; m o n a r c h

Face Adoration 

Eyebrows furrowed as she listened to the older vampire continue to speak. So she was amused? Lydia did not understand why, nor did she care. She tilted her head back and somewhat stuck her nose up at the woman’s next comment. The Olde World? She did not know what the vampire was speaking of.

"The Olde World?" She questioned though had no real interest in knowing what this Olde World was.

Lydia was more interested in knowing about this woman. She had given her the answers she wanted, now Lydia expected her to return the favor. This woman had yet to introduce herself in return. She stayed quiet though, waiting for this woman to introduce herself, though it did not come, only more questions which put Lydia off a bit.

“Mrs. Barton.” She corrected quickly. “And you have yet to tell me your name.” She added, deciding not to answer anymore questions until she received answers of her own.

   Oh, the knowledge of her more younger children or rather, the lack thereof, did cause an irritation to dwell deep within her un-beating heart. "You truly know nothing, don't you?" A soft growl slips from her lips as a hand rises to press smooth fingers against her temple. "Children." An annoyed mutter falls beneath her breath as she steps aside and leans against the wall.

       As she does so, her brow rises and she offers a small, apologetic smile. "Mrs. Barton." She offers no explanation for her term. The Olde World was her empire, her kingdom -- it had been hidden now for centuries, but still -- she had expected the more younger of her kin to at least know about it's existence. 

     "My name -- is Arianna Rivera, Vampire Queen and Mater Vampiris. The first of our kind. Now -- your sire didn't stay with you?" Her voice had dropped, a soft regality slipping within her words as her head once again cants and her eyes narrow. 

Lydia became quiet, staring at the strange woman. The way she presented herself, the way she spoke so confidently, the way she laughed. Lydia knew this woman most likely thought highly of herself. Lydia was once the same way, actually, she was still was in some ways, however after her marriage she seemed to tone herself down a bit. She still thought highly of herself, though not so much when it came to other vampires, more specifically older vampires. But she was not going to break under this woman.

"You’re laughing…have I amused you in some way?" She questioned.

She did not understand why the woman was laughing the way she was. Perhaps she thought Lydia was dressed funny? It threw her off a bit though her expression stayed the same, it held no emotion.

"Lydia Barton." She answered after a moment. "And my sire— an old gentleman by the name of Alexander…I do not recall his last name."

      Perhaps toying with the young ones was not the best approach, nor the best introduction. Her name and her stature though, was not for her to teach to newborns. It was the sire's responsibility to introduce the newly turned to the world they would now live in, to their kin, their new 'family'.

         Still, she smiles. Yet another laugh threatening to break through curved lips as they purse and she merely shakes her head. "Yes." One word, the only word to be offered from the Mater Vampiris as her chin lifts, and she continues to smile.

   "In that case, Miss Barton -- welcome to the Olde World." Though she speaks with a smile, her eyes narrow in irritation. "This Alexander -- he didn't stay with you?"

Lydia’s cold blank stare did not leave her, she kept her eyes forward, not bothering to watch the woman circle her. She did not fear this woman, why would she? Unless she was on her land was there any reason to fight? Upon hearing her question, Lydia’s red eyes slid to the side, catching the eyes of the other vampire.

"I have been vampire for almost five hundred years…December marked my four hundredth and ninety-fourth year…"

Why was this woman curious about her age? Lydia did not deny her the fact though. She answered truthfully.

"And yourself?"

     Though she circled, her gaze remained fixated on the girl remaining still. She could admit bravery when she saw it, but there was a difference between bravery, and stupidity. Any other of her 'children' would have cowered at her stare -- perhaps this one wasn't aware of just who she was speaking to. A small, amused smile curved her lips as she came to a halt beside the other woman, her brow raising. So -- not quite a 'toddler', but not quite an 'adult'. Interesting.

           Ria laughed again, this time far lighter than the first and with merely amusement in her voice, rather than warning. "Much, much older." Even she did not know her true age. "Your name? And -- your sire's?"

Lydia turned and looked back at the young woman who had crossed her path moments ago. The Vampire’s red eyes looked the woman up and down blankly, coldly almost. She did not come across other vampires that often, but when she did nothing good ever followed.

"Is there something I can help you with?" Lydia spoke, her voice angelic and cool.

     A cold, bitter laugh broke from wide, painted lips as Ria's head canted to the side and she smiled. "Oh, I highly doubt that." What could a child still so very new to their way of life possibly to do help her? No. Arianna merely circled the woman before her with a smirk in place and a glint in her eye. 

                                "How long since your turning?"

   Age, after all, did make all the difference.