Dove's Sister Graduation
WHO Dove (Ludoveca)
WHEN Sunday, Sept. 2, 2018
WHERE Chateau Gardens
MASTER OF CEREMONIES Thomas Xue
MENTOR Lark Bowen
FINAL MAITRE Jonathon Carbenell
by Brianna Marie, Roissy Journaliste
Photography by Brianna
Summer’s peak was winding down and the Autumn leaves were just starting to change, but there was warmth, merriment and anticipation in the air as the lovely Lark brought her mentee Dove to the Chateau Gardens. On Xanadu’s beckoning, Lark turned to her dear Lil Sis, reaching behind her, unlacing the top of the dress till the front lace fell slack and then removed it, folding it gently holding it in her hand. "I'll keep it safe." she whispered. Dove chuckled as she looked to her sister, "Please do. It was expensive." Lark’s eyes widened knowingly as she nodded whispering again, "Ready?" Dove nodded in return, taking a deep breath as she smiled to her, "I am."
Lark helped her sister to kneel on the cushion, then reached down and unclasped the leash, kissing her cheek, adding a soft "So proud of you." before taking her place. Xanadu rose to her feet, turning to "Maître Thomas,” then out to the audience "Honored guests, welcome all to this joyous event, for today we come together to witness the graduation of Demoiselle Dove, who will join the exclusive ranks of the Roissy Val d'Oise Sisterhood. It is with some sadness that we bid farewell to Demoiselle Dove as she leaves her path here in Samois to rejoin the wider Roissy community. Her path will not end... as it is ever evolving, as she serves and continues to grow under the direction of the Dominant Supervisor Thomas."
W E L C O M I N G D O M I N A N T
"This is a happy occasion which has brought us here today as I am able to announce that although the House of Samois loses a Demoiselle today, Roissy Val d'Oise gains a welcomed Sister. As a Sister she will continue to be active and supportive with those of the House of Samois... it is Sisters who will be the Mentors to the young and striving Debutantes and Demoiselles. All of the VdO submissives are welcomed at Samois as it is our home and comfort center should we ever feel this desire or need. The Samois Sisters, Assistants or myself will always be available if you ever need a shoulder to lean on or just a friendly chat. Maître Thomas, I respectfully invite you to welcome everyone."
Thomas pushed up from his comfy chair "Esteemed and loyal Members of Roissy Val d'Oise and guests, we are gathered here today for one of our oldest and most beloved traditions.” He slipped his hands in his suit pockets, making sure he had the ring and his notes ahead of time, then spoke with pride, "The sister graduation is the cumulation of persistent and hard, but yet we hope fun, work.” He smirked briefly, "It should be fun, right Dove?"
Dove grinned back, "Well, if not then I would just be bored." she winked up at him as he chuckled turning back to the gathered crowd.
"Today is a very special day for her as she graduates from Demoiselle Dove to Sister Dove, a significant milestone indeed. The path of a submissive is never an easy one, it has been called by many a ‘journey of discovery’. The sisters of Roissy Val d'Oise earn the right to be called ‘sister’ and are not granted a tag on admission like some sims do. Our submissives are not just 'anyone', they have graduated from the most complete submissive training path in Second Life." He nodded and gestured with his right hand in affirmation as Dove smiled proudly to Maître. "Our path has been refined by many years of lessons learned to make it the successful learning path we know today. Dove has embraced and deserved this today. Thank you all my friends for supporting her."
F O R S A M O I S H O U S E
Thomas took his seat again as Xanadu lifted to her feet once more "Yes Maître Thomas, and thank you for your kind and encouraging words regarding Demoiselle Dove." Xanadu smiled to Venna "Sister Venna, please welcome everyone on behalf of the House of Samois." Venna gave a smile to Xanadu and stood to give the House of Samois welcome to those attending and to the lovely Sister graduating today. "Thank you Xanadu.” She turned to the members on stage and then to the audience, out at the sea of faces all turned upwards. That look of expectation on their faces brought a smile to her lips. "Welcome Maîtres, Maîtresses, Masters, Mistresses, Sirs, Misses, Sisters, Demoiselles, Débutantes and friends of Roissy Val d'Oise.”
