#their moment to this song needs to be celebrated appropriately | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

imagitory · 29 days ago

Text

Review: Wicked (Part One)

Fellow Ozians...I am happy to report that as of five hours ago (yeah, it took me over four hours to write and edit this!!), my mother and I have seen the film adaptation of the first act of the Broadway musical Wicked! I have been both so excited and anxious anticipating this movie ever since it was first announced -- that excitement rose to a fever pitch seeing the footage released to the public, and at long last, I've finally seen the full movie!!

For those of you who wish a spoiler-free review, I will just say this film surpassed all of my expectations. And my expectations almost had to be high for something inspired by a beloved film like The Wizard of Oz, let alone for a musical that is so dear to my heart. This movie celebrated and embraced all of what Oz is -- not just the Schwartz musical, but the original book, the Maguire novel, and the 1939 classic -- while still bringing a fresh, new, and different kind of color to the material that makes it stand apart on its own merits. Its messages were timely, its visuals were incredible, and the level of talent in every conceivable area from casting to costume and scenic design is in the stratosphere. This film truly defied gravity...and everyone, theater fan or not, needs to see this.

For those of you who want to read a more comprehensive, spoilerific review, check under the cut! 💚

The Good!

+Maybe it's appropriate that we start the "good" section with our Good Witch, Ariana Grande as Glinda. I have to admit, I was initially skeptical when I heard she'd been cast, as I was afraid that she -- like Emma Watson, Pierce Brosnan, and Russell Crowe before her -- had been chosen for the part for her fame and not for her appropriateness for the role. After all, my main frame of reference for Ariana Grande was as a very talented mezzo-range pop singer with a great belt who often didn't enunciate her words very well. I had no idea if she could play a role that was designed for Kristen Chenoweth, the quintessential over-the-top, comedic first soprano. Thankfully after seeing the released clip of What is This Feeling?, all of my worries were laid to rest, and after seeing this film? Quite frankly, Ariana ate and left no crumbs with this performance. Her vocal range was only matched by both her comedic timing and sympathetic performance. Throw verbal slings and arrows at me if you want, but I actually think Ariana even did better than Kristen Chenoweth did in making Glinda a relatable character, rather than just a punchline. Glinda's resentment of Elphaba's relationship with Madame Morrible and longing to prove herself to the sorceress was really well accented here, and the instant regret Glinda feels upon learning Elphaba stuck her neck out for her with Madame Morrible and yet was just about to enter the Ozdust dressed in the "ugly" hat Glinda gave her was palpable. More excellent acting from Ariana came in the opening scene where Glinda returns to Munchkinland, and you can see the visible flickers of pain in her expression seeing everyone rant about how no one will mourn "the Wicked Witch" and the Munchkins pulling the wooden witch set to be burned into the town square. I always felt this subtext before while listening to the song and seeing the musical, but I felt Ariana embraced the interpretation I'd always had in my head that when Glinda sings of how "the Wicked's lives are lonely" and when the Munchkins sing that "the Wicked cry alone," Glinda envisioned herself as the truly wicked one...because now, in this moment, the two most important people in her life are gone, and she's left to mourn them alone, with no one else likely ever to know her suffering.

+Ah, but yes, I can't talk about our Good Witch without bringing up our "Bad Witch," Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba. I never had any doubts about Cynthia's casting after seeing her performance in the biopic Harriet and hearing her sing in the revival cast for The Color Purple, and as I knew she would be, she was absolutely fan-friggin'-tastic. Elphaba has been one of my favorite Broadway musical characters from the time I was in middle school, and Cynthia just brought so much passion, courage, sass, and compassion out of her. It just made me fall in love with Elphie all over again. When I was young, there was a period where I stopped singing solos in public -- it was right around the time when my voice changed, and to top it off, I'd had my self-confidence completely eroded by a Severus-Snape-esque Drama teacher, so I really wasn't up for putting myself out there for people to judge me. Point being, the very first song I sang at an audition in high school after this stretch was The Wizard and I, which was the one song that I identified with more than any other at that particular time in my life. Cynthia's performance of The Wizard and I brought all of those wonderful, soaring feelings rushing back to me -- I wanted to just throw my arms out and sing along with her at the top of my lungs. And yet no matter how good that performance was, it paled in the face of her finale, Defying Gravity. My GOD, GIRL!! Admittedly half of what made it so strong was Cynthia's heartbreaking performance as Elphaba realizing her whole image of the Wizard was a lie and that powerful righteous anger that bubbled up in response to it, but her vocal performance cannot be understated. I've listened to the CD track of Cynthia singing Defying Gravity a good five times just while typing this out, and I swear, my heart takes flight every time I reach the end.

+I have to put a separate bullet point attached to both of the prior ones just to point and scream at the amazing chemistry these two actresses had throughout the entire film. The casting of Elphaba and Glinda in particular is so crucial that anything wrong with their performers, either as individuals or as a pair, would've sunk the entire project. But in every single scene these two women were in, they both stole the show. They were peers and equals in every sense of the word. I never once felt like Cynthia was overshadowing Ariana or vice-versa -- they both shone like stars, separately AND together, and their rivalry-turned-friendship came across so believably. One of the single biggest changes I loved was in the Ozdust Ballroom scene when Elphaba starts dancing. In the show, it's oddly silent and uncomfortable, with Elphaba just looking weird as everyone stares at her, but in the movie, there's much more of a hostile, bullying air to how everyone surrounds her. There's actual mocking in their body language and lines, and yet Elphaba knows she can't run off crying: she's fenced in by this bubble her classmates have formed around her. So she just grits her teeth and dances to no music, pretending she doesn't care -- and so Glinda, rather than just stepping in and acting weird herself so as to show support, is also standing up to the others bullying her. Her "friends" even tell Glinda to stop and she says no. She isn't just using her own popularity as a shield around Elphaba -- she's really sticking her neck out, potentially sacrificing her own dignity and respect from everyone in the future, the way Elphaba stuck her neck out for her with Madame Morrible. Glinda had always envied Elphaba for being in the sorcerer's seminar, but Elphaba was willing to put that on the line for Glinda's sake -- now Glinda is willing to give up the social acceptance Elphaba had always envied on the line for Elphaba's sake. I believed that Elphaba and Glinda truly loved each other in this film. Without that, this film would never have succeeded.

+I have to give a nod to Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero too. Fiyero quite frankly is a character that I feel needs a really good actor to play him, because truthfully he gets much, MUCH less development than either of his female co-stars. In the wrong hands, Fiyero can come across as too much of a "boy toy" that Glinda and Elphaba fight over and that Elphaba gets as a "prize" over the more popular and traditionally feminine Glinda because she's "not like other girls." But in this film, Jonathan and the screenwriters did a nice job accenting how Fiyero -- unlike a lot of the student body of Shiz -- approaches Elphaba with no preconceptions. Elphaba's immediately defensive about her "verdigris" when meeting Fiyero, and he's just like "*shrug*" Later on, after Elphaba is "Galindafied," Fiyero tells her she doesn't have to act like that. And finally, when Elphaba puts everyone to sleep with the poppies (BEST! CHANGE! EVER, OH MY FRIGGIN' GOD, THAT IS GENIUS, WHAT AN AMAZING HOMAGE TO THE ORIGINAL BOOK AND FILM, WHY THE HELL DIDN'T THE OG MUSICAL DO THAT?!), Fiyero is the one who immediately busts out the lion cub and proposes setting him free. Yeah -- FIYERO does it! NOT Elphaba! AND THAT IS PERFECTION! Why? Because Fiyero is the rule breaker. He's the one who's been kicked out of multiple schools, the one who thinks nothing matters. Elphaba is the one -- at this point anyway -- who has always tried to color inside the lines: to be the dutiful older sister, to be the star student, to prove herself as worthy to Madame Morrible and the Wizard. And all of this is why Elphaba finds Fiyero attractive!! In the musical, this element can so often get lost -- oftentimes there's so much focus on why Fiyero chooses Elphaba over Glinda, but not nearly enough on why Elphaba loves Fiyero. And to soften this love triangle's edges further, Fiyero honestly never acts likes he's that romantically into Glinda. He doesn't actually act that romantically interested in anyone besides Elphaba, because in the beginning, he's so locked in his "nothing matters but knowing nothing matters" chain of thinking that he's sort of just breezing through and flirting casually with everyone. (As a side, Fiyero may have never been straight in either the musical or book, but here? This boy is a pansexual icon and I stan him so hard.) But yeah, Fiyero is kind of taken out of his laidback, playfully nihilist fog by Elphaba, and that's ultimately why he becomes smitten with her. He's not choosing Elphaba over Glinda, because truly, Fiyero never actively chose Glinda. He was kind of just shrugging through the whole "You're perfect; you're perfect; so we're perfect together" bit. But with Elphaba, she got him to care. She got him to engage, and think, and feel things strongly, and honestly give a damn about both himself and the real world for once. And Fiyero's display of this by wearing a poppy in remembrance of both Dr. Dillamond and the memory of bonding with Elphaba and then giving it to her before she left was really tactfully done.

