PROP & SETUP SHEET — THE RULE

LIGHTING
Firelight if you have it (real fireplace, electric insert, or a cluster of candles in the
hearth area). No overhead light. If no fireplace, use one warm low lamp plus candles —
amber, not white or blue-toned bulbs.

MUSIC
Optional, low volume, no lyrics that compete with voice. Slow instrumental, something with
space in it — solo piano, low strings, or ambient. The room should feel quiet enough that a
low voice carries.

SCENT
Black tea (actually brew a small pot — the ritual of a cup going lukewarm is part of the
scene). Woodsmoke if you have a fire. Otherwise a warm candle — leather, amber, or cedar
notes over anything floral or sweet.

WARDROBE
- Her: something she can undo herself, piece by piece, at her own pace — a blouse with
  buttons, a skirt, stockings/tights. Comfort over costume; the point is that she controls
  the reveal, not that the outfit is elaborate.
- Him: everyday clothes he can be told to remove shoes/belt from. No costume needed — the
  fantasy is that an ordinary, capable person is choosing this, not playing dress-up.

PROP CHECKLIST
- A chair she can sit in and later invite him into (armchair, dining chair, whatever you
  have — doesn't need to be a wingback).
- A rug, blanket, or floor space near the "fire" for the aftercare beat.
- Tea service — a cup for her, kettle nearby. Small but load-bearing detail.
- An index card or small piece of paper, blank or with a single line written on it — a
  nice optional callback prop if you want to nod to the letter's twist (a first "rule"
  written down beforehand by either of you).
- A soft blanket kept within reach for after, not scrambled for at the end.
- Agreed stop-word, decided out loud before you start — write it on the index card if that
  helps it feel real.

SETUP CHECKLIST (5 minutes, before he "arrives")
[ ] Lighting set (fire/candles/lamp)
[ ] Tea brewing or brewed
[ ] Chair and rug/floor space cleared
[ ] Blanket within reach
[ ] Stop-word agreed
[ ] Signal method agreed (text, word, knock — however "ready" gets sent)