Norma's Sister Graduation-1
WHO Norma Underwood
WHEN Sunday, Apr. 14, 2019
WHERE Chateau Gardens
WELCOMES Thomas Xue
FOR SAMOIS HOUSE Gillian Gemini
RECOMMENDATION Chip Althouse
MENTOR Rebecca
By Siahnn, Roissy Journaliste
Photography by Xanadu Xue
Every seat was filled and the crowd spoke to each other quietly while waiting for the ceremony to begin.
Xanadu looked out over the audience and called, "Sister Becca, please prepare and bring forward our Graduating Demoiselle, Norma, to her place on the cushion near Maitre Chip."
Giving Norma a hug and unleashing her, Rebecca whispered with a smile, "This is your special day." She slipped off her top and tucked it in her hand discreetly.
The crowd exclaimed over Norma's beauty as she prepared to follow Rebecca.
"Kneel before Maitre Chip on the cushion, please," Rebecca indicated to her mentee.
Norma moved to the cushion near Maitre Chip and kneelt before him.
"Maitre Thomas,” Xanadu smiled at him before turning to face the audience. "Honored guests, welcome all to this joyous event. Today, we come together to witness the Graduation of Demoiselle Norma, who will join the exclusive ranks of the Roissy Val d'Oise Sisterhood as she continues to serve our Dominants."
"It is with some sadness that we bid farewell to Demoiselle Norma as she leaves her path here in Samois to rejoin the wider Roissy community. Under the direction of Senior Dominant Supervisor Thomas, her path will not end. It is ever evolving as she continues to serve and grow in her knowledge," Xanadu said proudly, her voice carrying over the audience.
"This is a happy occasion which has brought us here today as I am able to announce. Although the House of Samois loses a Demoiselle today, Roissy Val d'Oise gains a welcomed Sister," Xanadu continued. "As a Sister, she will continue to be actively involved, taking part within the community and being supportive with those of the House of Samois, as it is our Sisters who are the Mentors to the our young and striving Debutantes and Demoiselles."
"Our VdO submissives are always welcomed at Samois as it is our home and comfort center should we ever feel the desire or need for time to ourselves. The Samois Sisters, Venna and Gillian, and Julie, our Assistant or myself, will be available should you ever need a shoulder to lean on or just a friendly chat." Xanadu exchanged a smile with Norma, then turned her smile on Maitre Thomas, "Maitre Thomas, I respectfully invite you to welcome everyone."
W E L C O M I N G D O M I N A N T
"Thank you, Xanadu," said Maitre Thomas as both Xanadu and Norma turned their eyes and their smiles to him. He smiled himself and looked out at the crowd. "Esteemed and loyal Members and Guests, we are are gathered here today for one of our oldest and most beloved traditions at Roissy Val d'Oise. For over 7 years, we have welcomed new Sisters to our Family. It is wonderful that the life and people continue always."
Maitre Thomas slipped his hands in his suit pockets as he spoke with pride, "The Sister Graduation is the culmination of persistent and hard work. Norma's graduation means quite a lot to her and to all of our family who watched her grow in her mission as a result of her training here."
"We do know her well and we know she is not really normal," Maitre Thomas grinned and winked at Norma, who grinned back up at him.
"Today is a very special day for her as she graduates from Demoiselle Norma to Sister Norma, a significant milestone indeed. Of course I know her name," Maitre Thomas paused to look at Lark with a smirk before continuing. "The path of a submissive is never an easy one, but if it were easy, anyone could and would do it. The sisters of VdO earn the right to be called 'Sister' and are not granted a tag on admission like some sims do."
"Many start the path and find many reasons not to continue. Normal was not one of those. she met things head on," Maitre Thomas turned and smiled at her as Norma giggled. "Our submissives are not just 'anyone far beyond Normal', they have graduated from the most complete submissive training path in second life. Our path has been refined by many years of lessons learned to make it the successful learning path we know today. Our sisters are from the best school in this world of submissive training. Thank you Norma, for showing us all, renewing the spirit of Roissy VDO, what it takes to finish your path."
