Dom Talos – For the modern deviant

Over the years of experiencing various different fetish/kink scenes, I have concluded that there are five distinct stages of a dominance and/or torment scene. Each stage of the scene is entirely polychronic, it resolves itself as a moment or a series of moments, not in a linear time frame. They also exist before and after the scene interaction proper, as both action and consequences thereof. Each stage is essential for both partners involved in it to be successful, safe, sensual, and consenting. It is also entirely possible that one participant can be in one stage and the other is further along, so it is valuable that Dominants keep a watchful eye on their submissives to ensure enjoyment for both.

The Approach
Prior to every scene is the Approach, regardless of whether or not it’s an established relationship/dynamic or it’s a connection that is catalyzed between two individuals recently met. Either or both partners exchange an interest in doing a scene together as a part of negotiations and discuss expectations and terms. This sets the mood, tone, involvement, and desire of both parties. An approach can either take a matter of days or sometimes a matter of seconds, depending on any standing connections between the two parties and comfort levels. It is important that every scene have a negotiation phase as important information, interests, and desires might shift over time.

The Journey
Every scene starts with a journey, or the moment or moments in which the Dominant and submissive interact and the Dominant has taken control of the submissive. This takes place after negotiation between both parties has resolved and consent has been given and accepted. The Dominant uses different actions, techniques, and triggers as forms of dramaturgy to both fortify the connection with the submissive/bottom and craft the scene into something tangible, sensual, and intoxicating. If the submissive/bottom is capable of reaching ‘sub-space’, they will likely do it in this stage at some point. A proper journey is suitable and necessary for both parties as it is the foundation for the next stage.

The Precipice
Tension, passion, and contact in one form or another brings both the Dominant and the submissive to the Precipe. At this point, the sub is rather enthralled in the scene and reacts fully to the administrations of the Dominant. This is usually the stage that many Dominants receive the most utility as their charge is quite responsive and culled to their attention. The Precipice represents both the apex of the scene at the high of the tension and involvement and the emotional threshold of the submissive. Many submissives seek this “ledge” as they can sense the depths and potential of the scene and this triggers the next stage of the scene when this emotional/physical reaction culminates.

The Fall
The Fall represents the highest value and utility to the submissive as many actions are triggered in this stage. The submissive starts to feel as if they are “floating” as they are both secured in their connection to the Dominant but also unfettered from anything other than their contact with the Dominant. This is because the submissive has crossed the precipice and has started “the Fall”. This is also when the phenomenon known as ‘sub/dom-drop’ actually starts as a factor of the weightlessness. It is not noticed right away as it balanced out by the floating sensation received from the Precipice and in it’s beginning stages it’s quite insignificant but builds after the scene completes.

The Catch
The last stage is where the Dominant eases the submissive back to reality through appropriate contact. This is extremely important for both partners to resolve any emotional fallout or ‘dropping’, as the submissive can feel lost and abandoned and the Dominant can feel insignificant and impotent (emotionally speaking). This is resolved by the Dominant giving the submissive, grace, care, attention and involvement. It is suggested that physical aftercare be at least half as long as the scene itself and both parties be in reasonable contact for up to a week afterwards. It is advised that proper aftercare cannot be administered, that a scene is postponed until it’s an option to fully invest the commitment.

Conclusion
Scene work done properly can be a very fulfilling, catalyzing, cathartic experience for both partners involved. Knowing each stage and how each one interacts with both the prior and following stages allows both partners to be prepared with expectations and considerations.

I am not personally a definitive authority on the matter but I hope my own experiences and conclusions help anyone who is either currently involved in the kink/fetish community and those curious about it some assistance and guidance when having scenes of your own. Enjoy your time together in a safe, sensual, communicative, and consenting environment all of your own!

May all your dreams and dark fantasies come true,

Dom Talos.