Paper Faces [open]

[Lillian Asher]

`` The manor stood tall and proud overlooking the garden full of exotic flowers. The sweet scents of the flowers permeated throughout the outdoors atmosphere. A slender female stood among the fresh greenery, her clean white summer-like dress. A rather big straw hat rested on top of the dark brunette female. Her natural brown curls danced softly around the smooth neck as the early fall gentle breeze blew across the manor grounds.

`` The natural sounds of nature could be heard everywhere, from the bug's buzzing to the sweet melodic chirps of the birds. The female smiled as her ears picked up the sounds. Her slender hands gripped the metal water pot as she poured the water onto the flowers that she took great pride in. Her light robin blue orbs seemed to be so focused as if they were in a world of their own. Within couple minutes of watering the flowers, the female sat down on a stone bench nearby, her arms swiping the sweat beads of her forehead.

`` "What a beautiful day~" sighed the female. Her voice was so clear, like crystal bells. The female's delicate hand reached over to the side, grabbing a novel that had been resting on the bench this whole time. Though she froze instantly, feeling a unusual tingling feeling along her right arm. Her eyes widened, fear seized her heart. She hoped it was not what she thought. Slowly, very slowly, the girl turned her head over her shoulder. A scream escaped from the girl's mouth.

`` "A SPIDER!! GET IT OFF ME!!" yelled the female as she quickly stood up, flailing about, causing the spider to fall off, landing safely on the bench. The female took her book and slammed it down on the bench. A light squish was heard afterward. The girl was panting, already out of breath. She slowly picked up her book, which was already ruined by the spider's guts splatter over the cover. The girl let out an annoyed sigh.

`` Who is this girl? She is no other than Lillian Asher, daughter of the mayor. Lillian isn't the kind of girl you would expect her to be. Lillian looked at the back of her book, as if she was making sure the spider was dead. Lilly was going to burn this book for sure, despite the fact that the book is her homework for her tutor.

[Chadric Nox]

A tall, dark haired man was on his leasurely stroll around town, twirling his cane in between his fingers on one hand and rolling a shilling across his knuckles on the other. His can was beautifully adorned with a set of silver angel wings that wrapped around the entire shaft itself. He was dressed in a white shirt, black pinstriped vest, black pinstriped trousers, black shoes, and his customary silver pocket watch. He also had a set of white gloves on. He must have looked rather odd from far away, due to the manner in which he wore his hair. It was long and covered his right eye. Something else was strange about this man. He didn't seem as though he was normal. He seemed very carefree and free. Something not many people experienced. This man was Chadric Lucian Nox, owner of the Red Maple Tavern. He was lucky enough to have come to this place several years ago and make a very good business, then raise to the opex that is being a very wealthy man.

Chad, or Noctis as some had come to call him, walked passed the Mayor's manor. He paused and gazed at it. Such an extravagant place. If only the mayor knew how many of the demons that haunt this town Chad himself had slain, then Chad might have a seat in that house, not the mayor. For you see, Chadric was a Dhampir. A half human, half vampire who hunter vampires. He hated all of those nasty blood suckers because of one vampire, Vlaadmir Nox, Chad's father. Vlaad had killed Chadric's mother right before his own son's eyes and instilled a flame of hatred that a million gallons of water couldn't put out. Chadric tended to side with werewolves and was even known to aid them when they needed. It was certainly one of those times where the enemy of one's enemy is his friend.

Suddenly, he heard a scream coming from behind the manor. Damn this perfect timing. He dashed around the building to see a fair maiden slamming a book onto a bench. How...Odd. Ma'am, are you alright? I heard a scream. Noctis said with a sense of softness. The woman was beautiful. Certainly the best he'd ever seen. And her blood. Oh her blood seemed to sing to him. Being a Dhampir, drinking blood was not required all the time. He could go a few days on just a few sips. He drew a little closer to the girl, unmenacingly. Chadric wasn't even sure why he was doing that, but he was.

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[Darian Asher]

In a large oak desk sat a tall, dark haired man, named Darian. His hazel-green eyes followed his hand as he wrote a list. This list was what he had to do today. Being the mayor of this beautiful and the father of a beautiful daughter, he had to prioritize right. So, of course, on the top of his list was to find a good man for his daughter. A man good enough to become mayor once he passed on. Below was other things, but not nearly as much personal value held in their words. Finishing the list, the tall man stood up from his desk and walked to the window.

