BDSM comes in many forms, this is one of them.
Siobhan, called Shiv by her friends, waits quietly in the theatre foyer. Deep red dΓ©cor floods the expansive lobby, a long and rich desk, hewn from a single slice of mahogany dominates the entrance, lavishly strewn with gold embellishments, tended by smartly dressed ladies, checking and confirming entrance for tonight's performance. Ushers standing close, ever helpful to guide the newly arrived to their seats within the theatre proper. Guests mingle about, in pairs and small groups, restrained but filled with a nervous energy that tonight would be something special. Hushed whispers fill the lobby, with an occasional laugh that make Shiv glance towards the source, certain that the laughter was directed at her.
Self doubt, never far from Shiv's mind is working overtime, the occasional glances towards her make her even more nervous, she can't help but feel judged by their curious eyes. She takes a step closer to the man she has only ever known as the 'Adjudicator'.
The Adjudicator is busy talking to the theatre's owner. Shiv is all too aware of what they are discussing and the thought all but sends her crazy with panic. As if aware of her discomfort the Adjudicator places an arm around Shiv's shoulders.
She remembers when she first met him, a few short months back, when he introduced himself to her under this strange name and although he was many years older than her she felt in him a quiet calm, a peace that comes with those rich in life, in his confidence and his polite thoughtful manner. They talked for a long time, over several days on and off. She felt swept away in swirl of the exotic and he captivated by her charming innocence. The Adjudicator in turn felt something special in Shiv and thought she would make a fine partner, if only she would accept herself more and as such he opened up about his own nature, his own particular, some would call peculiar, desires.
At first Shiv was shocked, then intrigued and questioned the Adjudicator more and more until he asked if she would like to try this particular lifestyle to see if it's what she truly wants. Scarcely believing herself she said yes and now they were on to something at the very core of their relationship.
With a final nod and handshake the Adjudicator turns from the club owner towards Shiv.
"Ready?" he asked, his manner stiff, as if a commander sending his forces off on a perilous mission, proud and yet concerned.
"I guess, but must I? Really? Do I have to do this?" replied Shiv.
The Adjudicator breathes in deep, pausing for a moment. "No, you don't, we can leave right now, nothing will change between us. I, though, believe you can do this. Believe in yourself as I believe in you. This is what we have talked about, was it just fantasy? I think not, I believe it's an ache deep in you. I see the thrill in your eyes when we talked of it. Yes, it is no small thing I ask of you, but I trust that you can do it and I trust you will grow from it"
This is it, then, the moment when I have one last chance to turn away from this, but I also have learned so much about myself from being shown his world. And he is right. There is this ache, this deep, dark, primal ache that is forbidden by modern society that cries to be released, if I was to but allow it. Shiv nods her head, slowly, eyes cast to the floor.
The Adjudicator raises a hand to call over a nearby usher, a young man with wavy strawberry blonde hair. "I'm the Adjudicator. Take her, she is to be given priority." The usher gives a puzzled look then Shiv is lead away, the usher's hand grasping her arm. Shiv's backwards glance saw the Adjudicator already turning from her, adjusting the cuffs on his Brioni suit.
Lead through a darkened passageway that in full luxury takes a select few to the theatre's boxes, where private and honoured visitors view tonight's performance, passed and through to a thick drape hanging down from ceiling to floor. The usher, still firmly gripping Shiv's arm, pulls back the drape to reveal an ageing wooden door, the pealing paint at odds with the theatres otherwise luxuriant surrounding. A sense of foreboding descends on Shiv. Yet she trusts the Adjudicator, and allows herself to be pulled through by the usher.
Beyond lies a set of stairs down into a rough concreted sunken room, instantly she thinks of the boxy room as a pit. The room is filled with a dozen small cages, most empty, one with a girl, naked, sat in a corner, head down and silent. Standing beside that cage is another member of the staff, a lady this time. She looks up at seeing another enter the room. The escorting usher says "Another one for the show. A priority, a gift of the Adjudicator, whoever he is."