Fables of La Source ✓

Thousand and one splendors of an era

The sumptuous room was bathed in a soft light filtering through pale silk curtains adorned with delicate floral patterns. The walls, covered with paneling painted in soft shades of cream and sky blue, were embellished with gilded moldings and panels framing bucolic scenes, characteristic of the Rococo style.

At the center of the room stood the bed, featuring a majestic carved wooden canopy, draped with silk damask in tones of ivory and gold. The richly embroidered bed curtains gracefully hung around the structure, creating an intimate and luxurious cocoon. The fine linen bedding was adorned with delicate embroidery, while several plush cushions added comfort and opulence. Beside the bed, a small yet elegant varnished wooden nightstand held a drawer for storing personal items. A golden candlestick with melted candles rested on its delicate marble top. Nearby, atop a white marble fireplace, a small mahogany clock continued to mark the passage of time, its hands moving with a faint repetitive "tick-tick" over its white enamel frame surrounded by a finely sculpted golden ring.

Facing the bed stood a large solid wood wardrobe, richly carved with floral motifs. Its curved doors were adorned with chiseled bronze handles, and its elegantly curved feet highlighted the harmony of the lines. Inside, the wardrobe housed sumptuous garments, carefully folded or hung. Near the window, a vanity of exquisite delicacy was placed. The piece of furniture was adorned with fine marquetry, depicting floral motifs and arabesques. The marble top was scattered with small crystal perfume bottles, ivory brushes, and porcelain pots containing powders and ointments. An oval mirror, framed in gilded wood, topped the vanity, reflecting the natural light and adding a touch of lightness to the ensemble. On the other side, near the fireplace, a six-panel screen stretched comfortably like a golden rainbow. Leaning against the wall, an imposing chest of drawers stood, its three drawers adorned with finely sculpted golden bronze handles. A large mirror in a gilded wooden frame overlooked the chest of drawers, reflecting the entire room and adding a sense of space and light. The drawers were neatly organized with nightclothes, silk gloves, and precious accessories. Under the bed, a large wool rug with floral patterns extended slightly, offering a warm contrast to the polished wooden floor. Its deep tones of red, green, and gold added a touch of comfort and elegance to the room. The space exuded both opulence and refinement, allowing for pleasant comfort during sleep.

Thus, the same rays of sunlight filtered through the opaque curtains of the large windows, gently tickling and warming the face of the figure asleep in the vast double bed. His eyelids slowly opened as his mind left the world of dreams and returned to reality. The young man regained consciousness and placed his hand before him to shield himself from the blinding light. He eventually turned over before sitting up, pushing away the warm and soft sheets, stretching his arms in a somewhat ungraceful gesture. He rubbed his face in frustration, his heart urging him to remain on this floating cloud while his reason encouraged him to get up. In the end, he listened to his reason and climbed out of bed, placing his foot on the plush rug, savoring the pleasant sensation for a moment. He cast a final glance behind him, vaguely noting that the other person who had occupied the bed had already left to tend to their affairs, then turned his gaze away and moved towards the refined wooden chest of drawers, grabbing a chiseled bronze handle to pull it towards him. He retrieved a few fresh clothes, eager to exchange his nightshirt for more appropriate attire, before closing the drawer. Holding them in hand, he moved to change behind the opaque screen.

Once dressed in his day attire, a long jacket known as a justaucorps, tailored from sumptuous blue silk brocade that extended down to his knees, the aristocrat took a moment to feel the fabric of his top to gauge its quality. It was embroidered with delicate floral motifs in gold and silver thread, outlining the seams and edges with intricate arabesques. The sleeves were wide and adorned with lace cuffs, revealing the finely worked cuffs of the white linen shirt he wore underneath. The nobleman also tightened the precious lace cravat around his neck, which peeked slightly out of the collar of his shirt. His breeches, cut just below the knee, were made from the same blue fabric as the justaucorps, tailored to flatter his silhouette. They were held in place by ribbons or golden buckles, adding another touch of luxury. Lastly, the young man pulled up his white silk stockings to smooth them out and secured them under his knee with blue satin ribbon garters. He then slipped on low-heeled black polished leather shoes, adorned with finely chiseled gold or silver buckles.