+I bet you're thinking I'm going to talk about the Wizard or Madame Morrible next, but you're wrong! I'm actually going to talk about Dr. Dillamond. I completely forgot that Dillamond was voiced by Peter Dinklage until I saw the credits, but DAMN, were Dillamond's scenes powerful in this. Obviously Dinklage is a talented actor, and that helps, but there were also some really good new additions to the script in his scenes that just put them over the top. The first big change that I really like is that the song Something Bad -- a song I quite honestly never liked that much, compared to the rest of the soundtrack -- had its context changed from Dillamond talking to Elphaba alone in his classroom to a private meeting in his home with other Animals. To be honest, the original scene in the musical always felt a bit forced since I had trouble seeing a stately, sophisticated professor and mentor like Dr. Dillamond talking to Elphaba like she was a peer and confiding his fears about the growing fascistic state to one of his students. In this case, though, Elphaba merely overhears him talking with other adult Animals and then talks to Dillamond about it afterward, which makes much more sense. The song was also changed so that Dillamond now only lets out a "baa" by accident at the end, rather than twice, which makes it much more chilling, whereas in the original musical, it's played as both eerie and a little bit funny. But yeah, other additions include one of the Animals talking about leaving now while they still have a voice and Elphaba getting angry at her fellow classmates when they're not even going to say anything after Dillamond got ushered out...even earlier, near the very beginning of the movie, we see after Elphaba loses control of her powers that the carved image of the Wizard was put up to cover a collection of scholarly-looking Animals...and yeah, considering our current political climate, this couldn't be more relevant. I'm so friggin' delighted that a movie musical has decided to lampshade its relevant messages and themes for a change, rather than blatantly ignore them. *side-eyes the HELL out of Beauty and the Beast (2017)*

+Okay, okay, NOW I'll talk about the Wizard. I immediately loved the casting of Jeff Goldblum in the part, given that he does have that kind of approachable, adorkable quality despite being an older man, and given how many Apartments.Com commercials I've seen him in, I knew he could play a salesman, which is exactly what the Wizard is at his core. Goldblum did such a great job playacting as this artsy, paternal "Uncle Walt" showman-type who's become so eccentric and lonely because of the role he's placed himself in, but (unlike Elphaba) is not willing to sacrifice that role and the worship and acclaim he receives through it, even if it means he'll never be truly himself or loved for who he is. If anything, he's willing to double-down on that role and tell even bigger and more damaging lies just to hold onto the conditional "love" of Oz's people. His little replica of Oz with the TBD-colored brick road leading to the Emerald City was such a cool idea, as was his little replica of both himself and Elphaba, which I really hope will be played up for angst in the second part. >D Another great element of the Wizard in this film -- that yes, was largely from the stage musical but was plused so much here -- is that the Wizard's "magic" is in truth very mechanical. His mask is controlled by levers and gears; his model is full of electric lights; his entire Emerald City, in fact, is filled with electric lights. In truth the Wizard's "magic" is only a cold imitation, his servile monkey soldiers are all identical in appearance, and all of this comes from the mind of a man from a patriarchal, colorless world that's nothing like our beautiful, untamed Oz. This makes a perfect contrast for Elphaba, whose magic is borne of her intense compassion and righteous anger on behalf of the Animals of Oz. It is truly nature and traditional femininity at war with machinery and toxic masculinity.

+The supporting cast all around was pretty damn good. I might have one nitpick below, but acting-wise, everyone had amazing chemistry, and the script really did its best to add more material for all of the major relationships that still felt very true to the original musical. We see more of Elphaba and Nessarose's childhood, building up that there were good times and that some of Elphaba's "outbursts" were in defense of Nessa (which is something great to accent in Elphaba's character!! That her power often comes from righteous anger not for her own sake, but others!). We see Elphaba helping Dr. Dillamond pick up a broken vase of poppies and replant them after his interrupted lesson, touching both on why Dillamond takes a liking to her enough to trust her with his worries about Oz and on Elphaba's inherent compassion for the struggles of Animals. We see Morrible and Elphaba practicing magic together, with Morrible deliberately trying to encourage Elphaba's righteous anger, which ends up being the key to unlocking her powers. We see Boq not being the least bit uncomfortable about or coddling around Nessarose despite her being in a wheelchair, even while he's so clearly just spending time with her because Glinda asked him to, which explains part of why Nessa takes to Boq so much.

+On that note, I L-O-V-E how the filmmakers depicted Nessarose!! One of the aspects of this musical that has not held up over time is their rather ableist depiction of Elphaba's younger sister. In the original musical, Nessa's frailty and helplessness is emphasized just about every time she appears, from Elphaba originally being ordered to board with Nessa like a servant so she can tend to her to Boq just twirling her around to simulate dancing with her at the Ozdust. But here, Nessa has agency -- she wanted to "start over" at Shiz without Elphaba or her father around, and she starts up a conversation with some other students immediately after arriving. Elphaba's outburst in the musical was initially a bout of over-protectiveness in response to Nessa being taken out of her care, but here, it's Elphaba standing up for her sister after the headmistress tries to wheel her chair away without Nessa's consent and despite Nessa's objections. Sure, there's some tension between Nessa and Elphaba, and obviously there's a lot of favoritism by their father toward Nessa, but the film accents how sympathetic Nessa is, rather than how fragile she is. And to top it all off, they cast Marissa Bode, an actress who actually uses a wheelchair in real life, to play Nessa!! In just about all productions of the original musical, Nessa has been played by abled actresses who used a wheelchair as a prop, rather than as a real mobility aid, and this change is so beyond refreshing.

+The design of the practical sets in this film is -- for lack of a better word -- breathtaking. The level of detail, the mix of influences, the use of color and texture...all of this could only come from people at the absolute top of their field. And yet these choices were not skin-deep -- sure, it looked pretty, but there was function and feeling to every visual. From the stained glass reflecting different colors onto Elphaba's face when she dreamed over the Wizard "degreenifying" her to the old world influences in Shiz University's architecture emphasizing its age and elegance to the little circular window in the cafeteria door creating a "halo" around Glinda's head in What is This Feeling? to the swanky, illicit Ozdust ballroom being literally "underground" by being hidden under a lake full of fish...this all took a lot of vision and thought, and the finished result tickles both the creative and intellectual side of one's brain. I honestly can't wait to listen to audio commentaries from the scenic and costume designers about their creative processes for this film.

+Oh yeah, and can we talk about the costumes?! Obviously yeah, they look really pretty and it's clear that a lot of good materials and a healthy budget went into their creation (which is so refreshing *eyes TF out of Disney again because seriously WTF is up with the new live-action Snow White's cheap-ass Halloween costumes?*), but there's also so much character put into the costume design, even in the most minor, bit-part characters. One of my favorite aspects is how the Shiz students have a standard color palette (blue/gold/gray), but they can mix and match costume pieces to make everyone more of an individual. There are skirts, pants, shorts, pants with a half-skirt on the side, skirts with pants underneath, skirts with tights, sweaters, jackets, vests, hats, scarves, glasses, colorful socks, trainers, heels, Mary Janes...everyone can be comfortable and make their own statement about the character they play, even if they have no real lines, and I just LOVE that!! It accents all the more how Oz should be a very diverse and colorful place, and yet it's currently persecuting and marginalizing the Animals that once helped make it so diverse and colorful.

+The DANCING, HOLY FRIGGIN' SHEEZ. What is This Feeling? is where it shone the most, but I still have to scream about it, because the whole sequence is just so unbelievably good. The integration of step dance gave the whole number such an amazing rhythmic quality, almost making the ensemble the glue that sews Glinda and Elphaba's rivalry together. And yeah, from an allegorical sense, that's ingenious! Because think about it -- Elphaba wouldn't resent Glinda so much if she wasn't so universally praised and beloved by the public at large, while Glinda wouldn't feel she has so much to prove and feel like Elphaba is stealing her thunder and spotlight if it weren't for society's expectations. I was actually really bummed to find out the step dance rhythm isn't in the recording found on the Wicked film CD, because that element added so much to my love of the sequence. The dance choreography in the other scenes was impressive too, I just really had to gush about that main one.

+I knew this film wanted to do justice to the original musical, but I had no concept of just how much it would pay loving homage to the 1939 film and the Oz books too!! This film leans into the dark tone of Maguire's original novel more than the original musical ever did, especially in its political messaging -- I'm sorry, I don't see the musical ever having the Munchkins haul out a wooden witch figure to burn in effigy, and not just because doing so on stage would be dangerous. Besides that, though, we have some of the credits using the same font as the original Wizard of Oz's title screen; Glinda at one point yanking out some "ruby slippers" for Elphaba to try on in the Popular sequence; Elphaba smuggling the lion cub out of school on a bike that looks suspiciously like Miss Gulch's; and at the end of The Wizard and I, we see the Deadly Desert that surrounds Oz (referenced in the books), as well as a rainbow in the far-off distance! Oh, yeah, and did I mention that Kristen Chenoweth and Idina Menzel have cameos during One Short Day and they actually take a moment to embrace the girls playing their respective parts?! My heart!!

The Not-So-Good...

+There were a few points where I felt the music was stretched out a bit too much, just for the sake of either showing off the singer's voice and/or sets and costumes or for the sake of being different. I get changing the end of What is This Feeling? because you're trying to surprise your audience and any fans of Wicked will know how the original song goes, but there was no need to stretch out Popular with two extra "la la la la"s before the grand ending. I also feel the break in One Short Day with Kristen and Idina did go on too long -- as happy as I was to see them, that kind of cameo is best done in moderation, especially when one considers anyone watching this either now or in the future who don't know who the hell either woman is.

+Compared to their co-stars, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible was the weak link singing-wise. She played the role superlatively from an acting perspective, and to be fair Madame Morrible is more of an acting part than a singing part in the musical, but compared to Cynthia, Ariana, Peter Dinklage or even Jeff Goldblum, her singing voice just wasn't on pier with her acting.

+Although the film decided to show Elphaba's childhood, which was yet another great idea, it missed out on the opportunity presented to them to introduce the Wizard supposedly being able to read the Grimmerie and being the Chosen One of the narrative earlier on. As devastating as it was for Elphaba to learn the truth about the Wizard not being able to cast magic or read the Grimmerie in the film, it would've been so much worse if the film established that this narrative was such a lucrative and prevalent lie that even children were indoctrinated in it.

Yeah, that's really all I can conjure up in regards to critiques! This film truly was an amazing, beautimous ride, and I loved every minute of it! Please, do yourself a favor and go watch this film! Watch it multiple times! I sure intend to! We need films like this -- ones with powerful, timely themes, chock-full of talented performers, and meticulously crafted by passionate artists that aren't afraid to buck convention. We don't have to accept limits because someone says they're so, and this film knows that. Big-budget movie musicals rarely make bank and almost never live up to their source material, and yet this film is proving this preconception wrong. That deserves to be celebrated! Celebrate it with your money at the box office, and let's shake things up in Hollywood! Let's prove that we don't want an artificial imitation of magic, but something real. Something with real sets, real vision, and real talent -- like this film. Jon M. Chu, I look forward to seeing the second part of this masterpiece next November, but in the meantime, I hope you know your future is unlimited! And to all of you, "thank goodness" you stuck with me this long to read all this...now please, fly off to your closest theater and watch Wicked! You won't regret it!!