Venna smiled with a look of encouragement and congratulations towards the beautiful submissive kneeling on the cushion, winked at her and then turned back to the audience. She coughed to clear her throat and began "Each time I stand here to give this welcome on behalf of the House of Samois, the more honoured and proud I am to do so. This is a special day when we gather together to celebrate the achievements of this beautiful, gentle, warm-hearted, talented, hard-working and fun-loving Demoiselle. A Demoiselle who has worked endlessly through so much adversity I can only say it is an honour to know her and to be here to see her graduate. This lovely flower,” she laughed “...or shall we call her a beautiful 'Bird'? For she is our own special Dove, has worked hard to get to this point in her training.” Dove swallowed deeply and smiled at Venna as Venna continued
"She has struggled as most of us do on this rocky road, but she has persevered.” Venna looked over to her, sweeping her arm out towards her for the audience’s sake. "This little Dove has a gentle heart, a heart of gold. A person who will do all she can to help others, a submissive who has worked hard helping others, and despite struggling with her health recently, here she is to prove that it can be done. She is also the most amazing DJ and is someone who you can always rely upon. That is our Dove. She showed her spirit and creativity with her workshop, ‘The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly’ and no, Clint Eastwood didn’t make a star appearance. More’s the pity!” Venna sighed as Dove laughed "Such a shame." Venna grinned at her "Then what she did with her event? Well I haven't got a clue!” Venna laughed again. “So original, so exciting and so much fun. That’s our Dove.”
“Because we are submissives and our goal is to become a Sister of Roissy Val d'Oise, or even... ” Venna looked out to the Sisters on that bit of the path, and smiled to them “O… we work on, we work hard, we put aside the things that worry us and plague us because we are committed to getting to this final goal. Dove is one of those submissives who has given her service unstintingly to all the dominants of Roissy and I know she will continue to do so even when she struggles and faces great advearsity. Please let us all congratulate this amazing Sister on her achievement which many would and have put aside. She is one tough cookie but a gentle Dove too, and we all love her.” She turned to look at the beautiful girl and smiled. "Well done, Dove. Congratulations on joining the club! You are one special submissive.” Dove looked to Venna, her eyes glistening with tears, "Thank you." Venna turned back to the audience with a little catch in her voice, "Thank you everyone for being here to share this special day once more." she returned to her cushion, tucking the papers into her pocket and wiped a tear from her cheek. Xanadu rose again "Thank you Sister Venna for your gracious welcome from the House of Samois and your encouraging words to Demoiselle Dove."
R E C O M M E N D A T I O N
Xanadu smiled to Master Wick “Thank you Master Wick for stepping in to assist us today. Please let us know Maître Jonathan's recommendations for Demoiselle Dove." Master Wick rose to his feet and addressed those gathered, “Maître Jonathon couldn’t be here today so I will be reading from his speech he prepared.” He paused a moment then read "One word which comes to mind when I think of Dove is 'surrender'. She has truly surrendered herself to the task. She did a beautiful job facing the challenges of her final scene. It was a very unusual scene, not just involving one Master, but involving four Masters all at once. She showed the true heart of a submissive, stunning all of us, we were all very proud of her. From the sensory deprivation, to tending to more than one Master at once, which can be rather tedious for any submissive to do."
"Dove, this is your day. You should embrace it and remember it. You have done wonderfully to get here. You worked hard to each task you took on to make it right up to the final assignment. It was a honor that you chose me and one which I will always remember. I had a big smile throughout the entire final assignment. You were wonderful, a beautiful submissive who I know will continue to be a part of the community and serve the Dominants with all of her heart. I have no doubt. You should be proud of what you have accomplished here today but remember that the challenge is not over. The challenge continues each and every day, as you continue to be apart of the community."
