Summer 11 and a Bit O Grid

I have not been active, really active, in sl for almost two years. I've popped in to say hello to old friends, to rp a bit when I can, but my rl has become quite demanding. This summer I should have time to play just a bit, but it will never be like the old days. Most of me thinks that is good and healthy; there were weeks in summer three and four years ago when I spent 20 hours in SL. All I did was housework and second life.

Since then I've moved out of the woods, closer to people, my job, my friends, and my rl has consistently felt enriched over the last year. Second life really is that: a dim second to the real thing.

Still, as always, the things I like to do in sl (rp combat mostly), silly as that sounds, I can't do in first life. Combat is only fun in a cartoon world, clearly. So, to balance out the pressures I have been under this academic year, and they have been extensive, sl can function as a bit of silly fun time which takes my head out of my responsibilities.

But there is something else I want to record here (in case anyone ever reads it): I collared a girl. Everyone who knows me knows I roll play chaste (and ooc chaste). I don't cyber, and I do not want a girlfriend in sl. My rl wife is enough. Why commit energy to a virtual rp relationship when my marriage takes all I have? That and I know an online romance on my part would break her heart.

Fair enough. My boundaries have always been respected in sl Gor, even when I have been captured and hauled off, even by the panther tribes. Mostly as an outgrowth of these values, and because I leave sl for long periods, I have never "owned" a bondmaid though such a thing is common in sl Gor (what is also common, much more than I realized, is guys who don't cyber their slaves or anybody else; many are chaste in sl Gor). I realize the idea of owning a person is repulsive and rightly so. But that is not what is going in in the consensual role play of sl Gor.

Anyhow, I girl considered a friend was abandoned by her "Master" as he left the grid (at least in the avatar). She was captured by an enemy city not long after and stayed there for a while until she decided she hated it and wanted to come back to Sais. She escaped but needed a Warrior's collar on her; the village girls have a harder life, less status; they generally bounce around trying to find someone who will collar them. I told her my boundaries: no sex, no romance; she says she's fine with that, and now she wears "my" collar. Did I mention she is a highly skilled bow fighter, perhaps one of the best, (my weakest area) and is willing to train me? Hah. Tele will always be Tele. Our relationship is built on friendship, trust, and my need for bow training.

I admit I don't know her that well, but I can end the arrangement any time I wish and I told her she has the same options. With plenty of ooc conversation I think the thing has a chance to be fun in world. I have long wanted a Y.T. to my Hiro; perhaps this will be that...if not, that is fine too.

See you on the walls of my City :)