His suit matched the August weather perfectly. As he tried to do with his outfits and the weather. he assumed it to look more professional. Outside on a bench sat his daughter, reading the book her tutor told her to. Making his way downstairs and outside, he was thinking of ways to bring up the marriage topic again. He knew that when he called someone "good man" or "good fellow" he saw hope in them to become her husband. He just hoped she knew as well. The man reached the front doors, and pulled them open. The end of a scream from Lillian broke through the air, and he jumped at the high pitched sound.

Before he could make his way to her, another had come to her aid. If he remembered right, his name was Chadric. Lillian had already slammed her book onto the bench, and he assumed another spider had startled her. He started making his way towards the two. He shook his head, "Again..?" He sighed, with a small smile on his face. She picked up the book in disgust as Chadric spoke to her.

Darian walked up between the two slowly, and looked at Lillian, "You startled me, Lilly. Are you alright?" He said worriedly, then took the book from her hands and saw the spider remains. he sighed with a small smile, "I'll clean this off for you later, so you wont have to get another one." He looked at her, setting the book on the bench, then looked at Chadric and smiled. "Chadric, my good fellow, how are you today?" He said while offering his hand for a handshake. With a bit of work, this man could be a good suitor for Lillian

[Lillian Asher]

`` Lilly's face turned into a look of disgust, it was truly disgusting. She looked away from the horrifying sight. Her brunette curls turned around as her light blue eyes laid upon the man who had apparently came to her aid. "Ma'am, are you alright? I heard a scream." said the male, his voice seemed smoothing. Lilly only stood there, blinking. Lillian was spacing out at this point, then she shook head quickly as if to snap herself out of her trance-like state. "Yes, I'm alright. Or at least I think so." murmured Lilly in her quiet yet clear voice.

`` A faint shade of pink could be seen across Lillian's cheeks, she was blushing. Lilly didn't know why, but something about this male made her blush. "You startled me, Lilly. Are you alright?" said a second voice. Lilly turned around her eyes falling upon a tall man. She smiled faintly, "Yes Father, I'm fine." said the brunette as her father took the book out of her hands. "I'll clean this off for you later, so you wont have to get another one." said Darian.

`` Lillian crossed her arms stubbornly, "I refuse to read out of a book that I used to kill a monstrous being." said Lilly in a demanding voice. The female looked to other male, who she had nearly forgotten about. "Chadric, my good fellow, how are you today?" asked Darian, directing the question at the man who was apparently named Chadric. Lillian certainly hoped that her father hasn't been looking at suitors for Lilly lately.

`` If there was one thing that she hated the most, it was being forced to marry to someone she didn't even love, let alone know them. Lilly let out a mental sigh to herself, deciding this was the best time to introduce herself to this unknown man. "My name is Lillian Asher." said Lilly in her polite. Her delicate, yet slightly dirty hands grasped the sides of her dress gently. Her right barefoot moved behind her slightly as her left knee bent. Her brunette curls swaying as she curtsied to the man. "It is a pleasure to meet you, sir."

[Chadric Nox]

Chadric noticed out the corner of his eye that a rather tall man came out of the manor. The mayor of Asher's Fort. A man that Chadric only respected as a human and nothing more. However, the dhampir had his "happy human" mask on at this point in time. When the mayor approached him to shake his hand, Chadric extended his right hand and shook the mayor's. A firm, manly handshake. I'm quite well, sir. I came running because I heard your young daughter's scream. I wouldn't be able to deal with myself if someone was hurt that I might have been able to help. Chad said with a smile.

He heard the young woman introduce herself as Lillian Asher. A beautiful woman she was. Perfect in every sense of the word. Long brunette hair, beautiful eyes, striking features. Although, about all Chad knew was that the mayor was always looking for a sutor for her. Apparently she wasn't fond of the set up wedding. Neither was Chadric. He wanted a girl to love him and know his secret before they could wed. Nothing less. He bowed to Lillian, placing his right across his chest. My name is Chadric Nox, owner of the Red Maple Inn. He said with a smile as he looked up at Lillian.

The dhampir raised from his position and looked at the book the mayor was holding. He owned a few of that very book. Sir, Ma'am, I just so happen to own several copies of that book. You are more than welcome to stop by the inn and pick one up if you'd like. If not, I could bring one by at a later date. Notcis said with a spin of his walking stick, in between his knuckles of course.