Overall Grade: A+

#wicked (2024)#wicked #reviews #opinion #oh boy here i go #analysis

8 notes · View notes

byemambo · 5 months ago

Text

Concert Diaries: ATEEZ - TOWARDS THE LIGHT : WILL TO POWER

Artist: ATEEZ

Tour: Towards the Light: Will to Power World Tour

Date: July 31, 2024

Location: Gas South Arena, Duluth, GA

Tier: SRA/Gen Admission

Time(s) Seen: Fourth time

Favorite Songs (Title Track): Guerrilla, HALAZIA, Youth, Silver Light, MATZ, WORK, ARRIBA, DJANGO, BOUNCY (K-HOT CHILLI PEPPERS), Dreamy Day

Notable Moments (in depth reflection under the cut):

This is the second time I've been to Gas South, and it's a nice venue for the size that ATEEZ has been able to achieve all these years

The stage design was amazing, they really went all out to create an immersive experience for all of us: from props, to stage rigs, to even set props that enhanced the storytelling aspect of the concert rather than focusing on the performance alone

Totally missed Crazy Form and Say My Name because I left my house later than I needed to and I had to pee BADLY

The staff (I asked for his name after the concert was over and it's Howard!) helped me get to my seat because there were too many people within the row for us to tell whether or not my seat got snatched (which it didn't thank goodness) so I was very grateful

Even though the back seating area of the stage is farther than what I'd prefer, I personally think it's better than being on the floor and not seeing shit because everyone's phones are up in the air

I've always preferred to see the entire stage from a further distance to fully take everything in, but the camera directors were really something

In comparison to their past tours, we can see just how much more sensual and adult they've become over the years, which I think is an evolution appropriate for them now as men versus the young boys they once were

Their sensual appeal isn't uncomfortable or cringe: it's confident, it's sexy, it's just the right amount that doesn't become too explicit

Their profound confidence as a group has done them so well over the course of their careers thus far, which is something that I will always admit about them as my favorite group

They spent so much time speaking to us directly in English without using a translator to aid in expressing their thoughts, which made me surprised and I'm neither for or against (since I believe that idols are entitled to expressing themselves in the language most comfortable to them, whether that be Korean or English)

The concert set list was very performance intensive, but with a theatrical approach, which is one of my favorite things about ATEEZ: their performance is beyond knocking out a choreography well on the stage, there is story and motifs significant to them as a group

During certain parts of the ments, some of the members became shy when speaking in English with minor hiccups, and I always find that wholesome with a gentle reminder of them being ordinary people outside of their celebrity personas

The VCR was fairly interesting, highlighting their journey with their group identity within the industry and relying on their "light," whether it be to help confront their obstacles, highlight their confidence, or overcoming the darkness of failure and asking the audience to ignite their light and never be afraid. ATEEZ has fairly complex lore, but we're currently in the era of Strickland, the damnation and government ban of artistic expression and emotional awareness, targeting citizens who perform art, music, or dance. Because ATEEZ has paved a name for themselves for being one of the top groups in delivering performance, this becomes a key player in their story line as they lead an anarchic revolution for society to access their emotions and pave a name for themselves in this world.

There were various members who partook in dance solos, but the specific theatrical performance that caught my attention the most was the transformation Seonghwa undergoes, accompanied by Hongjoong and Yunho as they face the Strickland officers and capture. Once Hongjoong and Yunho were seized by the Strickland officers and leaving Seonghwa behind, their wings were ripped away from them, resulting in a loss in freedom and identity. Seonghwa attempts to free himself from the grasps of the officers, even putting up a strong fight despite being outnumbered. After suffering and struggling to resist, he finally endures the same fate, his wings being torn away from him as he cowers in a deep depression.

However, Yeosang appears behind the cage, entrapped but instead of black clothing, he wears white and seems to be dancing with hints and glimmers of hope. Rather than remaining entrapped in the cage that serves as his confinement, he makes attempts to escape the bars, eventually breaking free. This reminds me of the metaphor associated with a caged bird, only serving its life purpose as a spectacle, an example to be made out of, an example of simply existing to serve for others and sing. I resonate this concept with ATEEZ, a group that I've been a fan of predebut back in 2018, witnessing the ups and downs of their presence within the industry. Along with many moments of support and aspiration, they endured many moments of ridicule and doubt, to the point of discounting their credibility and achievements throughout their career. This never stopped or forced ATEEZ back into the cage the industry and culture wishes for them, as society has always treated such uniqueness and artistic expression with confinement and silence. Instead, it only fueled ATEEZ's passion further, finally tapping back into their own light that guided them down a more fortifying path that becomes their own, that becomes a journey less traveled.

I've followed ATEEZ since the beginning of their career, knowing about their existence as KQ Fellaz (which indirectly claimed Pick It Up as their debut anthem that still resonates with ATINYs today). This year will be six years since their debut in 2018, which makes me excited and proud to be a part of their growth and journey. Their first concert in Atlanta was at Center Stage, a venue I personally love due to its small size fit for intimate connection between artist and audience. This is the same venue that BTS performed at before they became the powerhouse they are today, which only provides more reason to believe ATEEZ's career is following a similar path that BTS had paved prior. A path and road less traveled and embarked, a path that is only possible to travel on as a group debuting under a smaller company, as the industry's prioritization of capitalistic gain creates a saturated market with inequitable opportunities for those who lack the resources. Some groups become fortunate starting their race at the official starting line: other groups start strides behind the starting line, which close minded stans and industry leaders choose to ignore and dismiss such a handicap. Throughout the course of ATEEZ's journey, I've witnessed it all: division within the fandom, demonization of key players within KQ Entertainment that the members themselves look up to and respect, the industry itself failing to protect ATEEZ and instead, make a poor example out of them through alienation and scapegoating, multiple occasions of being plagiarized and ripped off of without pretense for their own hard work and desire to bring more to the industry that has shown to despise them. However, as I align with a similar fate as ATEEZ in my own personal life: we all never chose to give up and allow the hatred and dismissal to consume us whole, but rather idealize ourselves as a burning fire that only continues to grow from being fed wooden logs. ATEEZ will always be known for their raw power and passion, moving not only those who have supported them at various eras of their career, but capturing the hearts of those outside of the community through their connecting in a shared language: music and artistic expression. The amount of pride I carry on my shoulders when speaking about ATEEZ has only grown as the years go on and ATEEZ continues to evolve in various ways, but have always remained with their roots: humble(ness) and kindness. They have given themselves the responsibility to be the mouthpiece for themselves and those around them, they have made courageous strides in modifying the culture, valuing the sheer power of using their voices for the greater good, to have no fear chasing after their dreams no matter what challenges await fro them. They have truly embodied the phrase: failure is the mother of success. That no matter what attempts to bring them down, they allow themselves to endure the falls while still having the strength to get back up and continue marching on. They have inspired many lives to ignite the light that's within all of us, and claiming our time to wake up.

Next Concert: KPOP Breakout Tour w/ TRENDZ, CRAXY, ICHILLIN' and U-CHAE

#ateez #atz #atzsource #hongjoong #seonghwa #yunho #yeosang #san #mingi #wooyoung #jongho #kpop #mambo.concerts #concert diaries #mambo.speaks

9 notes · View notes

droughtofapathy · 7 months ago

Text

The DroughtofApathy Theatre Awards Nominations:

Best Ensemble Stereophonic Jaja's African Hair Braiding Merrily We Roll Along Illinoise

Best New Song "Evanesce," Days of Wine and Roses (Adam Guettel) "Masquerade," Stereophonic (Will Butler) "East of Eden," Stereophonic (Will Butler)

Bad Accent Eddie Redmayne's Muppet Voice Whatever the fuck Jeremy Jordan was doing Colton Ryan's Muppet Voice from last season, I'm still not over it

Diva Performance of the Year Jennifer Simard, Once Upon a One More Time Jessica Lange, Mother Play Emily Skinner, Suffs

Most Incredible Scene Transition The I Need That home cleanup transition Opening up Jaja's African Hair Braiding shop Mary Jane's apartment set lifting up to reveal the hospital set Doubt revolving set Appropriate house falling into shambles with a tree and everything De-renovating the Broadway Theatre after Here Lies Love flopped

Most Beautiful Woman On Stage Bebe Neuwirth, Cabaret Kelli O'Hara, Days of Wine and Roses (bonus points for The Hours) Jessica Lange, Mother Play Anika Noni Rose, Uncle Vanya

Moment So Horrifyingly Bad I Physically Recoiled Eddie Redmayne as the Emcee singing "Tomorrow Belongs to Me" BEFORE the party Everything Gayle Rankin did on that stage "My name is Ponyboy//I'm the youngest of the three," lyric from The Outsiders The Hell's Kitchen book being allowed on Broadway at all

Most Hated Sound Designer Gareth Owen, The Who's Tommy Jon Weston, The Wiz Gareth Owen, Hell's Kitchen (hey, a doubly-bad showing) Brian Ronan, The Great Gatsby, but specifically those gunshots

Floppiest Flop Show How to Dance in Ohio Lempicka Here Lies Love Grey House Once Upon a One More Time

Weirdest Marketing/Publicity/Social/Design Decision How to Dance in Ohio only emphasizing "AUTISM REP" over everything that might have drawn in any kind of crowd at all.

The Lempicka social media team just straight-up lying with their pull-quotes and then doubling down and getting snide.

Broadway producer Greg Nobile's twitter discourse.

The Cabaret social media brand refusing to acknowledge Bebe Neuwirth exists and is the only thing holding that show together.

Who did the Days of Wine and Roses cast album design and like...why?

