Calvin's Master Ceremony
WHO Calvin Cage (ufo909)
WHEN Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018
WHERE Chateau Patio
MENTOR Petra Steele
SPEAKER Diamond Gebhardt
by Tina Writer Soulstar, Roissy Journaliste
Photography by Xanadu Xue
The air was warm, the sun was lit, the fire burning on the patio creating warmth or perhaps it was the gathering of friends and family that made it feel warm this memorable fall afternoon for Master Calvin's Master Ceremony. Maitre Thomas welcoming and thanking all joining us this fine autumn afternoon as we celebrate the perseverance that Calvin has shown to complete his path and achieve his full Master tag, at Roissy Val D'Oise.
W E L C O M I N G CO M M E N T S
Thomas bgan, "After applicants receive their Dominant role and begin work on their path task, it is much like any other journey. They usually ask me, 'Is it going to take long?' Seems everyone is eager to learn and interact with our lovely submissives. At Roissy Val d'Oise, we believe that being a Master of the Chateau is an achievement to be truly earned through hard effort, education and practical experience exercising new concepts. We ask our Dominants to demonstrate their diligence in learning about our culture here at VdO and BDSM in general, to express their knowledge and understanding of critical components in this lifestyle and to exhibit skill in building creative, enjoyable and erotic scenes
"Calvin has exhibited patience and politeness in going through his path, and I would like to say before we go any further today that it is been a pleasure to work with him. Before I turn the floor over to Calvin and his guest speakers, I wish to present his Master ring that has been made for the Masters of Roissy VDO. So Calvin ,on behalf of Rene, I will give this to you with no reservations as you join the ranks of the Masters of the Chateau."
T H E C O N F I R M E N T
Thomas walks over to him, offering him the ring. "We are honored to have you in our community as we are with the rest of our family here. I know that you will continue the hard work you have demonstrated so far as you continue this next part of your journey in our community."
Calvin slips the ring on and takes a deep deep breath, "Thank you."
F I N A L S C E N E S I S T E R ' S S P E E C H
Diamond stands, smiling to him. "When asked if I would assist in helping a dominant with his final, I had no idea who it would be until after I said yes. I have to say upon finding out I smiled with curiosity."
"I will admit that I kept wondering how he took the news that I would be assisting him. I was stunned to find out that he actually chose me. Maitre Thomas didn't mention that at all. So I was in a much relaxed place, not so nervous at that point. I just wanted Sir Calvin to have an enjoyable, and memorable time. No pressure for a submissive right? You know that saying, 'don't judge a book by it's cover'? Well, good advice and reminder for all of us, we really shouldn't. I had only spoken to Sir Calvin in passing, a hello here and there mostly. So I really didn't know anything about him except he likes to play the piano. I found this out when I wandered into the chateau one day he was there playing it.
"The moment that he knew I was going to assist him he was warm, welcoming and made sure I understood,and that I was okay with what would take place. He was also really good about making sure he knew my limits and the part I was impressed the most with, is that Sir Calvin made sure I knew his. He gave precise outlines of what he wanted to take place, even choosing a certain style of dress and hair he wanted me to wear. I was aroused by this I have to admit. I don't and cannot speak for other women, but for me that's a big turn on when someone steps up and takes control. Leading without choking your freedom away, if that makes sense at all.
"Sir Calvin was a gentlemen from start to end, even when he set goal to push one of my soft limits. Which he was able to get farther then a couple of dominants who tried that one and he achieved it just by being nice about it!...smiles" Calvin glances at her with a smile, as Diamond smiles and adds a wink to him. "He remained in control, kept communication going and was consistent from beginning to end and knew how to hair pull by the way.
"I usually like to throw a curve ball in at some point, I don't know why just a risk taker like that. Who knows maybe I will if I get to scene with him again, but he treated me like a lady and that's exactly what he got in return. I wanted to be a lady for him and that is one of essences of dominance, you just want to if its done the right way. Sometimes people get wrapped up in what a dominant should be. There are all sorts of versions of how we see what's a dominant. To me there is just no pin point list of things but if I had to choose some it would be this. A dominant is someone who knows himself, confident with who he is, not closed off to learning and who can inspire a submissive to do the same.