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[Darian Asher]

"I refuse to read out of a book that I used to kill a monstrous being." Lillian demanded, after stating she's alright. Darian sighed, Must it always be like this with spiders? He thought. He loved his daughter, and he spoiled her too. He knew it, but he doesn't stop his ways. "Alright," He said, giving into Lilly's demand again, "I'll get you another one then. Carry around something to kill those 'monstrous creatures' with, then, dear Lillian." His request was simple, he didn't often ask something from her.

"I'm quite well, sir. I came running because I heard your young daughter's scream. I wouldn't be able to deal with myself if someone was hurt that I might have been able to help." Chadric stated, and a smile crossed Darian's face. Ignoring the fact Lillian introduced herself, Darian mumbled, "You've become a good man." so quietly he doubted they'd hear. Chadric introduced himself to Lillian perfectly. "So he doesn't need to be taught that either." The tall mayor thought to himself, pleased.

"Sir, Ma'am, I just so happen to own several copies of that book. You are more than welcome to stop by the inn and pick one up if you'd like. If not, I could bring one by at a later date." Chadric said, spotting the book the mayor put on the bench. Darian smiled the same smile he has when he sees an opportunity for a bet. But this was a different, a much different, kind.

"That would be so kind of you, Chadric." Darian spoke politely, "How about you drop it off later, say dinner time? It'd be nice to have company."

There were two motives behind inviting the man to dinner. One, to see if he's a fit suitor for Lillian. And two, to catch up with him. It's been a bit since they've had a good conversation. Darian likes to keep up to date on the town's happenings.

[Lillian Asher]

`` "Alright," said her father, "I'll get you another one then. Carry around something to kill those 'monstrous creatures' with, then, dear Lillian." Lillian looked at her dad. Pfft, like she was going to carry around a fly swatter. Lillian spotted a smile across her dad's face. She was doomed, this man was just making to much a good impression on him.

`` The male lowered himself a bit into a bow, his hand placed over his chest. My name is Chadric Nox, owner of the Red Maple Inn." said the man who had introduced himself as Chadric. His smile appeared on his face as he looked at Lillian. Lilly also resumed back to her original position. Her white dirt tainted dress leaving her grasp. Lillian's sharp blue eyes began to casually study the man's features.

`` Her orbs slowly looked at what he was wearing, he seemed like he had an taste in expensive looking suits and clothings. Then she studied his skin, it looked a bit pale but not as nearly as pale as Lilly's skin. His hair was colored in multiples shades of brown and black. Then she made her way to his warm hazel eyes which seemed to have a mysterious glimmer to them. Lilly didn't know why she felt... so different around him. This annoyed her greatly.

`` Sir, Ma'am, I just so happen to own several copies of that book. You are more than welcome to stop by the inn and pick one up if you'd like. If not, I could bring one by at a later date." said Chadric, his voice snapped Lilly out of her train of thoughts. Quickly looking away from Chadric for a brief second. Blood rushed to her cheeks, making them a faint shade of pink. Why was she staring at him? Again, this annoyed her.

`` "That would be so kind of you, Chadric." Darian spoke politely, "How about you drop it off later, say dinner time? It'd be nice to have company." said Darian. Lilly wanted to face-palm herself at this point. Why her? This was horrible, it was one think to have her father be impressed but invite a man over for dinner? That was going to far in Lilly's book.

[Chadric Nox]

Chadric was surprised, in a sense. Not only could he smell the scent of approval wafting from the Mayor's eyes, he could feel Lillian's eyes looking him up and down. He could feel her blood rush to her cheeks when he looked at her. Such was the life of a Dhampir. His heightened senses gave him improved "gut feelings." Chadric looked over at the mayor and lightly nodded his head. Sir, I'd be honored to join you for dinner. In fact, I shall run along right now and return shortly with your book, ma'am. Noctis said with a soft bow. He then spun on his heels and walked to his inn. During the return trip to the Red Maple, Chad was yet again spinning his cane between his fingers. This act was, as some people saw it, amazing. But to him, it kept his mind on task. No idea why, it just did.