Can You Spell Miscast? Eddie Redmayne, Cabaret Gayle Rankin, Cabaret Eden Espinosa, Lempicka Basically all of The Wiz Doubly so for The Great Gatsby

Star-in-the-Making Sarah Pidgeon, Stereophonic The Grey House kids Hannah Cruz, Suffs Amber Iman, Lempicka Anna Zavelson, Encores! The Light in the Piazza (not Broadway, but I said what I said)

Criminally Underutilized Older Character Actress Jayne Houdyshell, Uncle Vanya Emily Skinner, Suffs Andrea Burns, The Notebook Beth Leavel, Lempicka Mia Katigbak, Uncle Vanya Bebe Neuwirth, Cabaret

Worst Audience Behavior The couple who stayed on their phones the whole time at The Wiz.

The guy who started screaming and fighting at the top of act two at Hell's Kitchen.

The drunk women at Melissa Etheridge who were singing and flailing the whole show.

Shrieking girls at Bad Gatsby whenever the leading man did anything.

Family in front of me at Heart of Rock and Roll.

Guy behind me at Cabaret crunching wine chips through all of act two.

Iconic Merch Item Rosie the Elephant, Water for Elephants: she's so soft and well-made and perfect and I love her and need her. Great American Bitch clothing, Suffs Mother Hat, Mother Play Tissue box, The Notebook

Moment that Had Me in Tears When *spoiler* off-stage, Jaja is taken in by ICE and her daughter can't find her and may face deportation herself.

Merrily We Roll Along overture.

Mary Jane breakdown over the music therapist.

All of Maryann Plunkett's masterful performance in The Notebook.

Me going home to sob over how they butchered Cabaret.

Kimberly Akimbo final performance, it might've opened last season, but fight me

Reading an article on the opening of the Bad Gatsby where a car hit a pedestrian right next to where all the celebrities were getting their photos taken and no one noticed. (tears of laughter-pedestrian was not hurt badly)

Single Best Costume Emily Skinner's Dorothy Louden coat Jennifer Simard, titties up and out as the Stepmother Sara Gettlefinger's fun jumpsuit and headscarf combo Anika Noni Rose entrance blue gown with the plunging neckline and deep v back Bebe Neuwirth's little pink nightie and phenomenal shawl Kate Baldwin's off-the-shoulder outfits in the regional production of A Little Night Music

Best Playbill Design Stereophonic - 10/10 no notes Suffs - Like the art style Illinoise - I really like the colors and art style Here Lies Love - I like the colors

Worst Playbill Design Cabaret - you should be ashamed of yourself. Not even the title Doubt - I know there was a last-minute replacement, but c'mon Lempicka - whoever did this should be taken out back and shot Spamalot - it's just the same damn design as the original, but brighter and worse

Tony Snub Laurie Metcalf, Grey House Jennifer Simard, Once Upon a One More Time Chip Zien, Harmony Days of Wine and Roses, Best Musical Grey House, Best Scenic Design of a Play

Cars on Broadway The Bad Gatsby cars that actually drive The Lempicka silver car that isn't green and doesn't drive The Illinoise concept car made out of props and actor's bodies The Back to the Future car that files and spins and shit

#broadway #theatre #welcome to the theatre: diary of a broadway baby #we're having fun over here at DOA headquarters

9 notes · View notes

dogsliampaynedoesntinstagram · 23 days ago

Note

Out of curiosity, I was wondering why you have never expressed the same kind of concern about the way Harry talks about drinking and drug use as you did about Liam. I don’t know if concern is quite the right word. With Liam you often talked about him needing to please people and being in this cycle of saying he was okay and recovering when he wasn’t. You have never made the same link with Harry. You have also called Harry a people pleaser in the past and he also makes statements about being clean living on tour while at the same time writing songs about wine and pills etc. Is it because Harry is less explicit about what is going on?

I don't see any of the things that worried me about Liam in Harry anon. Which doesn't mean I'm not worried about Harry - I think it's appropriate to be worried about all of them. Being in a boyband is dangerous.

I don't know I have called Harry a people pleaser (it's not language I normally use - I try and be quite a lot more specific). But he does not try and please journalists (ask Joe Coscarelli - who very reasonably still holds a grudge 7 years after he tried to interview Harry). Harry does not sit in front of interviewers giving them anything that he thinks they want - almost exactly the opposite.

What concerns me about Liam was pretty specific. He described what not drinking looked like to him - he was exercising so much that he was too exhausted to make music. So he started drinking again. That suggested to me that he was not OK in a pretty fundamental way - and I've been worried ever since. It was the bouncing between substances and exercise - both of which were incompatible with both functioning and the work that he wanted to do - that was so scary.

Then there was also the way he talked about it. I didn't mean quite what you thought I meant. I don't think that portraying yourself as OK when you're not in an interview is a problem - in fact I think it's a necessary survival skill. Celebrities don't owe interviewers their life story. Boundaries are an important survival skill.

It was Liam's lack of boundaries - that he was talking so much about what had been wrong that worried me. And it's not that I thought he was portraying himself as being OK when he wasn't. I was much more worried that he believed it in that moment - which suggested he didn't have the insight that would help him find a way out.

Harry makes references to drinking and drug use - that doesn't tell me anything - it reflects my baseline explanations for his life. Nothing he does tells me much - because he's got boundaries and things he doesn't want to talk about. Whether or not he has substance problems is not something I can know from the way he talks.

I am more concerned about his attitude towards health and his body. He's less guarded there - and says some pretty fucked up things in ways that he doesn't think they're fucked up.

I think it's important to understand that my baseline assumption is that they're really fucked up and have some pretty fucked up coping mechanisms. We can only know if its worse than that if they tell us - and Liam told us for years.

#One other point #The last time Harry talked about touring #was when promo-ing Harry's house #Which was immediately after he had gone on tour in the second half of 2021 as one of the first tours out #Those were very specific and arduous conditions #That a lot of fandom discussions take out of context

3 notes · View notes

waltwhitmansbeard · 1 year ago

Text

a my fair lady playlist

a year ago today i posted the first chapter of my fair lady, which was supposed to be a little thing that i just needed to get out of my head after reading @romeoandjulietyouwish's for the love of a princess. 144 chapters and one year of obsession later, what i got is my biggest writing project to date. it was also my first real foray into the cr fandom, which has since become, frankly, the biggest part of my life, and i'm just endlessly grateful to each of you who read and interacted with mfl in any way. i'm so lucky to have gotten to share this with all of you.

so to celebrate, i have assembled a way-too-long playlist inspired by the events of mfl. the songs represent the moments and feelings that most stood out to me (or that i could find an appropriate song for, lol). it was fun trying to remember everything that happened (as of rn the entire fic is 450 pages in google docs so...there's a lot) and piece together the story through song. i've written a little blurb to justify each choice in the cut below, but you can listen to the playlist on spotify here! thanks again for sticking around!

1. "My Fair Lady" - KALEO as the song from which i took all the titles for the series, i couldn't not start off with this one. i can't even hear this song now without thinking of mfl.

2. "Security" - Joss Stone since this is a song about being there for a friend in a time of crisis, i thought it was the perfect choice for the beginning of keyleth and percy's lifelong friendship. percy showed up in zephrah traumatized and barely holding it together, and keyleth was the rock that kept him from collapsing.

3. "Best of Friends" - Pearl Bailey marisha put this one on one of her keyleth playlists to represent keyleth and percy, and she was right! is there any better song for those two growing up as best friends?

4. "Fountain" - Sara Lov keyleth grew up under the shadow of her mother's loss and the pressure of a nation's expectations. someone give this child a BREAK!

5. "Uptown Girl" - Billy Joel oh, you think this is about vax and keyleth? WRONG. percy is an uptown girl and vex is his downtown man coming to shake his world.

6. "Stay Awake" - London Grammar how many nights did keyleth and vax stay up with the moon, learning to love each other? who did they become with no one but the shadows and each other to watch them grow?

7. "goodnight n go" - Ariana Grande this song just gives me such intense vex vibes. she wants so bad to get percy out from under her skin but no dice, he's there to stay.

8. "Foolish Thing" - Darren Criss vax knows that he absolutely cannot be catching feelings for the princess for any number of reasons. but that doesn't stop him from being a dumbfuck in love!

9. "Sacrilege" - The Yeah Yeah Yeahs keyleth knows that she absolutely cannot be catching feelings for her guard for any number of reasons. but that doesn't stop her from being a dumbfuck in love!

10. "You Get Me" - Michelle Branch even though she grew up royalty, keyleth never felt like she fit in in her own world. she was always different, out of place. but vax sees her strange edges and knows the shape they make.

11. "Dreams" - Caroline Glaser keyleth is down bad! she can't sleep without vax there, and vax is more than happy to reassure her that she's it for him.

12. "Take Me to Church" - Hozier this is my pick for some night just seem forever lasting, because if there's one thing vax is gonna do it's worship on his knees at keyleth's altar.

13. "Holy" - King Princess keyleth is busy with a nation and a war but she has time at the end of the day to fuck her man, and that's what really matters.

14. "Into You" - Ariana Grande this one is for the true sluts of the castle, vex and percy. stay horny, you absolute lovesick fools.

15. "River of Tears" - Alessia Cara just absolute depression and forlorn longing from vax and keyleth both when they're forced to be apart. drama queens, the both of them.

16. "The Lightning Strike (Part I: What If This Storm Ends?)" - Snow Patrol remember that time keyleth summoned lightning and used it to strike a bunch of attackers dead? so do i, and so does vax. it was his first time being confronted with the possibilities of the wild power she wields, and it definitely isn't something he was ever going to forget.

17. "Rich Youth" - Hayley Kiyoko keyleth and tiberius were both raised in the shadow of powerful fathers, and they came together to advocate for a future that represents the nations they want to lead.

18. "My Immortal" - Evanescence thank you to @ravendruid for the suggestion! does anything say vaxleth more than melodramatic longing? this song is for all the lingering heartbreak as they tried (and ultimately failed) to stay apart for so long.

