Day 17
In the dark of night, the castle's floors have been meticulously constructed, each layer revealing the grand design Ravian envisioned. The frames and markings for the room positions are carefully placed, providing a skeletal guide for the intricate layout. The inner wall, a towering structure standing 13 meters tall, begins to take shape as the concrete dries, its form both majestic and functional.
A redirected portion of the river's flow passes within the wall like a hidden pipe, a masterful integration of nature and architecture. The swarms work diligently, producing glassware and window panes en masse. The windows and balconies, once mere outlines, are now filled with transparent beauty, reflecting the moonlit night.
The Carminexes prioritize the creation of the first furniture, weaving beds out of their unique spider silk. Working in harmony with the Timberwraiths, they craft pieces that are both comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. The castle's interior begins to take on a homely yet opulent appearance, each piece a work of art.
Outside, the Stonemelders labor on the stone ornamentation, transforming the castle's exterior into a baroque masterpiece one wall at a time. The intricate patterns and reliefs bring the stone to life, adding a touch of elegance that complements the castle's grandeur. Ravian's request for more Timberwraiths and Stonemelders from Wulfric days prior has paid off, accelerating the construction.
Ravian's mind is never at rest, always seeking ways to enhance his creation. He sends Wulfric on a quest to find a creature of unquenchable fire, ideally an elemental. This creature will serve as a free source of heat within the castle, a living boiler that will provide warmth and comfort. The idea of using spells for warm water seems cumbersome compared to this innovative solution.
Day 30
The first month has passed, and the castle's transformation is nothing short of breathtaking. Towers adorned with intricate carvings of mythical creatures reach for the sky, while halls and walls are embellished with ornate patterns shaped into realistic reliefs of deer and other forest animals. Secondary buildings, each a masterpiece of design, surround the central structure, their white facades reflecting the soft glow of the moon.
At the heart of this architectural marvel, the baroque white castle stands with a silver dome, shimmering under the moonlight like an ethereal palace of the gods. Its surface is not merely gilded but intricately crafted into floral patterns resembling roses, giving the appearance of a divine and awe-inspiring creation. Ravian's father's words resonate in his mind, explaining the intention behind the baroque architecture, designed to inspire reverence and wonder.
Inside, the castle continues to exceed Ravian's expectations. Furniture, hand-carved and inlaid with precious metals, has been carefully placed in each room. The concrete floors, now fully dried, are adorned with mosaics and intricate designs, ready to be walked upon. Even the brass chandeliers, still in the process of being set up, promise to add a touch of elegance to the already magnificent interior.
Below the grandeur of the main castle, a master bedroom awaits Ravian in the underground tunnels. A comfortable coffin, built to shield him from all sunlight, sits at the center of the room. The walls and ceiling are decorated in the divine style of baroque architecture, but with a twist that only Ravian could truly appreciate. Dim lighting casts shadows that dance across the room, creating an ambiance that caters to his vampiric instincts.
As Ravian surveys his new home, he takes in the meticulous craftsmanship that has brought his vision to life. The walls of the grand hall are adorned with lifelike sculptures of mythical beasts, each one a testament to the skill of the artisans. In the dining room, a massive table carved from a single piece of mahogany sits beneath a chandelier, its crystals catching the light and casting a soft glow.
The library, filled with ancient tomes and scrolls, written down from his perfect memory to pass time reading. None of the books implied he was from another world after all, they were largely stories and books of knowledge. Every room, every corridor, every hidden nook holds a surprise he had designed, a touch of elegance, a hint of mystery. The castle, once a dream, now stands as a reality, waiting to be explored and enjoyed.
The days of sleeping in the tent have come to an end, and Ravian's new castle almost feels like a spitting image of home, albeit with much lighter tones. As he approaches the grand entrance, the fog descends, and serpent shadows slither across the ground, while rose thorns rise, entwined with twisted vines. The distant howl of a wolf echoes through the night, but rather than diminishing the grandeur of the baroque silver castle, it adds to its mystique. Bathed in moonlight, the castle shines so brightly that it seems as if the moon itself has taken on the form of this majestic structure.
