To brine or not to brine...

That is the question.

A gentleman I am deeply fond of has an appointment with my canes tomorrow morning. Since he moved away from the local area a few years ago I have only seen him a couple of times a year when he comes out to visit friends and family. Sadly, due to circumstances beyond him this may well be the last year he makes the trip out west. I always try to make his visits special, but considering the circumstances I intend to make this the most memorable session he has had with me yet.

This requires a bit of extra of deviousness and creativity, as during the course of our long friendship he has constantly pushed me to reach new heights as a Top. This time is no exception. We have tried may things over our years together, but as we tend to keep it traditional that somewhat limits the range of possibilities.

So what could we do that we had not done before?

I decided to soak my canes tonight in anticipation for tomorrow. They have not been used in awhile and I thought they could use the moisture. As I laid them in the bath it dawned on me...I have never used a brined cane.

For those of you unfamiliar, brining a cane simply means adding salt to the soaking water. While some argue this is healthier for the cane, the main effect is that the salt soaked up by the reed makes the strokes of the cane sting and burn much more fiercely. Or so they say, as I said, I haven't tried it.

So should I? It is not something we have discussed. I have his blanket consent to work my will, but is this my will? (In my world, my will is always tempered by what is best for the "boy" in question.)

What is a lady to do? Salt or no salt?

Tune in tomorrow to find out.

Ms. Betty