#wicked nessa rose

[melodianaartist]

I’m so tired and a bit sick anf I am thinking about how the new wicked movie is presenting nessa as good representation and her actor is saying she is so grateful for the chance and I just looking at it in absolute concern. Because like..either they’re going to change her character or this is just sad.

I‘m not opposed to changes. The whole tragically beautiful oh no the chair is so horrible thing is not the best representation from the reading on disability rep that I’ve done. (Though feel free to correct me if I am wrong please) and what happens in the second arc is even more iffy. Nessarose as is is not the best representation. However it’s a sensitive thing to handle because in wicked the musical the plot is very much rushing. Everything is connected and we have rather little time. It’s usually 1 plot point per scene and it works as well as it does because everything is connected. Nessa is a part of that so changing a connecting piece can be to the overall detriment of the story. If the overall story should take precident over representation could be argued, but I’m gonna be honest if the movie isn’t enjoyable the representation no matter how good it is will suffer too.

Not to mention that I don’t really know the director’s work and idk how they would handle this.

I think the thing I would like to see most of all is just to spend time with Nessa. In the og musical we only hear like 1 minute of a song and a few lines from her perspective in act 1. Everything else is everyone remarking how tragic she is. The wicked movie adaptation will encompass two parts. The straight up musical already has enough time to fill two movies but I’m hoping that maybe we can get a bit more time with everyone but especially nessa. I can’t think of any big changes I would do off the top of my head to remedy this but still keep the story mostly the same but at least let the audience understand her more. Let her speak. Let us understand l the conclusion she is bound to come to. We know how Elphaba is the way she is but maybe show us nessa’s perspective of her household. Does she blame herself too and that is the source of some insecurity? Is she sick of beeing just seen as a tragedy? Does she not see the meaner version of her father? Is she sick of the coddling? Whats her opinion on glinda at the start before the set up? What kind of music does she like? Is she good in school? I don’t think I’ve seen her attend with elphaba in the musical. Where is she all this time? Does elphaba tell her about the lion?

[hyperspecific-musical-summaries]

opportunistic blonde is mean to social outsider and after a brief period of friendship kills her sister because of a man, then realizes she shouldn’t do that and imprisons the fascist government. there’s a time dragon

[neverwalka1one]

I got to see Wicked last night, and whoo boy I have thoughts. Cut for spoilers, you've been warned.

I'm looking forward to seeing the 'Good News' song at the end of the second movie - Glinda already looked conflicted about the Giant Elphie Effigy (good lord those munchkins work fast)

Also, I thought the movie highlighted better that those in Munchkinland knew Elphaba her whole life, and this is still how hard they bought in to the propaganda.

The little hint that Glinda's bubble is all mechanics. Chef's kiss.

Glinda's bubble has a Designated Landing Place. Just. Consider all that implies, with Glinda having been until very recently the Wizard's goodwill ambassador.

'Take it away' will never not be heartbreaking. Also, of course Elphaba is going to grow up a fierce defender of animal rights, she was raised by a talking animal, and that bear was the only one to be kind to her consistently through her childhood. Dafuq.

Baby!Nessa!Rose's little meeps. Just. I died.

'Oh, they're going to miss me.' Galinda I love you you ridiculous gal.

I like this twist on why Elphaba was at Shiz. I loved the way she so desperately wanted to go, but couldn't ask for herself. I loved her trying to defend Nessa Rose's independence... and then still being blamed for stifling her. Excellent.

Also did y'all see the picture of the animals behind the cracked and fallen fresco of the Wizard in that scene? Foreshadowing my beloved.

Galinda writing a little 'it's great' card put on top of the saddest pile of bedding you've ever seen.

'What is this Feeling?' omfg. I loved Elphaba putting her foot down about the roommate situation.

I also liked that they moved Elphaba's talk with Dr. Dillamond off-campus. It makes more sense that this status-quo challenging talk would be done away from the powers that be.

Also it sets up Fiyero running into Elphaba (literally) better, and omfg. I love that horse, he's great, more horse in the second movie please.

Omg Galinda flirting. And Fiyero flirting back, but Galinda (and Elphaba) missing that at that point Fiyero was flirting with pretty much everyone because hey, it's fun, it's easy, and it works.

On that note, Fiyero flirting successfully with the librarian. <3

The whole Ozdust scene. All of it. The outfits, the dancing, the prolonged social anxiety/social embarrassment. The way Elphaba refuses to show she's been hurt. The way Galinda finally understands that. THE DANCE APOLOGY.