19. "I Don't Mind" - Darren Criss one of my favorite pieces of writing from mfl was keyleth's proposal to vax. he's so convinced that she'd be better off without him, and all she wants to do is convince him that he's worth all the trouble waiting them.

20. "Love Story" - Taylor Swift forgive me for adding taylor swift to this list but you gotta admit, it's very appropriate for the vaxleth wedding.

21. "Dancing in the Rain" - Johannes Bornlöf let me be indulgent! this is the song i picked to play while reading the wedding chapter, so ofc it makes the list.

22. "The Deal" - Mitski thank you to @crispysnake for the suggestion! i mean, this is absolutely vax carrying his dead wife's body beneath the castle and striking a deal with the raven queen to bring her back. it's like it's what the song was written for.

23. "Castle" - Halsey just big keyleth charging to the throne room to demand her father release vax energy with this one.

24. "Growing, Growing, Gone" - Theo Katzman korrin was confronted very suddenly with the reality that his little girl wasn't a little girl anymore. she has a whole life ahead of her that is outside of him, and that's hard for a dad to come to terms with.

25. "Kiki (feat. Iron and Wine)" - Rett Madison y'all, the way i SCREAMED when i first heard this song on rett's new album!!! i just imagine vilya trying to reach out to keyleth, to let her know that she's been watching and of course, of course she's proud of her, of course she approves of vax, of course she wants nothing more than for her baby girl to happy.

26. "Wildflowers (Tom Petty Cover)" - Miley Cyrus this song makes me thing of the little cottage on the hill, and of korrin's wish for his daughter to have a place where she feels free. he knows that the castle has never really felt like her home, and so he gives her and her new husband a place they can build a home for themselves.

27. "Bubbly" - Colbie Caillat this song is just the pinnacle of happy love. it's vax and keyleth waking up in their bed, in their house, in their love's arms. it's happiness.

28. "Sunday Morning" - Maroon 5 remember that time vex was like "this was fun but i gotta go home" and percy was like "but what if i was home?" and fluttered his lashes like a harlot? me too.

29. "Family Tree" - Matthew West pending fatherhood is terrifying, especially when your own father is a sack of shit. of course vax would doubt his own ability to be for his child what syldor couldn't be for him and vex.

30. "A Woman's Work" - Kate Bush the definitive anthem for women creating life. keyleth is a goddess for so many reason but especially for making a literal person.

31. "Dear Theodosia" - Original Broadway Cast of Hamilton just DAD feelings up in this bitch! vax is a dad and korrin is a dad and percy (eventually) is a dad! also there's a new nation coming just around the corner! the perfect song!

32. "Brother Run Fast" - KALEO to me, this song represents vax and percy's understanding that the horrors of percy's past are coming for vax's present, and the two of them will stop at nothing to fix what was broken. they are both desperate for forgiveness they do not need, and they are both determined to keep the other on course.

33. "Yours & Mine" - Lucy Dacus imagine telling keyleth of the air ashari to sit at home while her family and friends venture out to save her daughter's life. IMAGINE!

34. "Trials - Demo" - London Grammar what is keyleth and vax's relationship if not an endless gauntlet of trials from which they must continually find their way back to each other?

35. "Delilah" - Florence + the Machine this song is just...everything. it's delilah and sylas. it's cass and the ghosts of the castle she's caged in. it's vilya, crying out for her mother. it's keyleth, coming to kick ass with a daylight spell. it's percy, reclaiming what was his all along.

36. "Show Me the Way" - Styx vax went THRU IT during gocmh, and his turning to the raven queen was a move of absolute desperation. he needed his matron's guidance not only to get his daughter back, but to put the pieces of his life back together.

37. "Glory and Gore" - Lorde what can i say? vox machina fucks shit up.

38. "Work Song" - Hozier percy may die twice but that ain't gonna stop him from simping for vex.

39. "Happiness" - The Fray this song is about happiness, but it has such a melancholic sound to it, which really works for baby vilya's return to zephrah. yes she's home, which is an immense relief, but she's brought home to a tragedy. nothing is simple.

40. "Kingdom of One" - Maren Morris hey vallen: get fucked.

41. "Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)" - Billy Joel this is, to me, the ultimate father-daughter song, and in the context of mfl it makes me think of the unfinished letter keyleth found in her father's room after his death. just a reminder that even after someone dies, their love for those they leave behind never will.

42. "Starts With Goodbye" - Carrie Underwood i don't know what it's like to fundamentally reshape the structure of an entire nation in order to secure a more stable future for your child, but i imagine it feels like this!

43. "Matchstick" - American Royalty thank you to @ravendruid for the suggestion! sometimes self-care is setting the man who murdered your parents and helped kidnap your daughter on fire.

44. "Chords" - The Amazing Devil parents play such a big part in the story of mfl. the absence of keyleth's mother, the fact that her father is also a king, korrin being a father to percy, the twins confronting the father they fled, and of course, vaxleth and perc'ahlia becoming parents themselves. if there's anything they can take away from all of the heartbreak, it's wanting the best for their children, at the cost of everything else.

45. "Everywhere, Everything" - Noah Kahan had to end on some noah kahan in order to keep @crispysnake from gnawing at the bars of their enclosure. again, just the absolute vaxleth melodrama of "wanna love you til we're food for the worms to eat, til our fingers decompose." disgusting. i love them so much.

#my fair lady #critical role #mfl 1yr

18 notes · View notes

dustedmagazine · 10 months ago

Text

Maurda — Cultus Brachypter (Sentient Ruin Laboratories)

In spite of the band’s name sounding something like a resident of Delco, PA, attempting to say “murder,” Maurda comes to us from Germany — and beyond that, not much can be discovered about the players involved in this buzzing, thundering project. Cultus Brachypter was initially self-released in November of 2022, and now Sentient Ruin Laboratories is giving the EP a vinyl edition (any of you kvlty kidz needing a cassette copy should seek assistance from the miscreants at Cirsium Kollektivet, and good luck with that). That’s a good thing. Maurda’s volatile blend of black/death, punk and spiky crust deserves a lot more attention. Are you listening, underground?

Maybe that should be: “Are you listening underground?” Among damp tunnels of fetid earth, scuttling alongside the bugs and vermin — that sounds like the appropriate context for these unhappy but industriously headlong noises. Several layers of grime have accumulated on top of the riffs, which still manage to cut grooves into your skull. Percussion largely asserts itself through the tinny clash of a much-abused high-hat, the presence of drums mostly relegated to a low-grade roil rolling along underneath all the clamor. There are moments of something more akin to nasty sonic clarity: see the tasty breakdown just after the two-minute mark of opening track “Liderpeitsche.” But mostly Maurda wants to fill the world with violent caterwauls and thick passages of cacophony.

It works. For a certain variety of listener, attracted to minimal musicality and the interest that can attach to the sheer force of ugliness, Cultus Brachypter is exactly what’s needed. To be sure, it’s atavistic stuff. “Brachyptery” is an entomological term, naming the condition of a group of insects with vestigial, mostly useless wings. They are flightless, grounded. Maurda seems to be celebrating a reversal of evolutionary engineering, an impulse toward negation that has woven its way into the creatures’ DNA. Most of the songs complement those weirdo sentiments: “Totheit” and “In Kotze Getauft” are hideous enough to roll back any number of narratives of progress.

But the band can also surprise. The last song on the EP is “Sporensonne,” featuring a hugely compelling set of black metal riffs and a more legible melodic form. Maurda emerges from its subterranean enclave to reveal another side of itself, if only briefly: a band that can conjure more complex atmospherics. Perversely, this reviewer prefers the nastier songs, but he’s still grateful for the gulps of air — however polluted — “Sporensonne” provides. You can just about break through the sod. But once you get up there, take a good look around. Life in the daylight can be overrated.

Jonathan Shaw

#maurda #cultus brachypter #sentient ruin laboratories #jonathan shaw #albumreview #dusted magazine #black metal #death metal #crust #germany

4 notes · View notes

windslar · 1 year ago

Text

People You'd Like to Get to Know Better

i was tagged by @druidberries. Thank you!!

Tag under the cut because I went on a whole spiel about a popular novel that catches a lot of flak online and I don't know how to shut up (spoiler: it features 20-something-year-olds who open up brick-and-mortar businesses in downtown Boston like it's nothing, and trash in the form of a man named Kyle with an R).

Last Song: From the Start - Laufey

Favorite Color: Sage Tint by Benjamin Moore

Currently Watching: Only Murders in the Building and Modern Family (I watched the first couple seasons but never finished it. It's such a good background show).

Last Movie: Last one I watched in the theatres was Oppenheimer, but the last one I watched on streaming was Disenchanted (lol). I need more James Marsden in my life, especially after his performance in Jury Duty.

Currently Reading: It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover. Before you get the pitchforks, I'm only reading it because of the ~discourse~. Besides, I had it downloaded in my Kobo long before it really blew up on tiktok and my curiosity was reignited after I saw the uproar about the casting. I have a lot of problems with this book: (1) it's not well-written and I should've put the book down the moment she started writing letters to Ellen Degeneres and thought she was a good celebrity for being charitable, (2) it doesn't delve into the systemic issues that play a role in why women stay with their ab*ser, (3) the marketing for this book ain't shit for categorizing it a romance novel. BUT, all my problems aside, I don't think the story itself romanticizes domestic ab*se and I think most readers recognize this (see this Slate article that talks about it better than I could). Here's an excerpt:

It seems like this part of the novel’s plot could be read in two very different ways: one, which the Mary Sue seems to pursue, is that Lily doesn’t react to ab*se in the appropriate way, and the book endorses all of her choices, and therefore both deserve condemnation. The other is an exercise in empathy: Hoover wrote an imperfect book on domestic violence, but if we require all of these narratives to be morally unimpeachable, there’s no room to acknowledge that there is no such thing as a perfect victim.

I haven't finished the book, but I read Kyle with an R doesn't get a satisfying comeuppance proportional to his actions. And while it would be nice to see the trash taken out, isn't this ending plausible and representative of a common experience among families with a history of ab*se?