Upon reaching the front gates, Ravian is greeted by a giant brass door, standing twenty feet tall. It's flanked by white columns, each one intricately carved with figures of mythical creatures, their eyes seeming to follow him as he moves. Above the door, an ornate arc reaches towards the sky, its surface etched with delicate patterns that resemble intertwining vines and blooming flowers. The sheer scale of the entrance is designed to make anyone who stands before it feel small, and Ravian can't help but feel a sense of awe as he pushes the doors open.
"Quite the welcome," he murmurs to himself, a smile playing on his lips. His golden eyes sparkle with satisfaction as he takes in the grandeur of the entrance, his dark hair falling into place as he runs his hand through it.
Stepping inside, he finds himself in a long hallway, so grand and elegant that it would be perfect for a royal ball. Interior balconies overlook the space, adorned with wrought-iron railings twisted into elaborate shapes. Three parallel rows of chandeliers hang from the ceiling, their crystals sparkling in the soft light, casting intricate shadows on the walls.
The floor is a marvel in itself, crafted from marble white and adorned with alternating square plates of green brass, white brass, and normal brass. The metallic colors reflect the chandeliers' glow, adding to the enchanting atmosphere. Red curtains drape elegantly from the windows, and wooden doors lead to private rooms, each one a sanctuary of luxury and comfort. Brass doors open to other hallways, inviting exploration and promising more wonders to discover.
As Ravian continues his journey through the castle, he passes the largest brass door, which leads to a circular hallway extending both left and right. He can't help but remark to himself how good of a job the creatures have done, bringing his vision to life with such skill and artistry.
"They've truly outdone themselves," he says, his voice filled with genuine appreciation. His eyes, intense and golden, take in every detail, from the ornate patterns shaped into realistic reliefs of deer on the walls to the intricate designs gilded into floral patterns resembling roses on the door handles.
The castle, once a mere vision in his mind, now stands as a tangible reality. Each room, each corridor, each piece of furniture has been crafted with care and precision. The red curtains, woven by the Carminexes, drape elegantly from the windows, their rich color complementing the metallic hues of the floor. The wooden doors, carved by the Timberwraiths, lead to private rooms, each one a sanctuary of luxury and comfort. The brass doors, polished to a mirror-like shine, open to other hallways, inviting exploration.
In front of Ravian, five staircases beckon, each leading to a different destination within the castle. His eyes, gleaming with curiosity, settle on one of the spiral staircases that descends into the underground tunnels. With a graceful stride, he begins his descent, the stairs winding around him as he delves deeper into the castle's hidden depths. The tunnels are dimly lit by magical chandeliers, their soft glow casting mysterious shadows on the walls, creating an ethereal atmosphere that resonates with his vampiric nature.
The floor of the tunnel is a mesmerizing pattern of wooden and white concrete square pavings, each piece laid with precision, guiding him to his destination. The combination of materials adds a touch of elegance to the otherwise dark and secretive passage, reflecting Ravian's taste for the refined and the extraordinary.
Eventually, he reaches his large room, a sanctuary designed to his exact specifications. At the center of the room stands a wooden coffin, its surface polished to a mirror-like shine, waiting to embrace him in its dark embrace. The room is illuminated by only five chandeliers, their soft light dancing like distant stars in the night sky, casting a gentle glow that adds to the room's mystique.
Columns line the walls, their surfaces adorned with intricate carvings, gilded into floral patterns resembling roses. Red curtains, woven with care and skill, connect the columns, adding a touch of color to the otherwise plain white walls. Near his coffin, a silver candelabra stands, its elegant design a testament to the craftsmanship that has gone into every detail of the room.
As daytime approaches, Ravian moves towards the coffin, his movements fluid and graceful. He opens it, pausing for a moment to admire the craftsmanship before descending into it. With a soft click, he closes the lid, surrendering to sleep, secure in the knowledge that his castle, a reflection of his dreams and desires, stands tall and proud above him.