I did find it a little weird that one of the only lines cut from the musical was the 'Lemons and melons and pears. Oh my' bit between Boc and Nessa Rose.

Also can we talk about how excellent Jonathan Bailey is as Fiyero?

'Popular' is, as always, fantastic. And highlights just how good Galinda is going to be at the politics of this world.

'That might be your secret, but that doesn't make it the truth' AUGH GALINDA just rip out my heart why don't you.

I liked that when Elphaba rescues the lion cub, she's more restrained/talented than in the beginning of the movie. It makes sense, she's been learning all this time.

THE BIKES. THE LION CUB IN THE BIKE BASKET. THE WIZARD OF OZ CALLBACK. LOVE.

The mushroom things during 'I'm Not That Girl', idk what those were but they were so so pretty lord I love the world-building.

That scene of Nessa Rose, Boc, Galinda, and Fiyero all together, and Elphaba on the outside in the dark. Fiyero looking out over the courtyard as he's being pulled away. Augh, all of it.

The way the students turned on a dime the second Elphaba got that invitation.

That. Train. Steampunk my beloved.

Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth getting singing roles, YES, THANK YOU, that was such a great surprise, I was squeaking like bebe Nessa Rose.

On the flip side... sigh. I called it. Jeff Goldblum was... very Jeff Goldblum. That guy, while a lot of fun, is the exact same character in pretty much everything he's been in for the last few years. I still think that casting was a mistake. Hear me out: The original Wizard was Joel Grey. Joel Grey was also the Emcee in Cabaret. ... so tell me it wouldn't both be great casting and an awesome call back to have casted Alan Cumming as the Wizard. I can't have everything I guess.

Also, and it might be just me/the effects of a late night screening, but when Elphaba and Galinda are walking into the palace, with the doors slamming behind them, and there's a scene with the torchlit hall behind them? Didn't the fire look like how the flames in the original Wizard of Oz movie looked? Just sort of... fuzzier and blurred than how film tends to pick up fire these days? It might have just been me.

Also this movie does have a bit of the Les Mis problem - you've got some cast members with serious vocal chops... and theeeeeen there's the ones that... tried hard. Great actors every single one, but would it have killed the director to find people for those roles that could match vocally as well? This movie doesn't need big names. We're not going for the big names, people.

I liked how the movie explained better why the Wizard not being able to read from the Grimorie was such a big deal.

The monkeys. Oh, the flying monkeys. Also the scene of Madam Morrible framed by flying monkeys. Thanks for breaking my heart.

'Defying Gravity'. All of it. Every bit of it. Holy. Shit. Holyshit. HOLY. SHIT.

So yeah, I'm going to have to see it eleventy-billion more times before it leaves theaters.

[wildfloweronwheels]

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A post shared by Hannah Diviney (@hannahthewildflower)

Surprise! In her only solo interview of the Australian Wicked Press Tour, I got to interview the incredible Marissa Bode who makes history as the first disabled actress to ever play Nessa Rose 🌹 We chatted all things representation, accessibility and even flying wheelchairs 😂

Can’t believe this is a part of my job 🤩 Thank you for the opportunity Universal Pictures, I’m honestly still floating 💚

WICKED IN CINEMAS NOVEMBER 21 ✨

[black-is-beautiful18]

I'm a white theatre person in a mostly white theatre community and you are spot on with them being lightyears behind - pretty much every theatre company I know of locally will have on their website and also on the audition postings that they 'accept anyone etc' but will continue to cast white/able bodied/skinny near exclusively.

No cuz everyone must be everyone.

Take Wicked for example. The West End is the first to have both a Black Glinda and Elphaba. Broadway has only had a Black woman play Elphaba as a swing, which is just as important, but they have yet to cast a Black performer in any prominent role outside of Brittney Johnson as Glinda a few years ago and Taye Diggs as Fieryo in their early years of being on Broadway despite said character literally being a POC in the books! Nessa Rose is always played by an able bodied performer as if there aren’t disabled performers who are very talented and very capable of playing the character. It makes no sense. It’s ok for a Black man to play the Phantom but it takes literal YEARS for a Black woman, or any woman of color for that matter, to play Christine only for Broadway to end its 20+ year run a freaking year later. Then they say “Well we should be able to play whoever we want” but when you get a Black Juliet, a Black Macbeth, a Desi man playing the Green Knight, a Black woman playing King Edward, etc we get called every slur they can think of because that statement is truly only meant for them. It is an excuse for them to disregard the importance of Black and Brown performers and everyone who works in theatre including the fans. Cuz why do you think you have the right to play TiMoune when we can’t even play a freaking fairy in a Shakespeare play without someone saying it’s unrealistic for us to have the role due to the color of our skin???? We can’t even get proper representation in freaking Hadestown which is a show that prides itself on being “diverse”. The audiences are just as much at fault too. Their racial bias is the exact reason why ticket sales plummet as soon as a Black or Brown performer is casted in a lead role. I can’t even find videos of Yola and Phillip Boykin as Hades and Persephone for god’s sake! Two dark skin and plus size performers! Grammy and Tony award winners! We have to prove ourselves to everyone including directors despite our credentials and it’s sickening.

