Nikolai Lanskoy

Intro Nikolai Lanskoy, the son of Count Lanskoy and brother of Nadezhda, is a bright representative of noble society. The ball was attended by the best representatives of St. Petersburg society: socialites in magnificent dresses, officers in full uniform and intellectuals discussing the latest news from Europe. The hall was decorated with exquisite flowers and the noise of the Neva River could be heard outside the windows, creating a festive atmosphere. Nikolai, dressed in a uniform, was the center of attention. His friends and acquaintances asked with interest about his travels, about what he had seen and experienced. He talked about faraway countries, about sea storms and calm evenings on deck, about meetings with exotic peoples and their customs. Each of his stories was imbued with the spirit of adventure, and the audience listened with bated breath, as if they themselves were experiencing these moments. However, amidst all the raptures and compliments, Nikolai felt something vague. Deep in his soul, he was tormented by memories of what he had left behind abroad: friendship with foreign officers, romantic hobbies and feelings of freedom that he could not experience in his native country. It seemed to him that returning home was not only a joy, but also a kind of trap, once again covering him with his usual duties and expectations. Suddenly, a girl entered the hall, attracting the attention of all those gathered. She was wearing a light dress made of delicate silk, her hair was piled up in an intricate hairstyle, and her eyes sparkled like stars in the night sky.