"To everyone else here to witness Dove's graduation, she has earned not just the acknowledgment of myself but with three other Masters along with me. It is said that it takes great strength to kneel then it does to stand on one's feet. I can tell you all that Dove is one of the strongest girls that I know. Dove deserves this day, she deserves the praise and acknowledgment which she is receiving. She is a wonderful submissive. Please embrace her and welcome her as the newest sister of Roissy and celebrate her accomplishments which she has achieved. Congratulations my dearest friend, you deserve it and I am very proud of you." Dove nibbled her lip to keep from looking like a sobbing mess as Xanadu rose to her feet once more. “Thank you Master Wick for sharing Maître Jonathan's wonderful recommendation of advancement for our Demoiselle Dove. Sister Lark, please speak in regards to your Mentee, Demoiselle Dove."
M E N T O R ‘ S S P E E C H
Lark rose carefully and lifted her lace skirt before stepping forward, dropping it with a soft giggle and looked over to Dove with a smile, as Dove smiled with absolute adoration at her sister. “My dear Lil Sis. I don't even know where to begin. You know when you try something new that you've never really done before and you're scared at first? Well, that was me, for you. You were my first mentee and the one thing I kept saying was, ‘Oh heavens, please don't let me screw this up!’ “ Lark paused for a moment and looked up to the heavens mouthing the words, "Thank you." Dove laughed softly as Lark continued “In truth, I was so excited, especially when we talked and I saw your excitement and eagerness to serve. As time went on through your Debutante phase, I was so impressed by you. And I was so humbled by your gratefulness to not just myself, but to everyone that assisted you.”
“I was in awe watching you grow. You showed true beauty, both inside and out. You made me want to be better everyday watching your example. You were nervous for your initiation and yet you faced it with unyielding determination. Though I had the great opportunity to read your log and get a better understanding of your thoughts and work up to that point, I quickly gained an appreciation for your skills in painting a vivid picture through your words making it a memorable experience. You truly have a gift. It was not just your skills, but also the passion in which you committed yourself to your tasks. We had so many discussions about things and I was always enthralled with your mind and thoughts. It's amazing how we learn more about ourselves as we learn from others. I learned a great deal about that passion through your words and deeds.”
“Oh... the deeds. Dove, you have truly been through so many trials during your path here at Roissy, more than I think i could have... or even would have endured, both in SL and RL. And yet, through every single trial, you exhibited true patience, faith, and perseverance. Through tears, you found determination and your will to push through was so strong that even I have to and should follow your example.” Lark paused and blinked her eyes a bit, sliding a finger under both. “You never once acted out in defiance, frustration, pure anger, or in a way that was unsuitable or unbecoming of a true submissive, or even Lady, for that matter. You handled every situation and task laid before you with beauty and grace. You always seem to rise above every single obstacle you faced. Dove, a heart can be broken and a body beaten, but don't ever let that break your beautiful spirit and everything that makes you who you are. I always said the phrase to you, ‘I know you already know this…’ LOL, and usually you did, more often than not. So with that, I know you already know this... but if there was only a bit of advice I could give, remember that no one is perfect and it's through our mistakes that we learn and grow.” Lark took a deep breath, casting a look at Dove and grinned, winking.
“As you know I love basketball, I want to share with you a quote from whom I believe to be the greatest player ever to grace the court, Michael Jordan. ‘I missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to make the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.’ Dove, I've watched you succeed and I am so very, very proud of you. You told me over and over and over again how lucky you felt to have me as your Mentor. Truth be told, I was the lucky one and so very, very grateful to have you as my first Mentee and Lil Sis.” Lark took another deep breath, giving up on trying not to ruin the mascara, she shook her head and continued with tears flowing. “Thank you for not only allowing me to be a part of your path, but trusting me to help you along the way and of course for helping me to learn and grow with you. With that I'll end by saying Congratulations! I love you bunches and am eager to see what you do next.” Dove wished she could have boob padding today to hide her tissues, as she replied "Thank you sis, I love you." to Lark, the soft whisper of "Love you too." offered in reply with blown kisses. Xanadu smiled over at Lark, "Thank you for your words of encouragement for your Mentee Dove."
