Another Conversation in the Hall

originally posted April 18, 2006

"Greetings, Phais," I offered.
The stunning blonde beauty of Clark's, one of the jewels on his personal chain, was knelt before me in a hallway of his grand House. "I would speak with you."
"Yes, Master," she said, "the girl, Elise, is an apt student as you surmised. She strives to learn everything that I, Tellia and Elsa teach her. I do not often find it necessary to switch her."
"Excellent," I replied.
Elise begged the opportunity to learn an instrument while I was a guest in the House of Clark. I believe she is learning either the kaska or tabor, perhaps both, but Phais was commenting on another training; one I prescribed. She is being instructed in the tile dance. A girl must remain on her belly, back or side at all times. It is a series of natural movements inherent in any woman. As dances go, that and the Dance of the Newly Collared Slave Girl, are the easiest for a slave to learn. In a sense, they already know them. They've always known them. They need only unlock their inhibitions, which are not allowed in a slave girl anyway - at least not a slave girl I own.
"I have other training in mind for Elise. And also for the girls Samantha and She," I told her.
"Yes, Master," she replied.
"I would have them trained as handmaidens, Serving Girls for a free woman," I informed her.
"Oh. Yes, Master," she said with more than a little curiosity in her tone. "Gretchen is First Maiden of my Master's lofty companion. I will inform her within the ahn of your wishes."
"They should learn proper comportment and mannerisms, everything necessary to see to the myriad needs of a free woman," I told her.
"Yes, Master," she said. "Master?"
"What is it Phais?" I asked.
"May Phais speak candidly?" she inquired.
"Certainly. You are so commanded. Speak candidly," I told her.
"Yes, Master," she replied. "Gretchen is an icy bitch. Your girls will learn and swiftly."
"Excellent," I replied.
"Master?" she inquired. "Do you wish the instruction of the tile dance to continue with the girl, Elise?"
"Of course," I said. I understood why she asked. Doubtless, it would interfere with the lessons provided by Gretchen. "See that she learns it well."
"Master is cruel," Phais replied quietly. She shuddered. She was, apparently, not fond of the girl Gretchen.
"Shall I loosen my belt?" I asked her.
"No, Master! Please. Phais speaks candidly as you command! Please!" she cried.
"Very well," I replied.
It was true. I commanded her to speak candidly. She obeyed. Also, from time to time I can be cruel - at least from the perspective of a slave girl. From time to time, one must be. There was little to gain from beating Phais. Well, that is not entirely true. Phais is a dancer. I imagine she squirms and leaps exquisitely beneath the lash.
"Run along, Phais."
"Yes, Master!" she exclaimed, pleased to be away from the threat of my belt. When she reached the corner, I noted that she stopped, dallied a moment to look back over her shoulder. I touched the belt at my waist. Caught, she cried, "Oh!" and stumbled forth to do my bidding. Right then. I will have to speak to someone about changing the camisk of the girl, Samantha, to one more appropriate during the workday.