[carbonausmoth]

Red Blue Professor Oak Daisy Oak Brock Misty Lt. Surge Erika Koga Sabrina Mr Fuji Reina Blaine Giovanni Lorelei Bruno Agatha Lance Bill Mr. Fuji Baoba Pokémon Center ladies Koichi Player's mom Old man Professor Oak's aides Ghost Marowak Ethan Silver Professor Elm Mr. Pokémon Falkner Bugsy Whitney Morty Chuck Jasmine Pryce Clair Will Karen Janine Red Gyarados Archer Ariana Petrel Proton Earl Dervish DJ Mary DJ Ben DJ Lily Week Siblings Kurt Cal Randy Carrie Amphy Kiyo Dude DJ Fern Joey Kanto Pokémon Federation Kimono Girls Maizie Johto Name Rater Johto Move Deleter Professor Elm's aide Radio Director Reed Player's mom Li Wilton Brendan May Professor Birch Roxanne Brawly Wattson Flannery Norman Winona Tate and Liza Wallace Sidney Phoebe Glacia Drake Steven Stone Mr. Briney Mr. Stone Wally Lanette Gabby and Ty Professor Cozmo Rydel Wanda Winstrate family Captain Stern Dock Maxie Tabitha Courtney Archie Matt Shelly Treasure Hunter Fossil Maniac Kiri Player's mom Hoenn Name Rater Hoenn Move Deleter Hoenn Move Maniac Peeko Old guys Trick Master Lucas Dawn Barry Cheryl Mira Riley Marley Buck Professor Rowan Roark Gardenia Maylene Crasher Wake Fantina Byron Candice Volkner Aaron Bertha Flint Lucian Cynthia Cyrus Mars Jupiter Saturn Palmer Bebe Mr. Backlot Eldritch Felicity Dr. Footstep Mr. Fuego Helena Johanna Sinnoh Name Rater Sinnoh Move Deleter Sinnoh Move Maniac Pokétch Co. President Danny Rad Rickshaw Roseanne Underground Man Wilma Julia Professor Rowan's assistant Jordan Dexter Keira Butler Hilbert Hilda Cheren Bianca Professor Juniper Cedric Juniper Cilan Chili Cress Lenora Burgh Elesa Clay Skyla Brycen Iris Drayden Shauntal Grimsley Marshal Alder Fennel N Ghetsis Rood Zinzolin Gorm Bronius Giallo Ryoku Shadow Triad Anthea and Concordia Amanita Hawes Player's mom Bianca's father Charles Ingo Emmet The Riches Shigeki Morimoto Kōji Nishino Unova Name Rater Unova Move Deleter Reminder girl Unova Stats Judge Calem Serena Professor Sycamore Shauna Tierno Trevor Alexa Bonnie Viola Grant Korrina Ramos Clemont Valerie Olympia Wulfric Malva Siebold Wikstrom Drasna Diantha Lysandre Aliana Bryony Celosia Mable Xerosic Chalmers AZ Nita Evelyn Dana Morgan Sina Dexio Emma Gurkinn Grace Cassius Inver Mr. Bonding Kali Linnea Blossom Katherine Kalos Name Rater Kalos Move Deleter Madam Reminder Phil the Photo Guy Stew Ward Esse Kalos Stats Judge Elio Selene Lillie Nebby Hau Professor Kukui Rotom Dex Ilima Lana Kiawe Mallow Sophocles Acerola Mina Hala Olivia Nanu Hapu Kahili Molayne Ryuki Gladion Plumeria Guzma Wicke Faba Lusamine Mohn Player's mom Samson Oak Harper and Sarah Eevee users Mr. Hyper Gester Alola Name Rater Alola Move Deleter Alola Move Reminder Victor Gloria Hop Bede Marnie Sonia Professor Magnolia Milo Nessa Kabu Bea Allister Opal Gordie Melony Piers Raihan Leon Rose Oleana Watt Traders Sordward Shieldbert Jack Ball Guy Cara Liss Player's mum Florian Juliana Nemona Arven Penny Koraidon Miraidon Professor Sada Professor Turo Clavell Katy Brassius Iono Kofu Larry Ryme Tulip Grusha Rika Poppy Hassel Geeta Giacomo Mela Atticus Ortega Eri Carmen Jacq Dendra Miriam Raifort Saguaro Salvatore Tyme Youssef Harrington Heath Pokémon League representatives Player's mom