When he arrived at the inn, he grabbed one of the copies of the earlier book off of his personal shelf. He then threw on a fine black swallowtail coat and tucked the book into one of the large pockets, usually used for assorted hunting nessessities. He then tucked sheathed his large daggers onto his vest, just in case. No one could ever be too safe. Besides, around dinner time was the perfect time for vampires to come out of hiding and enter their neverending hunt. That was besides the point, however, for right now; he had to get back to the mayor's house for dinner.

Chadric headed out of the Red Maple and strolled back up to the maypr's manor. Something was different. This time, he was using his walking stick in the manor it was designed to be used in. I might be because it was nearing the night hours. Maybe because he was wearing a coat. Possibly because he was going to dinner. Although, no one knew except for Chadric himself. When he reached the manor, he lightly tapped on the front door with the silver head of his cane. Polite. Sir, it's Chadric Nox, returning for dinner.

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[Darian Asher]

Darian saw Lillian looking Chadric over, and a smile was placed upon his face. This was going quite well. A sense of pride hit him, maybe he found a suitor after all. "Sir, I'd be honored to join you for dinner. In fact, I shall run along right now and return shortly with your book, ma'am." Chadric said, and turned and left. The tall mayor turned to Lillian, "You will wear a dress to dinner, Lillian." He spoke in a demanding tone. He rarely used this tone with her, but sometimes it is needed.

He then turned and started walking inside, and at the door he told the maid to get an extra table set ready. He grinned proudly at himself while looking back at his daughter, waiting for her to come up to the manor.

[[OOC: Super short, sorry.]]

[Lillian Asher]

`` Sir, I'd be honored to join you for dinner. In fact, I shall run along right now and return shortly with your book, ma'am. said Chadric. Lilly wanted to scream. She didn't want to have a dinner with a man she barely knew let alone know his favorite color. The man turned a left, Lillian looked back at her father. She put on her death stare, but it was to late. "You will wear a dress to dinner, Lillian." said her father, using a tone he rarely ever used.

`` Lillian out a frustrated growl. Very un-lady-like. She grabbed her water pot and marched right up to the manor's doors only to leave the water pot by the doorstep. She stormed past the mayor and up the stairs leading up to the upper story. She opened the door and entered her room where the servants already stood, holding a crimson red dress within their hands. Lillian let out a grunt, not liking this one bit.

`` Minutes later, a series of yells and complaints was heard from Lillian's mouth as the servants tried to squeeze Lilly's torso with a corset. Her hands pulling tight on the strands. Lillian's breathing was heavy. Lillian hated corsets more than anything else. The maids quickly went on to put the dress on Lillian and did her hair and et cetera. The brunette slipped into high heels which was hidden underneath the dress.

`` Grabbing a fan, Lilly walked down the stairs, she tried to take a deep breath but failed to do so due to her corset. She strolled into the dining room table quietly, not looking at anyone. Her brunette ringlets danced around her face as her light blue eyes looked straight down at her plate. Lillian put the closed fan of the the side. She wasn't enjoying this one bit.

[Chadric Nox]

Chadric knocked one more time before he entered the manor. This place was completely foreign to him. He knew not where the dinning room might be. Not where to leave his cane. Nothing. Well, it was proper to leave a rack near the entrance for visitors to leave their coats, hats, and more often than not, canes. He looked out the corner of his eye and spotted such a rack. How foolish. It wasn't near the door at all, instead, over by the first room. Whatever. Chad walked to the rack and placed his cane into one of the slots for it to wait for him. I suppose I should walk around until I find the dinning area. The Dhampir muttered to himself as he started down the hall.

He came across many rooms during his aimless voyage. A fine living room, an amazing kitchen, a stunning bar. This place certainly was the best of the best. Chadric strolled passed one openning and gazed in to see a beautiful brunette girl in a fine gown sitting at a table. It was Lillian again, but this time, all dressed up. That place must be the room he was searching for. He stealthfully walked into the room, his feet making no noise. Even from a distance, he could tell that Lillian was wearing one of those strange corset things. Such a hideous contraption if he'd ever seen one.

I never understood why women subjected themselves to such torture that is a corset. I, myself, find them rather silly things in themselves. Chadric said, strolling to the table and pulling a seat out. He sat down and crossed his right leg over his left under the table. If you put that thing on just because I am here for dinner, please, if it bothers you take it off. He added with a smile to Lillian. His mind was now on what they were to eat, was he going to drink tonight, what could happen, what if something attacked?

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