T H E C O N F E R M E N T
Xanadu turned then, “Maître Thomas, you have heard the recommendations of Maître Jonathan and supported by her mentoring Sister Lark, I respectfully invite you to confer to Demoiselle Dove the title and the ring of our Sisterhood." Thomas nodded "Please proceed, Xanadu." and hearing his words, Xana called her forth "Demoiselle Dove, please come forward and kneel before Maître Thomas."
Dove gracefully rose, smoothing out her skirt and made her way to the cushion before kneeling once again before him. Thomas looked over at Lark and then at Dove, thinking he’d better not get their names mixed up. Lark flashed a look to Maître Thomas and prepared to pull out the nametags if needed as Dove laughed softly, "It could get confusing." Thomas grinned, "Both lovely ladies and soon to be sisters together at Roissy Val d'Oise." He looked at the Demoiselle before him, then along the platform. Recalling all of the speakers’ supportive words, he smiled towards the gathered community, friends and family, feeling very proud to be a part of this wonderful famille of Roissy Val d’Oise.
Thomas reached into his pocket and found the piece of neatly folded but worn linen stationery, where he had taken notes on different occasions along her journey. Looking toward all the Debutantes and Demoiselles, he said, "You see Submissives, I do take notes, and my memory without notes is pretty good as well, so remember what you do here could be brought up on this stage." Dove coughed, trying to think back over everything really quick as Thomas spoke “You see here before you, a submissive woman, one that has honored her path. She was accepted into the House of Samois as a Debutante on December 28, 2017. She then progressed and moved on to the time of her Initiation on January 20, 2018, where she served and was opened by the Dominants of Chateau Roissy Val d’Oise and became known as Demoiselle Dove. Her journey continued as she traveled along wanting to learn and absorb. Dove presented an amazing workshop titled ‘Online D/s, The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly’ on May 30, 2018. I, like Dove, enjoy spaghetti Western films it seems.”
“On June 24, 2018, she continued along, and next was her well-planned Sister Event as she presented ‘The Murder Mystery Night in the Chateau’.” He smiled, “As a side note, I have to credit Dove for being patient and waiting to bring back this event for everyone till she graduates. Patience is a needed virtue for us all. Thank you Dove for showing us how to be patient, we needed reminders at times. Her Final task was a test of her submission based upon her strengths and weaknesses. The Adjointe de Samois received a notice of recommendation from Maître Jonathan that all was completed and she was worthy of Sisterhood. Now today, she kneels before us on September 2nd, 2018, to receive what she had committed herself to, the giving of her submission, today she will have bestowed upon her the VdO ring and title of Sister." He took Demoiselle Dove’s hand in his as he found the ring in his jacket pocket. Dove rested her fingertips gently in Maître's hand, looking up to him with pride as Thomas inspected the ring closely, seeing the gleaming golden ring sparkle with VdO inscribed on it, and placed it onto Demoiselle Dove’s finger crouching forward as he speaks softly to her, “Congratulations Dove, you will inspire many.” Dove lifted her hand, looking at the ring and then leans in to whisper, "Did I just get engaged to Roissy?" as she grinned impishly.
There was a short burst of laughter from various voices as Thomas replied “Well, you are with us completely now, Dove.” He then sat back, grinning, "Please Xanadu, give our newest Sister her rightful tag and let’s welcome her into our Sisterhood here at Roissy Val d'Oise." Xanadu, hearing Maître Thomas' instruction, smiled to the kneeling Demoiselle Dove, then looked around towards those assembled, members and guests drawing their attention before continuing. "To become a Sister of Roissy Val d’Oise, a submissive has to have many qualities, some are as follows: To be trustworthy, graceful, loyal, humble, obedient, enduring, patient, and remain submissive no matter how hard that may be. You have shown these qualities. Demoiselle Dove, cast that title aside and wear the one that I give you at this time. Wear the emblem of Sisterhood with pride as you go out to a new and exciting future in Roissy Val d'Oise. I remind you to always serve with passion and fire, and always from your heart, Sister Dove."