Jesus fucking christ what

[plumsaucemadein2005]

All the trailers and stuff I've seen for the wicked movie look so fun, like it looks so whimsical and fun and cute.

I can't wait to see it get dark in part 2. Even in part one tho, I'm so interested in how the animals being taken and nessa rose and boq develop. I just really really wanna see the dark undertones even in the beginning.

[pokemanix]

Welcome to POKEMANIX

Enjoy your stay. I like reblogging pkmn stuff of all kinds! That includes fanart and official stuff

I also post pkmn card posts for every pkmn character. If your favourite isn't up yet, they either don't have a card or theyre in the queue.

Official Pokemon Trainer Cards Easy List;

Gen 1

Red, Blue, Green, Leaf, Ash Ketchum, Mom, Professor Oak, Imposter Professor Oak, Daisy Oak, Bill, Celio, Mr. Fuji, Copycat, Giovanni, Jessie and James, Butch and Cassidy, Sird, Team Rocket Grunts, Brock, Misty, Lt. Surge, Erika, Koga, Sabrina, Blaine, Lorelei, Bruno, Agatha, Lance

Gen 2

Ethan, Kris, Lyra, Mom, Professor Elm, Silver, Eusine, Mary, Mr. Pokemon, Kurt, Buena, Archer, Ariana, Proton, Petrel, Falkner, Bugsy, Whitney, Morty, Chuck, Jasmine, Pryce, Clair, Janine, Will, Karen

Gen 3

Brendan, May, Mom, Professor Birch, Wally, Zinnia, Scott, Mr. Briney, Mr. Stone, Gabby and Ty, Lanette, Brigette, Professor Cozmo, Captain Stern, Aarune, Lisia, Archie, Matt, Shelly, Maxie, Tabitha, Courtney, Team Aqua Grunts, Team Magma Grunts, Roxanne, Brawly, Wattson, Flannery, Norman, Winona, Tate, Liza, Wallace, Juan, Sidney, Phoebe, Glacia, Drake, Steven Stone, Noland, Greta, Tucker, Lucy, Spenser, Brandon, Anabel

Gen 4

Lucas, Dawn, Johanna (Mom), Professor Rowan, Barry, Felicity, Looker, Roxy and Oli, Cheryl, Riley, Mira, Buck, Marley, Bebe, Roseanne, Cyrus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Team Galactic Grunts, Charon, Roark, Gardenia, Maylene, Crasher Wake, Fantina, Byron, Candice, Volkner, Aaron, Bertha, Flint, Lucian, Cynthia, Palmer, Thorton, Dahlia, Darach, Argenta

Gen 5

Hilbert, Hilda, Nate, Rosa, Mom (BW), Mom (B2W2), Professor Juniper, Cedric Juniper, Fennel, Cheren, Bianca, Hugh, N, Colress, Ghetsis, Zinzolin, Gorm, Bronius, Giallo, Ryoku, Rood, Anthea, Concordia, Shadow Triad, Team Plasma Grunts, Cilan, Chili, Cress, Lenora, Burgh, Elesa, Clay, Skyla, Brycen, Drayden, Iris, Roxie, Marlon, Shauntal, Marshal, Grimsley, Caitlin, Alder, Benga, Ingo, Emmet

Gen 6

Calem, Serena, Grace (Mom), Professor Augustine Sycamore, Shauna, Tierno, Trevor, Alexa, Cassius, Inver, Sina, Dexio, Gurkinn, Bonnie, Emma, AZ, Lysandre, Chalmers, Aliana, Bryony, Celosia, Marie, Xerosic, Team Flare Grunts, Viola, Grant, Korrina, Ramos, Clemont, Valerie, Olympia, Wulfric, Malva, Siebold, Wikstrom, Drasna, Diantha, Dana, Evelyn, Morgan, Nita, Kali, Katherine