I think my big criticism with the backlash surrounding this book and others like it is the assumption that their readers are "impressionable young girls". Not every work of fiction needs to portray the protagonist as a hero in every sense of the word. Not every positive quality assigned to a villain is "making the character redeemable". Not every work of fiction is meant to be didactic and scrutinized as if it were instructions on how to live a perfect life. Maybe I'm giving more credit where it's due, but I really think most readers are able to think critically. People love reading about complicated characters in messy situations. And while I think the characters in Hoover's book could be written better and fleshed out a lot more, that is neither here nor there. My point is: stop assuming women are stupid and incapable of forming their own opinion. Enjoyment of fiction is not endorsement of the actions exhibited by deeply flawed characters.

Sweet/Spicy/Savory: Savory. But after writing all that and posting it here on tumblr, maybe SPICY.

Last Thing I Googled: That Slate article so I could link it and before that I googled Blake Lively and learned that she has 4! children.

Current Obsession: Rowing! But only if I have an episode of Modern Family playing.

Currently Working On: TJOLC posts, Lightflower is kind of on the back burner right now on account of I-hate-posing-sims and the next few scenes require a lot of it. I just wish there was AI that would pose my sims for me based on dialogue I've written. I would betray my principles, climb up the paywall if I have to.

I'm tagging anyone who sees this and

(ETA: look at me getting cut off by my own self. Sorry I was distracted and heating up some food while typing this, but yeah, I tag anyone who sees this.)

#text post #get to know me #tag

15 notes · View notes

librosamarillos · 2 years ago

Text

passed down like folk songs

chapter 24: what could've been

Maegor Targaryen x OC

Also on Ao3

chapter index

Tags: hurt/comfort, friends to lovers, angst, mature themes, targaryen incest, violence, Maegor is a red flag himself, characters are ooc probably, MINORS DNI

Sitting atop of Balerion, Maegor felt like he was spiralling. He was supposed to be in Harrenhal about three hours ago, but he knew it would be unwise to see anyone with the temper he had at that moment, so he was flying around under the guise of patrolling from the skies. The celebration in his name had gone well, so well that many lords had made comments about their own trust being in him, implying that they trusted him to get the job done and not the King. The number of allies he was gaining was increasing by the day, that should make him happy, shouldn’t it?

But no, instead, his mind was on Rowan. She looked radiant in her purple gown, he could barely keep his eyes off of her. Amongst the crowd, he could immediately spot her, like he could find her with his eyes closed. She had been sat next to her father, near the Tyrells, whose daughter she was friends with. She was always around Ceryse and Lana, it was like the gods did not allow him any time alone with her anymore. As people began to dance, he wanted to smirk, seeing as the Lannister boy could barely move from his seat to make a move on his love or rather have his hands all over her under the excuse of dancing. She did end up dancing with a few men, some lowly lords, no one important but it still made his blood boil that it wasn’t him.

They all got to dance with her, little, insignificant lords of nothing, and they got to dance with her, to hold her hands, to see her eyes light up as the music picked up, to twirl her around and hear her laugh, but not him. No, he had to remain seated on the head table, for it would be a ruinous scandal if he only were to dance with her and not his own wife. Ceryse, at least, was having a blast. Despite being sat next to each other, they were on different planets and perhaps it was a good thing. She was beaming from seeing her brothers again and to some extent, that made him glad, knowing what he planned on doing a few days later, she would at least be with her family.

And then his eyes caught something that made him grip his goblet so tightly he was sure it was going to shatter in his hand. The youngest of the Hightower siblings, Morgan, took an interest in Rowan, an interest that made Maegor want to leap across the hall and bash his head into the wall. Even worse, Rowan herself was enjoying his company. Her smiles were more genuine than any interaction she had with that stupid Tybolt, and Morgan, despite standing the appropriate amount of distance away, asked her to dance more than four times. It wasn’t something inappropriate, but it definitely caught the attention of those around them. He even heard Ceryse chuckle with Martyn about it. Maegor was trying to not lose his mind, trying to keep himself sane, but it seemed Aenys had noticed.

His brother was never supposed to get this close. Maegor had been content with Aenys just fearing him, as long as he let him do what he wished to, but his need to get closer to him and his mother was proving to be… troublesome. He didn’t hate it. In fact, getting some things off his chest sounded fucking amazing at this moment where he didn’t know what to do, flying circles on Balerion for hours. Having Aenys understand even a tiny bit felt a bit comforting. But he shook his head. Talking to him about feelings was useless, it would only complicate things and mess with his head. Was he foolish to even entertain a conversation with him about Rowan, his Rowan? Maybe, but there was no changing that now. But perhaps it wasn’t so terrible, to have his brother understand him, maybe Maegor was just being paranoid because of what he was on his way to do.

Yes, things were about to take a turn after today. He had left the keep right before dawn, before anyone could see him, before he could bump into Rowan by chance. He knew that just one look from her would make him crumble and admit it all to her, dragging her into his plans, something that could put her in so much danger. No, he couldn’t do that to her. He couldn’t think of her too much, the thought of hurting made him want to drop everything and fly back to the red keep, forgetting all about the crown and throne.

He had to push his feelings aside to think clearly. The kingdoms would collapse under Aenys. Maegor was the conqueror’s son with his first wife and he was the more capable choice of the two. He had a solid claim, but he needed heirs. Ceryse would make a good Queen, but she was unable to provide him said heirs. He could not be with Rowan in a way that would not disrespect her and her faith. Sooner or later, she’d be married off to that Lannister, or even maybe Ceryse’s brother, and as much as it made his blood boil, he could do nothing about it. Would it not be cruel to hold her back from having the family she wished for? He wanted that with her, he wanted Rowan to himself, to marry her and have a family with her, but they could not have that. For all this to work, he needed someone else. He needed Alys.

He landed outside of Harrenhal some time before noon. Following the guards inside, Lucas Harroway greeted him with a bow, leading him to a room where they could freely speak alone. The man seemed eager, happy even. It didn’t surprise Maegor at all. Lucas had read between the lines.

“My daughter is beyond honoured to be given such an offer. She is looking most forward to your union, as do I, my Prince.” Lucas spoke, looking extra chirper as he did. Maegor didn’t doubt it, Alys seemed quite eager to leave her family and town behind, eager to live a life of excitement. Maegor wasn’t sure if she’d find such a life in the half-built Red Keep, but he did not pretend to understand the minds of women. Perhaps a life in court, with all its feasts and gossips, that could maybe be what she was looking for. As long as she gave him an heir, she could do as she pleases.

“Good. I will take us both to Dragonstone to see it done.” he replied plainly. He still hadn’t spoken to his mother about this, which made him feel uneasy. They were a team. They had been a team since he was born, and they often spoke of the suitable steps to put him in the best position possible. He never spoke of this to her, but he would, as soon as he returned to Dragonstone. She’d understand. She knew how important it was.

“If I may ask, my Prince, may I not be present at the wedding? She is my eldest daughter.” Lucas asked, but his eyes did not betray much love for her. Not in the way Duncan spoke of Rowan. Maegor frowned. It would be impractical to have him there. It would take too long for him to travel there, and if he were to take him with them on Balerion, Maegor still didn’t want him there on the island as he spoke to his mother.

“No. The wedding must happen soon. As soon as the protests settle, you will join your daughter in court. Know that if you keep up your support, you could even join the council.” Maegor thought back to his youth. He often complained to Rowan about having to deal with these scheming, social climbing lords. She would always say that sometimes, a little honey could do the trick, where you must do something disagreeable, give something in return. He didn’t think this would be what she meant, but when he saw the satisfied smile on Lord Harroway’s face, he knew it worked. That was what his father did, was it not? He was ruthless to his enemies and generous with his supporters.

“You are most generous, my Prince. Know that I will never forget the generosity you have shown to my family. Whatever you may need, I am your most devoted servant.” Gods, his voice was getting annoying. Maegor only nodded, getting up to get this over with. It would only take him a few hours to get to Dragonstone, so he wanted to get there right away. He had left a small letter with a trusted servant to give to his mother at noon, a letter calling her to come to the ancestral seat of their house, alone. He was eager to get this over with.

Alys was waiting for him outside, the servants handling two large suitcases of her belongings. Maegor nodded at her, taking them, as the servants could not secure them on the dragon. As he was securing the ties of the cases to make sure they wouldn’t slip off, he felt the young woman’s eyes on him. Balerion stirred, as if feeling his wariness. He sighed. It was necessary, he had to remind himself. This was important. He motioned to her to come closer to the ropes to climb up to the saddle. She was hesitant for a moment, before taking the rope in her hand. Balerion was getting annoyed, but Maegor patted his scales to calm him. The last thing he needed was for him to eat her.

“Stay still. The belts will secure you so you won’t fall off.” he said, or moreso commanded. Alys was not looking at him, rather preferring to look around, making note of how high up they were, even as the dragon was sat on the ground. She had the wonder of a child in her brown eyes, looking down at Balerion in awe.

“I can’t believe I’m actually on a dragon, about to fly!” she said with a smile, finally looking at Maegor, who was now strapping himself on the saddle in front of her. He made note of her family, her father and siblings, gathered right at the entrance of the castle, maybe too afraid to come closer. Maegor made eye contact with Lucas Harroway, who looked very pleased, unlike his daughters, who looked confused and concerned. So he hadn’t told them. Good.

“Have you said your goodbyes? It may be a very long time until you see your family again.” he warned, glancing back at her. She spared them no glances, and had he been in a better mood, he would’ve asked her about it. Alys nodded absentmindedly as Balerion grew more restless by the minute. They’d have to depart soon. His mother would be on her way to Dragonstone soon, they didn’t have much time to spare.

“Yes, I have. I wouldn’t mind it if it’s years, if I’m perfectly honest.” she replied, her voice lacking any worry over it. For most it would be heartbreaking to say goodbye to their family- for Rowan, he knew she’d be crying had she been in this situation, but then again, the Evergreens were a family that was so close to one another in a way that was rare in Westeros. Duncan would never allow Maegor to even think of pulling such a stunt with her, her uncle, aunt and cousins would run to her defence. Even if they all agreed, Maegor knew that they’d be embracing her so tightly before they took their leave. But Alys wasn’t Rowan, and the Harroways were not the Evergreens.

