Blacquin]

She bristles. "I've nothing to do with slaving," she says curtly. "The other terms are unfamiliar to me."

[Tethras Clan]

"Understandable," Zevran says soothingly. "As I said, I am not fond of those specific terms either. The other two words both mean the same thing, referring to the more powerful or dominant person in power play. It's as you described really. Two- or more- people are in a relationship and some of them agree, of their own will, to gift a certain degree of control or authority over themselves to another. The giver is a sub or bottom and the other is the top or domme. The details, naturally, vary as widely as any kind of relationship. I gather you've no familiarity with the idea, aside from what you have put together yourself?"

[Coquette Blacquin]

She shakes her head. "No, I was unaware others did this. It sounds akin to the pack dynamics in play with wolves? A dominant who orders the others around?"

[Tethras Clan]

"I do not know overly much about such things, but... in part, yes. The biggest difference is that in a power play relationship, it is just that- play. The partners are equals, the sub simply allows the domme to give orders. Perhaps because they enjoy the thrill of submitting, of trusting someone with that power, perhaps because they like the relief of being able to simply obey, perhaps because they enjoy the hints of taboo that often surround such behavior. Or perhaps for any number of other reasons," Zevran continues. "That's what makes it ethical- that the sub can take their power back at any time and the domme will let them. There are any number of rules and such to ensure such."

[Coquette Blacquin]

"Rules? What are the rules for this sort of thing?"

[Tethras Clan]

"Well, the first to come to mind is safe words," Zevran says thoughtfully, eye landing on a bowl of fruit nearby. "A particular word that you both agree on while both are thinking clearly, ahead of time. Or words, actually. For instance, you might decide that using the word... tangerine means that everything needs to stop, that she is about to panic or is in pain and she needs you to stop doing whatever you were doing and focus entirely on determining her state of being, then providing assistance. However, clementines could be a lesser word, one that merely alerts you that something that is happening is bothering her. More of a request that you change up your actions, rather than stop altogether."

[Coquette Blacquin]

"I see," she says slowly. "I am uncertain this would be beneficial."

[Tethras Clan]

"It provides two benefits- the first is that it allows for more realistic scenes. Some people, for instance, enjoy putting on the roles of a heavy-handed noble and a servant, wherein 'no' is merely part of the game, because it is tangerine that revokes consent. More relevant to you, I think, is that it can be easier for... people that innately or conditioned to be overly submissive to speak up indirectly. 'No' or 'stop' or 'I would prefer otherwise' can be hard to say. Tangerine... is just a fruit."

[Coquette Blacquin]

"I shall introduce the topic. We shall see if she agrees. What else?"

[Tethras Clan]

"Check-ins," Zevran says promptly. "Set aside a particular time- once a day or at least once a week- where the two of you speak openly and frankly, as equals. It can help to find a place where they feel particularly safe or emboldened."

[Coquette Blacquin]

"Without masks or illusions between us," she muses. "Assuming Liz is willing. Yes, I think that would be wise. What else?"

[Tethras Clan]

"Similar to a check-in, you and your sub should have a talk- or a series of talks, as they may be taxing- where you both discover, share and define your boundaries. What extent does your power over her cover? Do you pick out her clothing? Select her meal options? Is she allowed to speak without permission? Is anal play allowed? Can you use your name? Do you use her name, a nickname or a slur? Are you allowed to gift her, in part or in whole to people? If so, who? When? Is she allowed to make choices on your behalf? If so, what? When? How often?"

[Coquette Blacquin]

"Most of that we've discussed," she says, frowning slightly. "I'm not certain what this has to do with sex. Sex is sex. I call her a number of things depending on the rules she's set up. She never makes the decisions without me -- though I've told her, now, that in an emergency like the one we experienced, she must do what she thinks I would advise her to do and I will forgive any mistakes later. Why would I gift her to someone?"

[Tethras Clan]

"Some people like it," Zevran says with a shrug. "Temporary objectification, the removal of the expectations and obligations for being a mortal being can be.... relaxing, pleasing, to some. And it has to do with sex because, with how the two of you are living this power play lifestyle, it's just that- a lifestyle, affecting every part of your life including sex. Right now, she will likely do nearly anything you say. Even if it hurts her, even if she hates it."

[Coquette Blacquin]

"I do not tell her to do things that would hurt her."