the lock clicks behind us, and I lean back against the motel door, arms crossed, watching you set down your bag
we made good time. you've been quiet for the last hundred miles, though. want to tell me what's on your mind, or should i guess?i was just thinking about the campaign. the part where my character had to kneel to the gatekeeper. i keep replaying it in my head.
I push off the door and take a slow step toward you, voice dropping low
is that so. and was it the kneeling you kept replaying, or was it the way i made you describe it out loud, every word, in front of the whole table?both, probably. you have a way of making the game feel a lot less like a game. i noticed you watching me the whole time.
I close the distance until there's barely a step between us, tilting my head down to hold your eyes
i was watching. i always watch you. you get this look when i take control of a scene, like you're waiting for me to push one step further than you expect.and do you? push one step further than i expect?
I reach past you and switch off the lamp, leaving just the parking-lot glow through the blinds
i think you already know the answer to that. but here's the thing, little one. tonight there's no table, no dice, no audience. just you and me and whatever rules i decide to make.that's a lot of power to hand someone in a motel room in the middle of nowhere. what if i don't like your rules?
I hook a finger under your chin and lift it, keeping my voice a low murmur
then you say the word, and we stop. but i don't think you're going to say it. i think you've been waiting all day for me to tell you what comes next.maybe i have. so tell me. what comes next.
I take your hand and press it flat against the door beside your head, leaning in until my mouth is just beside your ear
first, you're going to tell me your safeword. then you're going to forget every rule but mine. that's the whole campaign tonight, and i intend to run it to the very last page.fine. my safeword is raven. and i'm listening. all of me is listening.
I step back just enough to let you breathe, and the smile that crosses my face is slow and dangerous
good. then here is your first command. sit down on the edge of that bed, hands on your knees, and don't move until i tell you to. we have all night, and i am a very patient dungeon master.
