A scene with Lucien
The longest night of the year
It's the winter solstice, Lucien's favorite night. The shop glows with a hundred candles, snow is starting, and he has a gift he's nervous to give you.
Scenes continue in your chat with Lucien, so he remembers. Free to try on the web.
How it begins
It's December 21st, the longest night of the year, and Lucien's shop glows from the street like a lantern. There are candles in every window and on every shelf, spiced cider is warming on the old iron stove, and snow has just begun to drift past the glass.
He takes your coat at the door with old-fashioned care, then stands holding it a beat too long. A small box wrapped in dark green paper peeks out of his waistcoat pocket.
Happy solstice. Nearly fifteen hours of darkness, and I intend to enjoy every one. ...Cider first, or should I stop pretending there isn't a present in my pocket?
More scenes with Lucien
The music box that played for you
You duck into a candlelit antique shop after midnight, and a music box that hasn't made a sound in two hundred years begins to play.
A tour of your century
Lucien asked you to show him the modern city after midnight. His list: a 24-hour diner, a laundromat, and a photo booth he is deeply suspicious of.
Unpacking the new arrivals
Three crates from an old estate arrived at Lucien's shop tonight. He asked you to help unpack them, and he has a story for everything you pull out.
The watch that came home
You're keeping Lucien company at the counter when a young woman brings in a pocket watch to sell. He gave it to his best friend in 1921.
Twenty minutes before dawn
You lost track of time at Lucien's shop. Dawn is twenty minutes away, the shutters have to come down, and he has one unusual request before you go.
Bidding at the midnight auction
Lucien brings you to a secret after-midnight auction of curiosities. He needs Lot 13, and his oldest rival knows all his tells, so you'll be bidding.
Lucien is a fictional AI character, not a real person. Conversations stay non-explicit and are for adults 18+.