"Please continue, Xanadu," said Maitre Thomas, resuming his seat while Norma smiled in appreciation.
"Maitre Thomas, thank you for your kind and encouraging words regarding Demoiselle Norma." Xanadu turned to smile at Gillian. "Samois Sister Gillian, please welcome everyone on behalf of the House of Samois."
F O R S A M O I S H O U S E
"With pleasure, Xan," Gillian said as she rose and stepped forward. "Greetings Maitres, Maitresse, Masters, Mistresses, Sirs, Misses Members and Guests. It is a pleasure and honour to represent the House of Samois and extend a warm welcome to Everyone present here today to celebrate Demoiselle Norma's accomplishments on her path. It is an honour to see so many friends and family who have come to support Norma on a day she will remember for a long time to come."
"Who is Norma?" Gillian asked, then went on to explain, "She's a gracious host, expert decorator, and when I asked her friend, Ita, for more about her I was told she's intelligent, sweet, naughty and kind with kinks." Gillian grinned.
"What I love about Roissy are the connections we make here, the friends, lovers and family, the people who us keep logging, coming back, the people who help us with our logs, listen to us when we need help. Our sense of community is strong and that is what keeps us here." Gillian stated.
Gillian continued, "Norma's path has not been smooth sailing and I like to think that it was our sense of community and the connections she made here that brought her back and kept her on her path. It's a path that only now really starts. As she delves deeper into who she is as a submissive, she will continue to grow and learn things about herself."
"Norma, never stop learning, because when we stop learning, we stop growing. You are going to be an amazing sister and mentor to girls who will look up to you and come to you for advice and solutions to their problems." Gillian paused and smiled at Norma, "Congratulations and well done!"
Norma at Gillian affectionately as she returned to her cushion.
"Thank you, Sister Gillian, for your gracious welcome from the House of Samois and your encouraging words for Demoiselle Norma," said Xanadu before turning with a smile to Maitre Chip. "Maitre Chip, as Norma's Finals Maitre, please present your recommendations for her."
R E C O M M E N D A T I O N
"Thank you, Xana. I’m quite honored to speak on Norma’s behalf,” Maitre Chip rose and looked at the stunning blonde off to his right as Norma raised her eyes to him.
"If there is anyone who isn’t looking at Norma Underwood now, please look at her. What you see under all that beauty is a person of amazing contrasts," Maitre Chip began. "When she first contacted me, she sounded reserved, unsure of herself, shy about asking for a final. I thought, 'I will have to reassure her as we go and make her comfortable about doing this scene or she might die of fright'. Her limits were off-putting as well. No to the usual fluids and dead people and beasts and stuff, but also no to whips. I was thinking, ‘hmm, maybe she expects a massage for her final scene.'"
While Norma blushed, Maitre Chip continued, "As I got to know her better, I found she is a true submissive within a world of paradox. I learned that she has a breathtaking honesty about her real self, and that real self is loaded not only with self-assurance but also with a zany sense of humor and a great deal of artistic talent. "
"Part of Norma’s up front anxiety was the conviction that, 'I know I’m not what a lot of dominants are looking for in a submissive.' In our discussions, she translated that as wanting an equivalent balance in her relationships with the Dominant half," Maitre Chip stated, "To me, that is what good Dominants ARE looking for in a submissive. After all, a power exchange in D/s relationships implies that power comes from both sides, right? Give yourself an A-plus on that line, Norma."
"In the course of the final scene, the Norma paradox emerged. Instead of resisting me as I pushed hard against her limits (hot wax, painful clamps, flogging, a sharp knife cutting her panties off) she seemed to rise from within, sharing a deeper connection with me all along the way," Maitre Chip said.
"What else about this fantastic girl?" Maitre Chip asked, then went on, "Well, if you attended her Sister Event, you saw a talented, extroverted Norma deliver a very funny stand up comedy act using voice and images. She was not a shy, quiet introvert, but instead, a delightful, funny, outgoing girl with a lot of talent."