Gen 7

Elio, Selene, Mom, Professor Kukui, Professor Burnet, Lillie, Hau, Samson Oak, Guzma, Plumeria, Gladion, Team Skull Grunts, Lusamine, Wicke, Faba, Aether Paradise Employees, Phyco, Dulse, Soliera, Zossie, Ilima, Lana, Kiawe, Mallow, Sophocles, Acerola, Mina, Hala, Olivia, Nanu, Hapu, Kahili, Molayne, Mohn, Ryuki

Gen 8

Victor, Gloria, Mum, Professor Magnolia, Sonia, Hop, Bede, Marnie, Sordward, Shielbert, Ball Guy, Team Yell Grunts, Rose, Oleana, Milo, Nessa, Kabu, Bea, Allister, Opal, Gordie, Melony, Piers, Raihan, Leon, Cara Liss, Jack, Dan, Mustard, Klara, Avery, Honey, Hyde, Peony, Peonia, Digging Duo, Koko

Hisui

Rei, Akari, Professor Laventon, Kamado, Cyllene, Zisu, Pesselle, Tao Hua, Sanqua, Colza, Beni, Ress, Rye, Cogita, Choy, Anthe, Charm, Clover, Coin, Vessa, Adaman, Mai, Arezu, Iscan, Melli, Sabi, Irida, Lian, Calaba, Palina, Gaeric, Pearl Clan Members, Diamond Clan Members, Ginter, Volo, Tuli, Mani

Gen 9

Florian, Juliana, Professor Sada, Professor Turo, Nemona, Arven, Penny, Clavell, Jacq, Dendra, Miriam, Raifort, Saguaro, Salvatore, Tyme, Katy, Brassius, Iono, Kofu, Larry, Ryme, Tulip, Grusha, Rika, Poppy, Hassel, Geeta, Giacomo, Mela, Atticus, Ortega, Eri, Carmen, Youssef, Team Star Grunts, Carmine, Kieran, Perrin, Kitakami Caretaker, Billy and O'Nare, Briar, Cyrano, Drayton, Lacey, Crispin, Amarys, Liko, Roy, Friede, Dot

Go

Professor Willow, Candela, Blanche, Spark

Other

Imakuni?, Holon, Trainer Classes (1, 2, 3, 4, 5), Pokemon Center Ladies, NPCs (1, 2, 3, 4)

[4ce-of-2pades-inkwell]

I had the idea to combine my two current fixations into a Casino Cups + Wicked AU.

Elphaba and Nessa are daughters of the Devil in the most literal sense. (Ironic, considering how religious book Nessa is, and how book Elphaba wrestles with the idea of having faith and a soul.) Elphaba appears human, but is green, as one would expect. You initially assume she’s a plant hybrid, but then you see her fangs that no, she never lost, and her horns almost hidden among her dark hair, and her tail. That’s why people are afraid of her, that and her “father.” The Devil is very clear on the fact that she was more invented than born, and she assumes she is basically just another imp, albeit one that looks closer to human and is treated as an actual daughter. But still, despite the fact that she is loved, she receives far less warmth than she does expectation and responsibility. She is cold and calculating, sturdy and reliable, and serves the purposes asked of her.

Nessa, on the other hand, is the more doted on child, because she is not expected to take on responsibility, and perhaps subconsciously because she shows more of both her parents. Nessa is not a rose, as I had considered, but rather looks like any Devildice fanchild you might pull out of a hat at random, because she is. She’s a black die with golden dots, and a diamond-aligned head with three dots as her face, taking after her aunt. Her name should be some pun on dice, like Nessaroll. I can’t tell if that’s stupid or if it’ll grow on me. Maybe if I find a dice pun for “Nessa” too, or if there’s some general casino term with the word “rose” I could use instead. (Let’s say “Elphaba” means something in Enochian?) At any rate, it goes without saying that Nessa’s still a wheelchair user, but I sort of want to come up with some kind of unique cartoony or demon-ey type of accommodation for her to use instead, because it would be cool. (I’m picturing a backpack with wings or long tentacles or something to lift her off the ground.) Or perhaps I could borrow from the book and have her be armless instead? Anyway, she’s a hit singing at the Devil’s casino. Elphaba is a hit as a hitman perhaps, or maybe she’s learning to manage the finances.

Dice is getting older, and wants to retire soon, and Devil intends to retire right along with him. Ownership of the Casino is expected to pass to Elphaba for a good many decades, and possibly forever if Devil never decides to reclaim it, but when Elphaba does… I don’t know, some plot thing like in the musical… and goes AWOL, it falls to Nessa to take charge. And she takes to it remarkably naturally. Not a year of training, and she’s in charge, fully and completely, writing out soul deals of her own and ruling with an iron fist. If she does, in fact, have fists. I’m still trying to decide.

