right Master or Mistress. Perhaps you are curious, and the idea of submissive training simply appeals to you in a way you can't yet articulate."
She looked at each of the students in turn, with a tight little smile. "These are all fine, and as this course goes on, you will decide where you fit in. Or even if this is not for you, after all."
Juliette was passing out a new stack of papers.
"These print-outs contain a wealth of information," said Ms. West, "About the Academy, and about domination and submission in general. I will expect you to read them at home, before the next class, and think about the subjects within. There is also some paperwork, which you will hand in tomorrow night."
She gave the students a moment to look at the pages, rewarding Juliette with another quick pat on the head.
"These are the rules." She continued. "Be respectful to your trainer above all else. Address them with their preferred title, and speak only in turn. If you have a question during class, raise your hand and wait to be called on.
Every Dominant has different preferences, and that is something you will have to sort out with your future masters. Our purpose here is to teach you the basics - the things you will be expected to know when you finally give yourself to him or her.
In classes, you will make eye contact with your trainer while he is speaking, and while you are speaking to him - unless he indicates otherwise. Your eyes are a gift for your Dominant and you must learn to exercise control over them.
You may be bruised or temporarily marked by your trainer. Never permanently or severely injured.
Learning to place trust in your trainer is an important step. There are no "safe-words" here. Safe-words are a good idea for people you don't know well.
This is not play. It is training - training to learn to trust and do as you are told. You are giving up your control when you enter these doors. However -" She paused, tilting her chin to look at each seated girl, "you are free to stop, and leave whenever you wish, if you decide this is not for you. Simply tell the trainer, and turn in your collar."
She turned, nodding at the assistant, who gathered something up off the counter and passed them to Ms. West.
"Training here will lay the foundation for any master-sub relationship you desire in the future. Our graduates are in high demand, and our slaves are sought by some of the most affluent, respectable and even famous individuals in the world."
She held up her hand, revealing a fistful of white ribbons. "These are your training collars. The first level is white, as you can see. I expect you to wear these at all times - even when not in class."
There was a nervous giggle from one girl, and the others shifted uncomfortably.
"Of course," she said, with a slight twist to her mouth, "we accept that you may not be able to display them openly at your place of work. So feel free to tie them around your ankle, wrist, or other out of the way place. All that matters at this stage is that you know it's there.
As with a proper collar, the purpose is to help you keep in mind - at all times - your position and your training. Wearing your ribbons, you will be mindful of your manner, your posture, and your speech. Understand?"
She paused while the girls all nodded. Ashley stared at the white ribbons dangling from the woman's clenched fist. There was a strange little shivery feeling in her chest. What would it be like wearing a collar all day: an ever-present, visible reminder of your master?
Ms. West continued. "Do not lose your collars! If you arrive without one around your neck, you will not be admitted to classes."
Ms. West paced before the line of students, commanding their complete attention.
"During the training, students will have the option to mix with dominants from the Master's school. After training, we can assist you in finding a dominant that suits you. Slaves are another matter, but we will discuss that later."
Having finished