"I wish to thank my two brethren who played the dangerous prison guards in the scene finale, 'Brick the Brute' and 'Mean Dog Damien'. I couldn’t have orchestrated a gang rape for her better myself." said Maitre Chip as he turned to the lovely ex-junior high school art teacher and winked, “We are indeed lucky to have you here, Norma.”
Then Maitre Chip turned to face the audience again, announcing, “She has my heartiest recommendation for advancement to the Sisterhood here at Roissy Val d’Oise. Well done, Norma.”
With that, Maitre Chip returned to his chair and sat down as Norma smiled her gratitude for his kind words.
“Thank you Maitre Chip for your wonderful recommendation of advancement for our Norma," said Xanadu, turning her smile from him to Rebecca. "Sister Becca, please present your thoughts regarding your mentee, Norma."
M E N T O R ‘ S S P E E C H
"Thank you Xanadu," Rebecca nodded as she stood and brushed down her dress. Looking out over the assemble crowd, she said quietly, "Welcome Maitres, Maitresses, Mistresses, Masters, Sirs, Misses, Debs, Dems, Sisters and guests of Roissy VdO. First, I must thank Maitre Rene for his vision and his generosity and for giving us an environment in which we can realize our dreams and ambitions, learn and grow. My heartfelt thanks to you all for joining us to celebrate Norma's special day. Today marks a very large milestone on a long and continuing journey. Thank you to all that have carried Norma through the path to Sisterhood."
Norma watched her mentor with great admiration as Rebecca took a deep breath and looked over to her lovely mentee kneeling upon the cushion and smiled warmly.
"We are here to celebrate a very special event, the graduation of Norma. I thought it would be easy to write this speech, I was so wrong. I remember well the day that I met Norma. We were standing on the landing and I inquired about her log noting her Dem tag above her head. Norma had taken a break and was returning, ready to go forward with her path. Her joyful demeanor and willingness to serve is above reproach." Rebecca's soft tone carried across the crowd.
"Xana messaged me and said that she had a mentee for me. I was so excited because mentoring was the thing that I looked most forward to doing. Then, she added that it was Norma and that we had both enjoyed making clothes and working in Art Galleries. Everything she does is a phenomenal success," Rebecca continued. "Needless to say, it was a perfect fit and I was touched to tears that she regarded me, that she trusted me."
Norma felt a small lump in her throat as she listened.
"Since that time, I have found a very delightful personality in Norma. She is steadfast in her position as a submissive and strong in her convictions," Rebecca said. "I have to say that it was an easy job. Norma knew VDO as well as myself and was close friends with many. At times she was laid back and others pursuing her log. She has determination, drive and a passion to succeed. Anyone who knows her I'm sure would say the same. Norma's best attribute, however, is her strong desire to help our community."
Norma felt tears forming as Rebecca continued speaking.
"When I think of Norma, my first thought that comes to mind of her is her beautiful spirit. She was quiet, yet intent upon her next step, entering the next level in a very positive mode." Rebecca said proudly, "Norma's Sister Workshop 'How Does Improv & Standup Comedy Relate to D/s RolePlay' was presented with confidence and grace. Then her Sister Event 'Confessions of a Jr. High School Teacher' had everyone grinning. I know that Norma will be a beautiful and successful sister here at Roissy."
Rebecca turned to Norma and offered tissues, to which Norma mouthed a silent 'thank you'.
"My dear sister, I am so proud of you that words cannot describe. You have worked so hard to be where you are at this moment. Congratulations my sister. This honor you achieve today is hard earned. We know that and you have proved your worthiness. Wear this tag and ring you receive today proudly. I cannot wait to see you grow as a Sister." Rebecca said as Norma wiped away her tears.
Rebecca turned to Xanadu and Maitre Thomas, pride in her voice, "It is with great pride that I recommend Norma be given the tag of Sister. She is and will continue to be an asset to our community." With another smile to Norma and a kiss blown across the stage, Rebecca turned and went back to her cushion, kneeling down.