What it takes Elphaba time to discover, but I will lay out plainly for you for clarity’s sake, is that she’s not just some imp or demon that happened to get raised like a kid. She was created and designed specifically as Devil’s attempt at making an angel. He did have an interest in creating souls, didn’t he? What does an angel look like if it’s born fallen? What sort of manner of being is Elphaba, part of both worlds, belonging fully to neither? The Devil probably created this demonic angel with some kind of Big Scheme in mind, but at some point he realizes that he loves this thing like a kid, and is having a hard time balancing that with his need to use her like a weapon. Unlike Nessa, who he can certifiably call a child and nothing more or less, he doesn’t quite know what Elphaba is to him now, and that’s the source of his coldness and formality with her. If he’s gonna launch her at heaven like a nuclear weapon, he doesn’t want to get too attached.

Part of Elphaba’s estrangement is that she feels like a stepchild because she doesn’t have a connection to Dice. Nessa clearly shows both her parents. Elphaba shows only one, and that’s far offset by the green and her humanlike appearance. “Why did you invent me green though??” “Oh, it just matched your eyes. ;)” Dice has given her more than she realizes. One would never assume one of their fathers is blind because he literally gave his eyeballs to his firstborn. A demon needs demon eyes. Much of Elphaba’s being was formed from and around Dice’s demon eyes, with Devil’s magic (and some bit of holiness he had lying around somewhere). And the things that these demon eyes have seen give Elphaba a wisdom beyond her years through experiences she’ll never be able to consciously know. Also, she always knows when someone is lying. It is very difficult to hide anything from her. This is not an ability she manifests only at certain times, giving her visions of truths and desires, like with Dice, but a skill she uses continuously, one of purely mental intuition.

Glinda is an angel. Quite literally. I don’t have much to say about her story, because I don’t know much. Perhaps she senses someone of a similar nature and finds and befriends Elphaba. Perhaps they meet by chance. But this is the start of Elphaba having actual friends and a life outside the Casino. (Devil is uncertain about this, but Dice encourages him to let Elphaba have her fun. Weapon or no, she’s also a teenager, and Devil knows it.) Perhaps Gelphie becomes canon. I don’t see any reason why it shouldn’t, but frankly I’m too aspec to care, as long as they have a good friendship. The pair’s eventual encountering of the Wizard is, instead, an encounter with some high-level angel, or even maybe God? Probably not God. Maybe Gabriel? Elphaba is powerful, but it’s a strange and unusual power, and Gabriel is intrigued by this unknown being with angel-like abilities that no one can remember giving her. Glinda is very proud of having talent-scouted her friend, and tags along hoping she will be rewarded as well, becoming more than just a minor angel that didn’t even make it into any literature by name. Elphaba is invited to join the heavenly host or something like that. She can become important. Gabriel can teach her and learn from her as well. Or hey, she’s kind of goth, so maybe she’ll want to be trained up as some kind of angel of death like Azrael. And of course Glinda jumps at Gabriel’s now open offer for guidance. They could do this together, Elphaba and Glinda, learning and training under two great angels, finding their purpose, becoming important, etc etc etc… Of course there’s some kind of confrontation wherein Elphaba discovers dark ulterior motives. Which, coming from God, doesn’t bode well. Probably something along the lines of that one thing Devil said about being an experiment and a puppet or something. I don’t know. But Elphaba wants nothing to do with this eerily pristine, fake perfect paradise. She turns away. But Glinda doesn’t intend to fall. Even knowing what she now knows… this is just who she is. So the two good friends officially take their sides on this most legendary struggle between “good” and “evil.” Elphaba now personally understands her father’s struggle, and she’s going to make a nuclear weapon towards heaven out of herself. But she intends to do it on her own terms. So she runs away to study and plan and prepare for… something.

Okay. Other characters.

Fiyero, I think, is some kind of dish or utensil. (I can’t think of a good pun off the top of my head… something with “fork”???) Paralleling him as a prince, this AU’s Fiyero is a descendant of the Calix Animi, but one who knows all the lore… …and acts like he doesn’t care much. It was a bajillion years ago, big deal! He plays it off because, if taken seriously, that’s a lot to live up to. On his own time though, he studies his ancestors with a passion. He was friends with Elphaba before she fell from a heaven she wasn’t part of in the first place, but after Elphaba cuts ties with everyone, she runs into Fiyero again by accident because they’re both researching. Perhaps they encounter each other in the Calix Animi ruins at like 2 AM? Elphaba sticks with Fiyero after this, at first because she tells him about her cause and he decides to turn traitor on his ancestors and help her by sharing his research and knowledge and stuff. But with time… I dunno, maybe they also fall in love? Like I said, I really don’t care.