He frowned. He supposed his own family wasn’t perfect, but this was the woman who would raise his children. If her view of her family was so insignificant, what would that teach their future children? He wasn’t looking for a perfect mother, in his eyes there was only one, but he supposed she wouldn’t be seeing much of the children anyway. Alys was restless and eager to explore, not one to be weighed down by a commitment as heavy as motherhood, and that could be in his favour, the more he thought of it. He’d entrust their children with the best wetnurses he could find, and his own mother to teach them of their histories and culture of their Valyrian heritage, Alys would only need to be there for the sake of appearances. Then again, how could he be so sure of that now? Motherhood was something so monumental in a woman’s life, was it not? It could change someone entirely, maybe Alys would want to be involved in the raising of the children after all. It made him ponder.

He never wanted to be like his father, that was certain. He’d never push one child aside for the sake of the other. He wouldn’t spoil one rotten and keep the other away, out of sight and mind. Even if somehow Ceryse managed to give him a child, he’d love them both the same. It wasn’t something he spoke to anyone about, no one but Rowan, of course, but fatherhood was something he yearned for, not just to cement his rightful claim, but as something from deep within him. The few times he was around Rowan’s two youngest cousins, Lewis and Archie, he loved it. He imagined having two little sons of his own, taking them to the skies with him, teaching them the ways of the sword just as his mother did for him, speaking to them in their ancestral tongue. Even the more exhausting parts of parenthood he yearned for, the sleepless nights, teaching them to walk, helping them learn how to use cutlery.

All of this he wanted to do by Rowan’s side. Ever since they were young, he knew. Something inside him, a selfish, horrible part of him, wanted to keep her on Dragonstone once he became King. Even if she married and had children of her own, he wanted her there, by his side, by his children’s side. It was messed up in so many ways, he knew, he’d never allow it to be anything more than a selfish thought, but it soothed him in a way. He could keep Alys and Ceryse busy in court in King’s Landing, while Rowan would reside in Dragonstone. Maegor would find a way to send whomever she married away, but he’d never send away any children she had. Never. If anything, he hoped they’d look just like her. Maybe he could ask her to nurse his own children alongside her own, and in the confines of Dragonstone, they could live the fantasy of being a family.

It would be so cruel to do that to her. He knew his actions would hurt her, and he was depending on her brilliant mind to understand that he had ulterior motives in taking a second wife in such a manner. Once he was King, once everything was safe for her to know, he’d explain it all, begging for her forgiveness. He’d grant her family with gold and wealth, positions in court, anything. He frowned. How pathetic was this whole situation, truly?

Alys clung to him from behind as Balerion moved, his giant form moving slowly, before taking flight. She squealed, her fear turning into laughter as the dragon took to the skies. Soon, he felt her let go of him, holding onto the sides of the saddle instead, looking down at the land becoming smaller and smaller. He wondered if Ceryse would like to fly at any point. After all of this, he’d indulge her if she wished for it. It was only fair.

“Does your wife know?” she asked, taking Maegor by surprise. He did not expect her to be in a chatty mood, let alone bring up what was on his mind. He held onto the reins, guiding Balerion through the familiar path in the clear skies. He had hoped the ride there would be silent, but he supposed she had the right to know what she was getting into.

“She will know after it happens.” he replied. He focused most of his thoughts on how Rowan would react, how hurt she would be, but he barely gave any thought to Ceryse’s feelings. She was his wife, as much as it felt so unnatural to call her that. She held no love for him and he held no love for her. This would be an inconvenience for her, perhaps an annoyance, but she’d get over it soon. It was a cruel way to go about things, but it was necessary. Ceryse would be his Queen one day, she’d come to realise that him taking a second wife was nothing but a necessary evil in her pious eyes. She’d make a much better Queen than Alys, that was for sure. Alys was far too carefree and was about to taste freedom for the first time, she wouldn’t be able to handle the true responsibilities of being a Queen. It was a good thing that he only needed her for an heir. He’d then station her somewhere else, Ceryse would hold court in King’s Landing and he’d finally take house Targaryen to its deserved glory.

“I don’t think she will take kindly to our marriage.” Alys stated, but her voice wasn’t really concerned at all. If anything, she sounded happy about the drama that was about to unfold. Was she truly that bored in her town and home? He sighed. She’d fall in line once she realised how things are run in the capital. Once she gave him one or two children, he’d give her leave to go where she wanted. Things would be easier that way at first, until everyone got used to each other.

“She won’t. But she’ll see with time, she’ll understand.” he responded, his eyes betraying an anxiety he was happy she could not see from behind him. She did not respond, he felt her shift around on the saddle to get a better view from above. The difficult part was coming as they neared Dragonstone. His heart was pounding as the island came into distant view. He couldn’t see Vhagar there yet, but that only meant he didn’t have much time to calm his nerves before having to talk with his mother. He could only hope the speech he rehearsed in his head convinced her. He could only hope that Rowan would come to forgive him.

Visneya rushed through the halls of Dragonstone, trying to mask her worry with a cool and collected mask of indifference. Her heart was pounding as soon as she read Maegor’s note. The worst came to mind. Had he been hurt? In her fits of grief over Aegon, had she missed a potential attack that put her son in harm’s way? His note had been brief and revealed nothing, which made her anxieties worse. She knew she raised him to be capable and strong, a warrior since he could walk, but she was his mother, he was her babe. The thought that he could be hurt was enough to send her spiralling. After the death of her sister, she took to wearing chainmail under her clothes, paranoid that assassins would try to take her life. It was with time that she had stopped, finally relaxing when peace was reached, but just the thought that someone could have harmed her son, was enough to make her consider the chainmail again, for him especially.

She barged in the room with the painted table in a less than graceful manner, after being directed there by the servants. Maegor didn’t even have time to say anything before Visenya began inspecting his face and arms for any hidden wound, sighing in relief when she confirmed he was safe. She eyed him carefully, noting that he looked uneasy, very unlike his normal, confident self. Her guard was down and her eyes betrayed confusion. She noticed the servants whispering, sharing looks and gossip in hushed voices, but in her hurry, she had not stopped to ask them.

“Maegor, what has happened? You nearly gave me a heart attack.” she said, crossing her arms. Her son looked like he was building up the courage to say something, but Visenya winced at her own words. They were in the very room Aegon’s heart gave out. How many moons had it been? It felt insensitive to even utter such words, but she decided to forgive herself, as it was out of worry for their son, her only son.

“Forgive me, mother, I did not intend to cause you any worry. I just wished to get you here as soon as possible, there is something of great importance I wish to discuss with you.” he spoke in an apologetic tone, a rare thing. Visneya nodded, walking to pour herself some water, to calm her nerves. She noticed Balerion flying freely outside, but he looked… uneasy. Which only meant that Maegor himself felt like so.

“Go on then. You have me here now, tell me. I suppose it has something to do with certain plans that could not be discussed in front of Aenys?” she asked, drinking from the cup, sighing in relief of the cool water. She had been parched in her hurry to get to Dragonstone. Maegor nodded, his hand tracing over the painted table lightly.

“It was in this very room where you taught me the most important lessons you ever did. Our histories, our language, our culture. It was here where we both knew what is rightfully mine, it was here where we discussed everything for the first time, just as it was here where you planned to conquer the very Kingdoms we now rule over." His voice held a nostalgic feeling, a fondness and longing for those times. Visenya remembered holding him in her arms, teaching him to speak, helping him walk, and now here he stood before her, a King without the crown.

“And it is here you will reveal something big.” she added, folding her arms. Maegor nodded once more, his eyes trailing over the carved details. If only he knew how many memories a single room could hold. This was where Visenya grew up, this was where she raised Maegor, this space held all of that, the pleasant and the heartbreaking. Maybe one day she’d tell him of it. Rowan was the only one who knew. She was the only one she had opened up to. She wasn’t entirely sure why not Maegor.

“I have everything I need to take the throne. If we bring things to Aenys in such a way, he will accept to step aside, he knows he stands no chance should he choose to fight. We must do this in such a way where our house appears united, thus making the transfer smooth and with no room for questioning. But for that, there’s still something I need. An heir.” he took slow, steady steps toward her, his eyes meeting hers as he stood tall in front of her, as Visenya nodded along. “Ceryse cannot provide that for me. At least, not in the time I need her to. Therefore, I’ve decided to take a second wife.” he said, after taking a deep breath.

Visenya stood still, as if she had somehow misheard him. She set the cup down, slowly taking in what he had just said to her. A second wife.

“Who?” she asked him bluntly, almost harshly, as she set her cup down. She looked into his eyes and he almost looked down in shame, but decided against it.

“Alys Harroway.” he replied. Ah, there it was. The reason he had been flying out to Harrenhal. The daughter of the new Lord of Harrenhal. She frowned. He must’ve brought her here, for why else would all the servants of the castle be whispering. How many people already knew? Even more importantly, why in the seven hells had he not told her before he brought the girl here?

“I see.” she began, but stopped herself from speaking further, to collect her thoughts. It was shocking for her, that he had made a choice so drastic without talking to her about it or even mentioning it at all. Visneya felt conflicted.

Her raw, emotional response was to refuse this, the wounds Aegon and Rhaenys’ union left her with had barely begun healing before Aegon died. She wanted so badly to yell at him that she did not want him to inherit his father’s worst qualities, that she wanted him to take only the good and become even better than he ever was. But maybe Maegor shared more than just a spitting resemblance to Aegon, to her dismay. It was in this very room that Aegon argued with their father to set their betrothal aside for Rhaenys’ sake, to set Visenya aside.

Then, her mind ignored her wounded heart for a moment, gently telling her that although the situation felt familiar, it couldn’t be the same, and it was not. Ceryse was not in love with him the way Visenya was with Aegon. This girl, Alys, was not someone Maegor had fallen in love with. It was logical, the way he was thinking. Ceryse hadn’t given him a child.