"Thank you for you remarks regarding Demoiselle Norma," Xanadu smiled at Rebecca while Norma gathered herself.
T H E C O N F E R M E N T
“Maitre Thomas, you have heard the recommendations of her finals Maitre Chip and supported by her mentoring Sister Becca," Xanadu said with a smile. "I respectfully invite you to confer to Demoiselle Norma the title and the ring of our Sisterhood."
Maitre Thomas nodded affirmatively and eased back in his chair, thinking and reflecting on the comments and recommendations. He toyed with his ring and looked to the group as he said, "I am always impressed by all the commendations."
Maitre Thomas indicated to Xanadu his own confirmation to continue the proceedings with a nod.
Seeing his gesture, Xanadu smiled to the lovely girl. "Demoiselle Norma, come forward, please, and kneel before Maitre Thomas."
Norma stood and walked to Maitre Thomas, kneeling in front of him respectfully with a smile as both the Maitre and Xanadu smiled at her.
Maitre Thomas looked at the Demoiselle before him and then along the platform, recalling all of their supportive words as he often did. He looked out towards the gathered community, friends and family, feeling very proud to be a part of this wonderful Familie of Roissy Val d’ Oise for the last seven years. It is his home and all of ours.
"When I first meet this Demoislle, I thought, 'Norma Jean, another Marilyn Monroe wanna be in Second Life.' But, our Norma has shown how special she truly is." Maitre Thomas smiled as he reached into his pocket, searching for the piece of neatly folded but worn linen stationary where he took notes on different occasions along Norma's journey.
“You see here before you a submissive woman, one that has honored her path. Norma was accepted into the House of Samois as a Debutante on July 4, 2018." Maitre Thomas paused and clutched his heart. "She was born on the Fourth of July, friends."
"She then progressed and moved on to the time of her Initiation on August 12th, where she served and was opened by Dominants of Chateau Roissy Val D’ Oise and became known as Demoiselle Norma," Maitre Thomas spoke in a clear voice. "Her journey continued as she traveled along, wanting to learn and absorb. On February 5th, Norma presented an awesome workshop titled 'How Does Improv & Standup Comedy Relate to D/s Role Play'. She continued along next with her well planned Sister Event, 'Confessions of a Junior High Teacher', on March 3rd."
"Her Final task was a test of her Submission based upon her strengths and weaknesses. The Adjointe de Samois, Xanadu, received a notice of recommendation from her Final's Maitre, Chip, that all was completed and she was worthy of Sisterhood." Maitre Thomas' voice rang over the crowd. "Now, today, she kneels before us on April 14, 2019, 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."
Maitre Thomas took Demoiselle Norma's shaking hand as he dug deep into his pockets, searching for the ring. With a little wink to the crowd and a confident smile, he found it. Inspecting it closely, seeing the gleaming golden ring sparkle, he placed it onto Demoiselle Norma’s finger. He crouched forward as he spoke softly to her, “Congratulations, Norma, you will inspire many. Thank you, for your loyalty to Roissy from all of us.”
Norma looked down with humility at the gold ring on her finger.
Maitre Thomas, feeling so very proud and happy, reclined in the comfy chair, instructing, "Please, Xanadu, give our newest Sister her rightful tag and let’s welcome her into our Sisterhood here at Roissy Val d'Oise."
Gillian smiled and Rebecca beamed proudly, seeing Norma's new ring fit so well.
Hearing Maitre Thomas' instruction, Xanadu smiled to the kneeling Demoiselle Norma, then looked towards the assembled members and guests, drawing their attention.
"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 at times." Xanadu's voice rang out proudly. "You have shown these qualities. Demoiselle Norma, no more will you carry that title. Cast it aside and wear this 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 Norma," Xanadu paused to let the new title resonate amongst those assembled.
Norma listened with concentration to all Xanadu said, beaming as the applause and congratulations rang out from the assembled crowd.