A dominant not only inspires, but encourages and provides room for a submissive to grow, but also stands with her as she does and even allows her to stand with him as he continues to grow as well.
Lead with a firm hand they say, but a good dominant knows when that lead should be firm or if it just needs a gentle push. By the end of the final I saw these things in Sir Calvin, got to know him better and I'm glad I didn't judge the book by its cover."
Calvin takes a deep, deep breath
"I got to meet someone and gain someone I can call a friend and you will always be one I consider special." Diamond turns and looks him in the eyes smiling for a moment before speaking. "Master Calvin I am honored to have assisted you with this task of your path, but more honored to have served you, and to have gotten to know you. I respect you not because you're called a dominant. I respect you because you are one. Congratulations, and thank you for choosing to be here at VDO."
She lows him a kiss with affection and a huge smile afterwards.
Calvin feels his chest tighten at her words and her eyes. He takes a deep breath cause his voice is tight. "You're an amazing woman Diamond, and I am honored by your words and thoughts."
M E N T O R ‘ S S P E E C H
Calvin straightens his tie and pulls it together. "I would like to introduce my mentor Petra for a few words. I have more to say about her in my speech later, for now..Petra please. No introduction can express my love and respect for this woman so I won’t make a mess of it. Petra please?"
"Oh its a bit more than a few," smiles, "Thank you Calvin," and rises from my chair happy the time is, at last, at hand to celebrate Calvin's accomplishments. Clears my throat gently and smiles at the assembly of beloved family and friends.
"This marks the second time I find myself standing in this spot (other than at my own Mistress ceremony) to speak some words about a brother Dominant. as he ascends to the ranks of Roissy VdO Masters. To say I feel great pride today would be gross understatement. But it will have to do for now...smiles turning to Calvin...Congratulations Master Calvin!
"I first met Calvin when he attended a session of my Improv workshop. We were at the end of the session and I was begging for volunteers to do one last final improv when Calvin stood and strode to the center of the room. I thanked him and continued to nag the other attendees for another volunteer when I caught sight of the following words on my screen. 'What about you Petra?'
"Me?? I turned to him bemused by his request and decided to give him a run for his money. "Okay, let's do it!: The improv game we were playing was 'Scare or Lure Off The Bench' --the object being for the person standing to somehow get the one sitting on the bench to vacate it. Let me cut to the chase and tell you that I was, in a word, horrible. I wouldn't move and had no plans to in an attempt to demonstrate my 'Steeliness.' Well Calvin very effectively turned the tables on me with charm, intelligence, and aplomb, And when he offered a kiitten as incentive I melted....yes this hardass Domme melted and relented leaving the bench. He'd won the game and not only did I not mind but was enchanted. I do so enjoy a man who will throw down with me!
"When approached by Calvin a short time later to serve as his mentor, I was eager to accept and have been the beneficiary of knowing this fine man and strong Dominant. Calvin has brought his enthusiasm and ingenuity to every task in his log and beyond. He would often remark how much he was enjoying the learning the training provided him, as well, as the people with whom he came in contact. So many times I heard his declarations of pure joy at what he was experiencing at Roissy. When it came time to come up with a topic for his workshop, Calvin chose one close to his heart, 'Hairplay & Hairpulling' and presented it with intelligence, solid research and showmanship leaving the females at the workshop trembling with sensual excitement and eying him covetously.
"His role play is imaginative and fully committed to creating compelling narratives for his partners as well as himself. His essay on 'What Is A Dominant' was a moving read and further confirmation of his remarkable depth and goodness and to giving back more than he has received. And so it was with mentoring him. I learned as much from Calvin as I hope he did from me. He is possessed of the highest traits of character and his moral compass is a permanent and enduring part of everything he does. Calvin's personality is a big one but not bigger than his capacity for empathy, self awareness, integrity and for being intrepid. In his work with the submissive ladies of our community, Calvin is warm and caring but never loses hold of his authority. He uses his intuitive and observational skills to apply the right levels of guidance and protection to each submissive woman with whom he scenes.