Xanadu paused to let the new title resonate amongst those assembled, the cheers ringing out warmly, congratulations teasing the air, and it was a few moments before the sounds died down long enough for Xanadu to be heard again. "Congratulations Sister Dove and welcome our Honored Roissy Val d'Oise Sisterhood. Sister Dove, please stand and take a moment to speak to all your family, friends, and guests assembled here today."
S I S T E R ' S S P E E C H
Dove stood there looking out at the crowd of people, tears glimmering in her eyes. With a choked voice she began to speak, "I never thought this possible, being able to stand before all of you in such a way. Many of you have been here with me since the beginning, have helped to mold me into the submissive that I am. Some of you, I have even helped guide along the way, and consider family. All of you hold a special place in my heart."
Dove turns then to look up at the sky a moment, then down again, "When I first met Maître Jonathon, it was outside of the realm of Roissy. I was shocked to learn that we had similar interests. I think this endeared me to him from the start. We did not get a lot of time together, but the time we did have was wonderful, and the bond grew. I knew it would be him that I picked for my final. He proved why when he came to me, shortly after an issue happened to him in RL. I begged him not to, but he knew how important this was to me… so he did anyway.” Dove breathed deeply unable to stop the tears from forming, "He took the deepest parts of me that day. He took parts of me that I did not know existed and brought them to the surface. I was forced to accept myself, my faults. I was forced to trust not only in him, but in the others involved that day." She looks around at those present with a knowing smile before focusing on the group as a whole. "He showed me how strong of a person I really am, and I thank him from the depths of my heart."
Dove turned then to look at Xanadu, "How can I explain what you have done for me? You have known me far longer than my original joining here at Roissy in December of last year. Even then we had a special bond that far exceeded what others could actually see. I don't think anyone here knows how truly important you are to me, and always will be. When I joined, I promised you that I would work my way through. That I would conquer my issues and remain strong." Xanadu smiled up to her as she listened, remaining silent. Dove reached between her boobs to try to find a tissue and forgot she had no top on and simply chuckled, "You have been a huge support to me throughout the entire process. You pushed me to continue through. You constantly reminded me that this day would come… that I could do this… that I would do this. Well, you were right, I did it. Thank you, I love you dearly and always will."
Dove turned then to look at Lark and had to take a moment to compose herself. "Sis, I can't call you Lark or my mentor because you are so much more to me. You are my sister, a bond that is far deeper than a mentor. When I was assigned to you, I would learn that I would be your first mentee. I took great honor in that and vowed then and there to do my best for you. I could not ask for a better mentor." Dove reached up to wipe her eyes, "You know I went through a lot of ups and downs here. A lot of heartbreak, a lot of joys. You were there to console me and lift me back up when I started to fall. You were my wings when I failed to fly. You supported me through my angers and frustrations. You laughed with me in my moments of happiness. I did this, but I never would have done this without you. I only hope that I can carry on your inspiration to those that need it from me. I love you. So very much." Lark gave up and let the tears flow at this point, blowing a kiss and whispering, “Love you too.”
Dove turned back out to the crowd, looking at everyone in turn. "You are family. Even those of you I do not really know or have not spent time with. You are family. I recently went through a very rough time in RL that almost made this impossible. Some of you know what happened. It was a terrifying time for me, but your support through it, also made this day possible." Dove looked to those gathered, "Maître Rene has given us something special in our community, in our home. Maître Thomas helps with his guiding hands. I vow now to carry on the traditions that Roissy is known for. To guide, assist, and work, with approval from the Dominants, to continue to make this place what it is. Thank you for giving me this opportunity. I am humbly honored to have made it this far."