Boq. Or rather, Bog. I do frequently make reference to the singular time in the book that Elphaba calls him a frog as an insult, but if that’s not enough to convince you, consider how close “Tibbett and Crope” are to “Ribby and Croaks.” Bog is their cousin, distant or close I don’t know. From the start of the AU’s plot, he works as a waiter at their clip joint, but he really wants to do… um, I dunno? Irrigation theory? In the book he studied agriculture, and in the musical all he did was study Galinda every time he could look at her. I do think that considering all the sentient plants on the Inkwell Isles—which I suppose we should be sure to capitalize here as “Plants,” another nod to the lore of the book—there would be a lot more range when it comes to what you might call “agriculture”, or any study of plants and animals. For all I know, we could be talking Plants and Animals instead, and he technically wants to be a doctor or an anthropologist or something. But I digress. He’s got some kind of professional aspirations, and he’s working a lot of shifts at his cousins’ place saving up for a good education. (Cousins plural, because Ribby and Croaks aren’t actually versions of Tibbett and Crope here, because if they were, they’d be a couple, not related, and since I wouldn’t be changing the names at all, that would get… confusing.)

At some point Bog makes friends with Nessa, which as we all know is always the biggest mistake of his life. I dunno if he makes Nessa think he likes her in this AU, because I also dunno if and how he falls in love with Glinda (who probably doesn’t ever have a name change unless I can think of a good reason). He probably does crush on the unattainable angel though, because if we’re playing by musical rules, then it’s an obligation, and it is also an obligation that Bog share some portion of the fault for his fate due to his own bad life choices. However, this fault can come with the signing of a contract. Nessa doesn’t need to be in love this time. What she needs is ruthless business sense. Why shouldn’t she use a friend/acquaintance as the first victim of her own personal soul deals? Much easier to convince that way. Maybe she tricks him. But I think he kind of has to sign his life away as willingly as possible, so our pity for his predicament can be mixed with a fair dose of “you idiot” as it always should be. I don’t know what she offers him that he’s willing to sign his soul away—probably something to do with making Glinda like him, because I don’t think he’s cares quite that much about agriculture—but Bog goes and loses his heart soul to Nessa. And she must like him at least a little, because his deal isn’t one for eternal torment. Instead, he is Nessa’s first “hired” employee at the Devil’s Casino (under new management). He will stay by her side, serving her, forever. And call me silly, but I don’t think this arrangement is going to end up quite like it did with Devil and Dice. (Though that’s the only love story Nessa’s especially familiar with, so perhaps it’s no wonder this was her plan all along to win Bog over. It worked once, right?)

Bog goes from one waiter uniform straight to a slightly different waiter uniform, this one with a little heart on it, and in any color he wants! Fun, right? Totally worth the, y’know, eternity, right? Bog wonders what exactly he got himself into, and desperately hopes he won’t come to regret it any more than he already does, because there is no escaping this.

I’m not sure how everybody would end up meeting and becoming friends. I know there was no big friend group in the musical, but I am tempted to once again borrow a little from the book, because the Charmed Circle gives me life. However, maybe it would make more sense for them to meet by chance, in twos and threes, and have a little web of interactions, and maybe encounter all of each other in the same space a few times, but never really become a group. As always, whichever best serves the mostly nonexistent plot.

I associate Elphaba with Clubs, Glinda with Diamonds, Bog with Hearts (duh), and Fiyero with Spades. (I have no idea what Nessa is, and I kind of don’t want to decide because there are only four suits and it would mess up the balance.) All of this is up for debate.

[quarsonist]

