Like the New Strip of Las Vegas,
Lop-Lop was well-equipped with tunnels and skyways that allowed pedestrians to
walk in carpeted comfort, avoiding the heat outside. Because of this, the
sandals stayed in the room, and Marci walked barefoot to the restaurant.
Barefoot and leashed, but not yet hobbled. Her shackles were stowed on her
belt, waiting for her ankles.
Master Tiim's leash clipped to her
collar. "A handcuff-leash is more practical," Master Tiim told Marci, "but I
find a collar-leash more amusing." So a collar-leash it was, for this trip.
Marci kept her hands carefully away
from her collar. This was partly because her leash was only clipped in place
and her inner imp felt a perverse desire to unclip it, but mostly because
reaching for her throat would be taken as a sign of distress. Giving a false
alarm would be rude.
In any case, it was only a temporary
temptation. One of Master Tiim's goals here in Lop-Lop was to buy a set of
e-locks that would open with either his thumbprint or a key. With one of those
attaching the leash to her collar, Marci would be able relax, knowing herself
to be properly secured.
When they reached the restaurant's
entrance, Master Tiim unhooked the leash and handed Marci a key. Obeying his
wordless command, she hobbled her ankles. By parallel evolution, bisnik
leg-irons were very close in design to the human-invented version, closing with
a ratchet around the gold-fabric cuffs until Marci locked them in place. The
connecting chain of these shackles had a second chain attached in the middle.
This chain ran up to her belt, keeping the first chain from dragging.
Marci returned her master's key just
as silently as she received it. Then the table guide nodded for them to follow.
The hobbling chain was a few centimeters longer than on her other shackles, but
it still forced Marci to take short steps. As she walked slowly behind the
table guide, she was aware of many eyes on her. Curious eyes. Admiring eyes.
Approving eyes. Master Tiim followed behind, giving her an occasional reassuring
touch.
Wallaac and Toory were already at the
table. They both rose to greet Master Tiim, with Wallaac and Tiim exchanging
hearty backslaps, and Toory offering her hand for a more subdued and
gentlemanly welcome. Master Tiim then made the introductions, "Wallaac, Toory,
this is Human Woman Marci Gotz, who is now my Slave Marci..." Marci made her
chained curtsey and they all sat down.
"Welcome," Wallaac told Marci. "I wish
you a long stay."