She turns to face Calvin with the biggest, brightest smile on my face....."To you Calvin, I offer my congratulations, accolades, respect, regard and great affection. Well done Master Calvin!" Gives his handsome face a quick kiss on the cheek and returns to my seat unable to stop smiling
M A S T E R S P E E C H
Calvin Cage Takes a deep breath, "I want to thank everyone for coming out today and celebrating with me. Speeches are not my thing in RL or in SL so I will not ramble too long. When a speech is due I usually shank it and come up with a great one the next day, like the witty reply an hour later. But I do have some words.
"Thank you to Thomas for taking my endless letters and inquiries and to Dom and Xan for helping schedule me into the various initiations and workshops I needed. I have been going at this a long time and without that extra help and consideration for me schedule it would have taken me much much longer." Xana smiled up to him as she heard her name mentioned. "And now VERY important-- I want to thank the helpful Debutantes and Demoiselles and Sisters who took the time needed to do chores, services and scenes and discussions with me. Brianna Marie, Pareil, Derry, Ju, Skitz, Tzeitel, Sefa, Alyss, Nessa, Chrimson, Jamilie and to Wick, who I have looked to as my brother over the last year, thank you for your lack of judgment and your patience with me.
"I want to thank Diamond who did my final with me and her spirit and sense of fun and joy in writing and connecting with me will last in my heart. It was a very very special time spent with her on the very end of this part of my path and I will be forever grateful to her and to Thomas for selecting her for me. I think there is a bond there that I cherish and I hope she does too. And her speech which made my throat tighten.
"...and to my Mentor Petra Steele. I could not have asked for a more perfect person to ask advice of and listen to and learn from than her. It seems she knows what I am thinking and what’s troubling me or if I am talking form old habits and not looking at things in a new clear light. She also calls me on my bullshit. She is truly one of the most bright and insightful people I have ever met. Without her to help me I would have made far more mistakes than the numerous ones I did. I hope in the future if i am given the chance to mentor a Dom here that I can offer even a fraction of the advice and guidance she gave me." Petra looks down with a shy smile. "Thank you Petra. There will never be a better friend or mentor for me."
Looking out over this modest crowd I see the eyes and smiling faces of the people who I hold dear and have laughed and pestered and typed so very badly for. One particular pair of gleaming Blue Eyes shine to me and reach far into my heart. "Roissy has given me a home I have needed for a long long time. A place where I can learn and grow and then pass on what I have learned, a place where, I hope, my presence matters and can make a difference. I want to make a difference and honor the spirit and the way of life we enjoy here. Thank you for being there when I need you all. I want to end on a poem/lyric by Leonard Cohen. It says more than I can put into words. It's not a sad song..it reads that way but not to me." He recites,
Like a bird on the wire
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
I have tried in my way to be free
Like a worm on a hook
Like a knight from some old-fashioned book
I have saved all my ribbons for thee
If I, if I have been unkind
I hope that you can just let it go by
If I, if I have been untrue
I hope you know it was never to you
For like a baby, stillborn
Like a beast with his horn
I have torn everyone who reached out for me
But I swear by this song
And by all that I have done wrong
I will make it all up to thee
Calvin smiles and slips his flask free, takes a long drink and lets the golden heat warm his heart and soul. "Thank you all for coming and we are all dismissed to DANCE!!! Thomas...would you please take the floor?"
S U M M A R Y A N D T O A S T
As the celebration began to ring in the festive autumn ceremony with cheers, congratulations, glasses and drinks fulled Maitre Thomas thanked everyone again for coming and how "We are truly grateful for all each of you have done, to help Calvin achieve his Master rank. The community that supports each other is the community that endures the test of time."
"Roissy Val d'Oise has been here, going on 7 years, so we have met the test of time, thanks to you, my dear family. Everyone grab a glass of champagne to toast the new Master. To Calvin, Thank you all for joining us here, to celebrate with Calvin. Please join us now, in the Garden for a dance for Calvin, with DJ Wick providing the tune you are all dismissed, lets go celebrate"
