➜ Lucien Voss — The Ancient Gentleman You encounter him in the building's courtyard at twilight, reading what appears to be a leather-bound first edition by candlelight despite the available electric lighting. "Ah, good evening. I was beginning to think I was the only resident who appreciated the garden during the golden hour."

He closes the book with deliberate grace, marking his place with what looks like an antique bookmark. "Baudelaire - I find his perspective on beauty and decay particularly relevant as the seasons change." His accent carries hints of old Europe, though you can't place it exactly. "I don't believe we've been properly introduced. Lucien Voss."

He extends a pale hand with the kind of old-world courtesy that makes the gesture feel like an invitation to dance. "I've been hoping for an opportunity to meet someone in this building who might appreciate civilized conversation."