"Congratulations, Sister Norma, and welcome to our Honored Roissy Val d'Oise Sisterhood." Xanadu said with a smile. "Sister Norma, 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
Nervously rising to face the crowd in the beautiful garden, Norma looked over the sea of faces with joy and love.
"Once upon a time in Second Life, I was the non-exclusive girl friend of a longtime real life friend. We lived in a big house on a lovely BDSM sim," Norma began. "In real life he had helped me through my last year of college, the death of my father, and then several years later, the passing of my mother during which I became very emotionally attached to him in Second Life. I was essentially monogamous while he was not. I knew he went on dates, but when a woman showed up in our bedroom on a leash, I saw the collar and mistakenly thought he had chosen her over me."
Norma recollected, "To me, a collar meant something similar to marriage and I was so hurt I could not stay. I left to give him his space but I had no idea my leaving would hurt him so terribly. Because of my lack of understanding and knowledge, I hurt the one person I loved most. I wanted to be the one on that leash. I wanted to be the one kneeling in front of him. Instead, I began searching for answers and a new place to find them."
"I was broken and looking for someone or something to help put me back together. I had been coming to Roissy to listen to a singer I was following at the time and had been impressed with the sim just from a visual standpoint," Norma continued. "After getting the group tag, I started getting notices about other performers, but more importantly, classes."
"I saw a notice for a class called Safewords. I was familiar with the term as I had some real life experience with bondage and had read 'Story of O' years ago. I decided to teleport to the classroom and without knowing a soul, I came in and sat down in one of the chairs while watching most of the other girls kneeling on cushions. There were two other females on chairs so it didn’t seem unusual." Norma went on, "I followed the lecture and learned that everyone used the same words where I thought everyone was using safewords like pumpkin patch or banana. I would go and sit in the classroom above the teahouse more often and knelt on the cushions like the other girls."
"I asked questions and began to learn that just being leashed was not the same as being collared. I heard the word poly and much more. Before too long, I was attending more classes than concerts and decided after a lot of soul searching, that I would apply for the debutante path." Norma remembered, "It was a hot July in Arizona and I decided to utilize that time in self-improvement. I would learn all I could about BDSM. I became a debutante on the 4th of July and it was a chance for me to start over; a chance to reboot."
"I met with Xanadu and Ginger and plunged right into the log assignments. I found a full perm mesh dress with a long enough skirt and started texturing those so I could be a proper deb," explained Norma. "Over the course of the summer classes, I learned how I could have better handled the girl on a leash situation. It was too late to repair the damage done, but it helped me understand and accept things differently in the future."
Norma's soft voice carried out to the crowd. "I enjoyed the events I got to attend, like Mistress Derry’s Maitresse Ceremony, Mistress Flor’s Naked Ballet and the Gramophone Scene, and the first of many wonderful discussions in the Chateau led by Maitre Thomas, Story Time with Maitre Kurt, along with hearing the wonderful singing of Lark and Sir Paul for the first time."
"I am grateful to Roissy Val d’Oise and all the Maitres, Masters, Doms, and Interns who were so kind to me as I walked this path. I appreciate all the help I received as a Debutante from my mentor, Ginger, and also Xana, who kept me focused. Even though she wasn’t my mentor, I am also grateful to Lark for all the help and friendship she offered during that period." Norma remembered some of those who helped her with a grateful tone. "I will always remember the summer of 2018 and the friendships I formed with the sassy group of debutantes who danced on stage in the gardens while Master Dash choreographed us. We supported each other as we, one by one, entered our demoiselle period with our initiations."
"As it happens in real life, some of us remained close while others drifted away," stated Norma.
"After my initiation on August 12th, I jumped again into the academic parts of the Demoiselle log and also had my first exhibit in the Roissy Gallery near the end of that month," Norma continued.
"My Demoiselle path was not without questioning but sometimes that needs to happen to show us our true destiny. As fate would have it, I lost Ginger as my mentor, but Xana continued to guide me. I knew I could go to her with anything and get an honest opinion and support," Norma exchanged a smile with Xanadu and went on. "Xana put me under Rebecca’s tutelage and that’s when I started managing the Third Floor Art Gallery and hosting Sir Paul all the while working my way through the Demoiselle log."