“I know the Hightowers will protest this, but once I take over and crown Ceryse a Queen, Oldtown will stand behind her, and by extension, the faith, once they see one of their own in power next to me.” he explained, turning his eyes to the map of Oldtown. Visenya crossed her arms and slowly let out a sigh.

“I see you’ve thought this through.” she said, eyeing him. Part of her was frustrated, and part of her was proud. She raised him to be a King, and he knew better than to act with no thought on possible rebellions. Maegor nodded once more, turning to face her. He knew she had a million things to ask him, and he waited patiently for her to do so.

“And if Ceryse gives you an heir after this Alys girl does? What then?” Visenya asked, turning back to take another sip of her water. Such a situation was a possibility. Perhaps Ceryse was not barren at all, and simply needed some more time. Visenya had Maegor after Rhaenys had Aenys. She looked at her son carefully.

“As she is my first wife, her sons will take priority in line to the throne after me, over those that Alys will have. Is that not the very reason I am taking the throne, mother? Because as the son of the first wife, it should be my birthright?” he asked her, stepping closer to her. He turned his eyes to the map once more. “Of course then, we’d have a problem of loyalties. Both houses will support their own. But Oldtown is a far stronger and more important ally than the Harroways are. Should Ceryse give me a son, he will be my heir. Should she give me a daughter, she will marry my heir and they shall rule together. Any rivalries between my sons, I will prevent. I refuse to raise my children the way father raised Aenys and I.'' he almost spat out the word father. Despite her undying love for Aegon, she knew Maegor was right in his anger. She was angry too.

“How do you suppose Ceryse and Alys will see this? Ceryse doesn’t even know, does she?” she asked, not expecting an answer. Of course he wouldn't have told her.

“Ceryse is far more suited to be Queen than ALys will ever be. Alys will give me an heir or two and she will have my leave to do as she pleases. She is not a person I can see committed to the life of court, I think she’d be more content to travel and be spoiled. My children will not be under her care, for she lacks the ability to raise true dragons. I shall have my children with me at all times, and Ceryse will be the one in charge in the capital. They’ll be raised together, in our language and traditions, not divided between mothers. If pregnancy changes Alys’ mind about this… she won’t have much choice in their upbringing anyway. You will have final say in that, mother.”

Visenya took in everything her son was saying. She nodded along, her hands still crossed. She understood his thought process. It was as solid as a plan like that could get. If raised together, under her own eye, Visenya could ensure that no other succession crisis would arise. She’d make sure no rivalries arose between the children, and lay things down clearly for them. It tugged at her heart, the topic. She did not want her line to end with Maegor. She did not put in all that work, the blood, sweat and tears that went into the conquest, only for Rhaenys to be laughing at her beyond the grave.

“You cannot marry without the King’s leave and blessing.” she stated, as her mind travelled to Aenys. He had looked like the stress of ruling had aged him, his crown weighing him down, the organisation of the feast being the only time she saw him carefree and joyful. What a poor excuse of a King he truly was. But he was still the King.

“I’m his brother, and his hand. He’ll come around. He’ll never give me leave to take a second wife, not with all those lords whispering in his ears. But once the deed is done, he’ll have no choice but to understand.” her son spoke. It was clear to Visenya that Maegor was beginning to get closer to Aenys. He only used to refer to him as his half-brother, correcting anyone who dared call them brothers at all, and now, his voice almost held a fondness for him. It was a good thing. The closer they were, the clearer it would be for Aenys to step aside and see who the true King was.

“The girl, you brought her here?” she asked, walking around the table, her arms still crossed and her mind trying to find holes in this plan. Her eyes stopped at a familiar location on the map. The Evergreen forest in the Starfall mountains. Rowan; what of Rowan? Her sweet girl, who had been her daughter in all but name and title, the one she had trusted with her deepest thoughts and worries, the one who stood by her side holding her hand throughout her tumultuous marriage to Aegon. It saddened her to think how this would affect her. Visenya could’ve never imagined that an innocent childhood crush would develop into something this intense.

She found herself wanting to ask him, why not Rowan, why not the one he loved, but she knew the answer. Rowan was a woman of faith and virtue, her faith saw polygamy as a disgusting sin, it would be an insult to her if he had asked her. Not to mention, any woman Maegor would marry, would face vitriol for accepting the position of a second wife. Maegor would never let that happen to Rowan- Visenya wouldn’t let that happen to her. Another reason was the close bond between the Hightowers and the Evergreens. The bond of the two houses was a deep one. Should Maegor take her as a second wife, the rift between the houses would be horrid, especially since, unlike Alys, Maegor would clearly prefer Rowan. Such favouritism would not calm the Hightowers nor Oldtown. Not to mention the friendship Ceryse and Rowan had would be ruined.

Despite being hurt over the news, Rowan was a brilliant mind, she’d understand why he did such a thing. But it was a cruel thing, was it not? To simply expect her to be understanding without explaining anything to her. It was a double edged sword. Not even Duncan knew. If Rowan knew, she would be in danger. Should anything in the plan go wrong, she could be punished as an accomplice in treason. She would never put her in such a risk, no. Things would be revealed when Maegor took his rightful crown. Then she’d explain it all to her.

“She’s here. She’s waiting to be introduced to you.” he said, his voice going soft for a split second. “Are you on board with this, mother?” he asked her, and in that moment, it was like she was staring at her little boy of eight once more. She knew he strived for her approval, it warmed her heart.

“Are you asking me for my permission?” she asked, the sarcasm not lost on her son. She took another sip of water, pinching the bridge of her nose. She felt a headache coming in. Maegor walked to where she stood, his voice now much more candid and soft, as he poured himself some water.

“Yes. Do you think I’m making a mistake?” he asked her, his eyes searching for the answer in hers. He had his father’s eyes, but the colour was Visenya’s. He felt vulnerable, his mind travelling to the person he truly longed for. He cared not for what the Kingdoms thought, he was asking her if she thought he was making a mistake with Rowan. She was who he was truly worried about.

“...no.” she spoke up after a moment of silence. She had to set aside her feelings to see things as they were. Maegor needed an heir to get his birthright. He found a woman willing to give him that. That was all this was. Rowan, as much as she loved and adored her, was never going to be able to marry him, not with how things were now. To sit and dwell on their doomed love would be foolish for both of them. Maegor had Kingdoms to rule, a dynasty to raise, he needed to act and he needed to act now.

“Yet you seem hesitant, mother.” he said, looking into his cup. Visenya had made up her mind. And so did Maegor. She didn’t fault him for his heart holding him back, he could not help it. It was a safe place to speak such hesitations, in the safety of the privacy Dragonstone provided.

“Things are happening too fast.” she said, rubbing his shoulder as he stood close. It was a reassurance, a soothing word in its own strange way. An acknowledgment of how everything felt like it was moving so quickly. It was like yesterday that her Aegon died and Aenys was crowned in Oldtown, and now the Kingdoms she had given it her all to conquer, were in danger of falling apart with Aenys in charge.

“The sooner I get an heir, the sooner I get the crown.” he sighed, welcoming his mother’s soothing touch, closing his eyes for a moment. It didn’t sound like the first time he had said this. She wondered if that is how he was reassuring himself to do all of this. To go through the wedding with Ceryse, to go through another wedding, to go through hurting Rowan. It was a cruel reality, to have to choose his birthright over the one he loved.

“Bring her in. Let me see this girl.” Visenya concluded. It would lead them nowhere if they stayed like that, reminiscing on what could’ve been, what should’ve been. It would only hold them both back and plunge them into misery.

A servant escorted this Alys girl into the room. It was clear as day that she was nowhere near as highborn as the ladies of the court. Her eyes were eager to take everything in, not a single serious thought behind them, as if this was some fun adventure she’s going on. Her curtsy was clumsy, one that betrayed that she knew little of the world she wanted to get into. She became uneasy under Visenya’s harsh stare, looking to Maegor for any kind of reassurance, which she would not receive. Visenya observed the girl carefully. If she were as harsh as some perceived her to be, she’d make a comment that he chose someone who could resemble the one he longed for, if the room was dark enough. But she was not, and so she kept silent.

The tension in the room could be cut through with a knife. Maegor stood next to his mother dutifully, like he always did, as if he were presenting his mother with some kind of project he needed reviewed. Alys Harroway held her breath, as Visenya’s harsh eyes studied her.

“Very well.” she said, stepping back. At her words of approval, Alys visibly relaxed her shoulders. Maegor nodded at her in gratitude and awaited her next words. “Let us go find a septon and get this over with.” she said, walking out of the room, Maegor’s footsteps closely behind hers, and Alys running to catch up. Although surprised, she didn’t seem to hesitate, nor care. It was of no concern to Visenya, as long as she did what they needed her to do.

As she had expected, the septon of Dragonstone refused to perform the ceremony. He held his more scathing comments to himself, knowing the threat of dragonfire was close and ready to find him with a mere word. She knew what he would say. This was an abomination, a ridicule of the meaning of marriage, that only two belonged in a union, all things she had heard before. But who were these little men to tell the Valyrians, who were closer to the gods than they were to mere men, of what was right and wrong? They would not wait for any septon to make up his mind, no.

By the evening, Visenya Targaryen performed the ceremony herself. The smallfolk of the island, as well as the servants and cooks of the castle were called to be witnesses. Balerion and Vhagar were sat together, watching them as well. Visenya was the only one in ceremonial clothing, as Maegor insisted that he and Alys would wear normal clothing. She understood why. He wanted this to be done as quickly as possible, with as little fuss.

And there, as the sun was setting on Dragonstone, Maegor Targaryen took Alys Harroway as his second wife, in a ceremony of Old Valyria, in front of a hesitant crowd.

Now, it was only a matter of time for things to fall into place.

taglist:@heartstalked@stupidocupido@discowizard88@slytherisstuff

#maegor targaryen #maegor targaryen x oc #maegor the cruel #visenya targaryen #visenya the conqueror

14 notes · View notes