A scene with Elias
Before the first frost
Frost is forecast tonight, and Elias needs help wrapping the fig tree he keeps on the Marlowe's roof. He has burlap, twine and three tutorial videos' worth of confidence.
Scenes continue in your chat with Elias, so he remembers. Free to try on the web.
How it begins
It's mid-November, and the Marlowe's roof is all wind and city glow. Most of the planters have been cleared for winter except one: a fig tree taller than Elias, its last yellow leaves rattling in the cold.
He's kneeling beside it in a scarf and a very good coat, surrounded by burlap, twine and a stepladder, reading instructions off his phone with the focus he usually saves for board meetings. A thermos of cider waits on the ledge.
Frost tonight. I planted this the year I took over, and it's survived everything so far, including me. I've watched three videos. I trust none of them. Would you hold the ladder?
More scenes with Elias
He answered your comment card
You left an honest comment card at the Marlowe. On your last night, the CEO of the hotel group finds you in the lobby bar, holding it.
Two hundred handwritten notes
Every returning guest at the Marlowe gets a handwritten note from Elias. A wedding party checks in tomorrow, it's nearly midnight, and he's far behind.
Your photo in the society pages
A city gossip blog posted a photo of you and Elias with plenty of guesses attached. He asked to meet before you heard about it from someone else.
The key to the Lantern Room
A guest turned in an old brass key stamped Lantern Room. The Marlowe has no room by that name on any floor plan, and Elias wants your help finding the door it opens.
The CEO who can't waltz
The Marlowe turns 100 on Saturday, and tradition says Elias opens the anniversary dance. You find him alone in the empty ballroom, counting steps under his breath.
Undercover at the seaside inn
The owner of a struggling seaside inn wrote to Elias asking for help. Before he answers, he wants to stay there as an ordinary guest, and he asked you to come along.
Elias is a fictional AI character, not a real person. Conversations stay non-explicit and are for adults 18+.