S U M M A T I O N
Xanadu stood, turning to Dove “I know your speech was written from your heart and with sincerity. I ask that you please take your place before Master Wick.” She waited then turned towards the crowd, smiling ”Congratulations to our newest Sister Dove on your advancement becoming a Honored Roissy Val d'Oise Sister. A Sister is to always be a positive example for our Debutantes, Demoiselles, members and visitors of our community as she continues working within our community.”
She turned to Dove "This day was envisioned for you from the very day we met, and here you are. It took you longer then many are aware of, but you overcame some difficult issues in RL to be where you are today." then turned back to the audience "Dove and I have known each other much longer then just this stint of her path, which began the end of last year. We do have a bond and it makes me smile to see that she has found her place in her submission." She recalled reading a scene in her log she did with a Maître, where she realized he no longer had any doubts that she has ‘found her place’. "This is probably the best thing any submissive can do, to allow herself to just be as she is. In reading her finals, it was again apparent she still was in the same place but even more secure.”
Xanadu smiled back to Lark, her mentor and then to those in the audience "I will say that our Mentoring Sisters have a large part of this as well, through their advice and support they enhance the path for the submissives and gently assist as needed. I sincerely thank y’all for your continued support to the House of Samois. An existential part of becoming a Sister is the time spent in our community actively and making a commitment to work for the betterment and the desire to help others grow. We are fortunate to have this amazing community which Maître Rene has offered this to us to safely learn the ins and out of BDSM. Although this is an online experience, still the education aids us in everyday life."
"I was present at both at Dove's Workshop which helped us in understanding ‘Online D/s: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly’ and her Sister Event ‘The Murder Mystery Night’ which brought us into roleplay in the Chateau. Knowing Dove, I could see as she entered the finals phase of her Demoiselle path, her determination.” She smiled to Dove, “Her uniqueness has been felt by many as she moved forward, she has many qualities to offer Roissy, as well as being a DJ. As told to us with Maître Jonathan's very favorable recommendation, today Dove was elevated to the status of an honored Roissy VdO Sister. I am proud of you Dove, and I do agree, you have truly found your place here with us. Now, it is your turn to give back to Roissy, what was given to you."
Xanadu turned, “Maître Thomas, many times I have said this but it never seems to be enough. Through you to Maître Rene, we thank you for your generosity and the gift given us daily, this wonderful community where we are free to learn and discover our inner selves safely.” Xanadu turned back to the audience “First and primarily to our Dominants, a sincere thank you to y'all for being here to encourage and help us and for your patience as we learn. To our Submissives, we personally thank each of you for your continued support. Please remember, we never have to pursue anything here by ourselves, for we are a team. Each of you are special to me and above all very important to the success of VdO. Please continue to show your commitment and dedication as you proudly wear your titles, assist as you can, but above all be here supportive of this awesome community.”
“In closing, please remember, hold high the principles of Roissy Val d'Oise that Maître Rene has provided. We have the best of the best here and the positive support we offer each other, only ensures our strength, proving once again ‘We are Family’. If there is anything you wish to share or offer the sim, please let Maître Rene know by dropping a notecard in his Red mailbox outside his office. Please remember to check our website so you will stay up to date on all the happenings of VdO at http://www.roissy-vdo.com.“ She smiled back to Thomas "Maître Thomas, that concludes the graduation ceremony. The House of Samois is proud to see another of its Demoiselles take her place in the wider Roissy community under your direction. I respectfully invite you to please close the proceedings witnessed by those present today."
T O A S T & D I S M i S S A L
Thomas stood, pulling the bottle opener out of his secret pocket in his jacket, then opened a bottle of outrageously expensive French Brut champagne, popping the cork and making a mess of the red carpet. He shrugged and laughed, filling a few flutes and handing one to Dove. She took the flute of champagne, looking up to Maître, "I promise to NOT let Annie drink it all." There was a round of laughter as Thomas added “Join us everyone, raise your glass… to our new Sister Dove!” Ano
