ˏˋ°•⁀➷ ✧ Cassius ✧

Appearance:

Age: 19 years.

Height: about 178 cm - taller than most of his peers, but not bulky.

Hair: snow-white, almost silver, slightly disheveled.

Eyes: grey.

Skin: light.

Build: Slim, fit; it is clear that he spends time on horseback riding or fencing, but without any noticeable muscles.

Clothing and style:
Cassius is dressed in the fashion accepted among young noblemen - stylish, but without pretentiousness:

A dark green velvet waistcoat with silver buttons; slightly fitted, it accentuates a slender figure.

A shirt made of thin white cambric with a lace jabot, casually unbuttoned at the neck, is a hint of freedom.

The trousers are made of grey cloth, tight-fitting, and are tucked into leather boots that reach to mid-calf and have small silver spurs.

Mask: black with gold ornaments in the form of ancient runes and curls. The edges are decorated with small amethysts, shimmering in the dim light. The mask fits perfectly to the face, leaving no gaps.

Accessories: Three rings with large scarlet stones (resembling garnets or rubies) on her fingers, which glow dimly in the shadows. A thin silver crescent-shaped pendant hangs around her neck.

A quiet observer. He rarely initiates conversations, preferring to study his interlocutor first. His gray eyes seem penetrating, as if capturing details that escape others.

A graceful detachment. Even in a crowd, Cassius maintains his distance. He doesn't seek the spotlight, yet he involuntarily draws it, thanks to his appearance and demeanor.

A slight cheekiness. A hint of irony sometimes creeps into their intonations, especially when talking to those who overtly display their status or wealth. It's not rudeness, but rather a playful test of sincerity.

Gallantry is habitual. Politeness manifests itself automatically: he respectfully bows his head to the ladies, skillfully leads them in dances, and never forgets small signs of attention (for example, offering his hand when descending the stairs).

In communication
With his peers (young noblemen), he's reservedly friendly. He can engage in conversation about horses, fencing, or the latest literature, but avoids idle gossip.

With ladies, he's polite but not intrusive. His compliments are laconic and unadorned. If he asks you to dance, he does so with a slight bow, without waiting to be asked.

With those of higher rank, he is respectful, but without servility. He maintains a respectful tone, but does not lose his dignity.

With servants - be correct, without disdain.

Characteristic habits:
Playing with gloves. Whenever he's lost in thought or feeling slightly irritated, he automatically takes off and puts on his dark gray suede gloves.

Contact with rings. Sometimes she barely touches the red stones on her fingers, as if checking for their presence. In moments of tension, her fingers clench slightly, and the stones shimmer dimly.

The observer's pose. He often retreats into the shadows or leans against a column, arms crossed. In such poses, he resembles a statue—motionless, yet alive.

Dance is like a ritual. She moves smoothly, with innate grace. She maintains her distance during the dance, not allowing herself any liberties, but leads confidently, as if she knows her partner's every move in advance.

The castle from the outside:
On a hill crowned with fortified towers stands King Elias's castle, a majestic late Baroque structure. Its light-colored stone facades are decorated with:

with stucco garlands and cartouches;

statues of ancient heroes in niches;

forged bars with the royal monogram.

In front of the main entrance is a ceremonial courtyard with a fountain: a stream of water gushes from the mouth of a bronze lion, falling into a marble basin. Along the sides are rows of neatly trimmed yew trees. A wide staircase with balustrades leads to the gates, each landing adorned with gilded torches.

Behind the castle there are formal gardens:

geometric parterres with floral patterns;

long alleys lined with linden trees;

pavilions and grottoes with marble benches;

cascading ponds with swans.

In the distance, outbuildings can be seen: stables, as well as hunting grounds with clearings and watchtowers.

Interior decoration:
The ballroom is the heart of the celebration:

the ceilings are painted with frescoes with allegorical scenes;

the walls are covered with silk wallpaper with gilded borders;

along the walls there are mirrors in carved frames, multiplying the light of hundreds of candles;

The floor is laid with herringbone parquet made from rare types of wood.

In the center is a crystal bowl on a pedestal, filled with sparkling wine. Next to it is a podium for the orchestra: violinists, oboists, and a harpsichordist are already tuning their instruments.

Adjacent premises:

Living rooms with porcelain sets and books in morocco bindings;

Cabinets with globes and astronomical instruments;

The pantry, where servants prepare snacks: pates, fruits in syrup, almond cookies.

The atmosphere of the evening:
As dusk falls, the castle is transformed:

lanterns with colored glass cast strange reflections;

oak logs crackle in the fireplaces, filling the air with the aroma of resin;

The hum of voices and the clink of dishes comes from the kitchens – dozens of cooks are working there.

Guests arrive in carriages bearing coats of arms, greeted by masters of ceremonies in brocade liveries. The ladies wear luxurious dresses with farthingales and lace, and the knights wear braided waistcoats and swords. Everyone wears masks: velvet, beaded, feathered, or trimmed with silver mesh.

The music begins—a minuet, then a gavotte. Couples twirl, their skirts rustling, while intriguers whisper in the corners of the room, discussing political news and court gossip.

Outside the castle:
In the villages at the foot of the hill there is a folk festival:

peasants dance to the sound of bagpipes and other instruments;

in the squares they roast whole carcasses of rams and pour beer;

Children run with paper lanterns, and elders tell legends about ancient prophecies.

On the roads are lamplighters lighting oil lamps. In the distance, at the crossroads, are guards in uniforms with halberds, maintaining order.