Norma turned a smile on her mentor, "Rebecca was kind enough to give me a wall in her shop where I could place all the free clothing I made so Debs could go grab things that were street legal. I am very grateful to her for that kindness."
"Before I knew it, I was planning my workshop based on the connection I saw between Improv Classes and BDSM Role Play. Then, suddenly I was performing my one woman show sister event with Priscilla as host and Lark’s beautiful voice for dancing in the skybox comedy club I created," Norma explained. "Then it was time to do my final scene and was so grateful when Maitre Chip agreed to work with me. He took time to get to know me and discussed how this was going to be about learning more about myself and stretching my boundaries."
"Maitre Chip was thoughtful and studied my limits and pushed them during the hours we spent in the dungeon and was equally caring in the aftermath. The final helps you realize what you are capable of and that experience helps us learn what works for us, bad or good." Norma said gratefully, "Thank you, Maitre Chip, for giving me that experience. I will always be indebted to you for your wisdom and counsel."
"Thank you, Maitre Thomas, for your guidance along the way and thank you, Maitre Rene, for providing us with a place to call home." Norma concluded, "I came here broken but found so much more than I was looking for. I found healing, knowledge, confidence, and purpose. I found true friendship, kindness, and community. I found a place in this life, my Second Life. And let me add, my profound gratitude to all of you who are missing Game of Thrones and came here tonight."
Norma returned to her cushion amid much laughter as Xanadu stood and said, "Thank you for your words. I know each was written from your heart and with sincerity."
S U M M A T I O N
"Norma's path, just like many before her, has had its twists and turns and ups and downs. I will tell you, she has been a pleasure to work with and with her talents, I do expect good things from her as a Sister." Xanadu faced the audience as she spoke in a ringing tone, "Many come here previously experienced and many do not, simply wanting to be educated. Sister Norma has shown her submissive excellence as you heard from Maitre Chip and Sister Becca's recommendations."
Xanadu continued, "An existential part of becoming a Sister is the time spent actively in our community, making a commitment to work for the betterment without special recognition or rewards, and having the desire to help others grow while continually serving our Dominants. We are fortunate to have this amazing community which Maitre Rene has offered to us to safely learn the ins and outs of BDSM."
"Sisters are under the direction of the Senior Dominant Supervisor, Maitre Thomas, while continuing to assist others in the community on their paths. I sincerely thank y'all for your continued support to the House of Samois." Xanadu smiled to Rebecca and then to those in the audience as she went on, "I remind y'all again that our Mentoring Sisters have a large part of the paths as well. Sister Norma was mentored by two of our Sisters, Sister Ginger during the first part and then later Sister Becca. Both were, and still are, supportive of her through their guidance and support. Our Mentoring Sisters clearly enhance the path for their mentees while gently assisting as needed."
"I was present at Norma's 'How Does Improv & Standup Comedy Relate to D/s Role Play' Workshop, and also for her well planned, one of a kind 'Confessions of a Junior High Teacher' Sister Event which was both entertaining educational. Needless to say, both were enjoyed." Xanadu went on. "As told to us with Maitre Chip's very favorable recommendation and part of his overseeing of her finals, today Norma has been elevated to the status of an honored Roissy Vdo Sister on her own merits. Already she has accepted and is an active participant in the activities of our Gallery along with her Mentor, Becca."
"Please, continue to show your commitment and dedication as you wear your title with pride and honor, assisting as you can and upholding your responsibilities. Whether it be touring or simply providing information to others about VdO, above all, be physically supportive of this awesome community," Xanadu said to Norma, who nodded that she'd do that.
"Once again, through you to Maitre 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 looked from Maitre Thomas to back out to the audience before going on, "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."
[CONTINUED ON "NORMA'S SSITER GRADUATION- 2"]