Red Blue Professor Oak Daisy Oak Brock Misty Lt. Surge Erika Koga Sabrina Mr Fuji Reina Blaine Giovanni Lorelei Bruno Agatha Lance Bill Mr. Fuji Baoba Pokémon Center ladies Koichi Player's mom Old man Professor Oak's aides Ghost Marowak Ethan Silver Professor Elm Mr. Pokémon Falkner Bugsy Whitney Morty Chuck Jasmine Pryce Clair Will Karen Janine Red Gyarados Archer Ariana Petrel Proton Earl Dervish DJ Mary DJ Ben DJ Lily Week Siblings Kurt Cal Randy Carrie Amphy Kiyo Dude DJ Fern Joey Kanto Pokémon Federation Kimono Girls Maizie Johto Name Rater Johto Move Deleter Professor Elm's aide Radio Director Reed Player's mom Li Wilton Brendan May Professor Birch Roxanne Brawly Wattson Flannery Norman Winona Tate and Liza Wallace Sidney Phoebe Glacia Drake Steven Stone Mr. Briney Mr. Stone Wally Lanette Gabby and Ty Professor Cozmo Rydel Wanda Winstrate family Captain Stern Dock Maxie Tabitha Courtney Archie Matt Shelly Treasure Hunter Fossil Maniac Kiri Player's mom Hoenn Name Rater Hoenn Move Deleter Hoenn Move Maniac Peeko Old guys Trick Master Lucas Dawn Barry Cheryl Mira Riley Marley Buck Professor Rowan Roark Gardenia Maylene Crasher Wake Fantina Byron Candice Volkner Aaron Bertha Flint Lucian Cynthia Cyrus Mars Jupiter Saturn Palmer Bebe Mr. Backlot Eldritch Felicity Dr. Footstep Mr. Fuego Helena Johanna Sinnoh Name Rater Sinnoh Move Deleter Sinnoh Move Maniac Pokétch Co. President Danny Rad Rickshaw Roseanne Underground Man Wilma Julia Professor Rowan's assistant Jordan Dexter Keira Butler Hilbert Hilda Cheren Bianca Professor Juniper Cedric Juniper Cilan Chili Cress Lenora Burgh Elesa Clay Skyla Brycen Iris Drayden Shauntal Grimsley Marshal Alder Fennel N Ghetsis Rood Zinzolin Gorm Bronius Giallo Ryoku Shadow Triad Anthea and Concordia Amanita Hawes Player's mom Bianca's father Charles Ingo Emmet The Riches Shigeki Morimoto Kōji Nishino Unova Name Rater Unova Move Deleter Reminder girl Unova Stats Judge Calem Serena Professor Sycamore Shauna Tierno Trevor Alexa Bonnie Viola Grant Korrina Ramos Clemont Valerie Olympia Wulfric Malva Siebold Wikstrom Drasna Diantha Lysandre Aliana Bryony Celosia Mable Xerosic Chalmers AZ Nita Evelyn Dana Morgan Sina Dexio Emma Gurkinn Grace Cassius Inver Mr. Bonding Kali Linnea Blossom Katherine Kalos Name Rater Kalos Move Deleter Madam Reminder Phil the Photo Guy Stew Ward Esse Kalos Stats Judge Elio Selene Lillie Nebby Hau Professor Kukui Rotom Dex Ilima Lana Kiawe Mallow Sophocles Acerola Mina Hala Olivia Nanu Hapu Kahili Molayne Ryuki Gladion Plumeria Guzma Wicke Faba Lusamine Mohn Player's mom Samson Oak Harper and Sarah Eevee users Mr. Hyper Gester Alola Name Rater Alola Move Deleter Alola Move Reminder Victor Gloria Hop Bede Marnie Sonia Professor Magnolia Milo Nessa Kabu Bea Allister Opal Gordie Melony Piers Raihan Leon Rose Oleana Watt Traders Sordward Shieldbert Jack Ball Guy Cara Liss Player's mum Florian Juliana Nemona Arven Penny Koraidon Miraidon Professor Sada Professor Turo Clavell Katy Brassius Iono Kofu Larry Ryme Tulip Grusha Rika Poppy Hassel Geeta Giacomo Mela Atticus Ortega Eri Carmen Jacq Dendra Miriam Raifort Saguaro Salvatore Tyme Youssef Harrington Heath Pokémon League representatives Player's mom

Brock?

i apologize for the above image

[mercsandmonsters]

"The Wicked Witch of the East, Bro" video lives rent-free in my head.

It'll pop up in my head, and I watch the video. Mind you, this is at random times, but it still lives rent-free in my head because the guy saying Glinda is a princess ignored the goddamn movie! Glinda says it herself, "Only bad witches are ugly." Plus, Elphaba and Nessa Rose aren't related to Glinda! Especially if you read the original "Wizard of Oz" book series and the "Wicked" book the musical and the new movies are based on! It doesn't take that long to Google this information! Granted, there are a few adaptations where they're sisters, but those aren't canon to their relationship.

[finleydreams]

How would you cast the wicked movie with people from the dance world?

Mine:

Elphaba: Brianna Keingatti

Glinda: Hailey Bills or Izzy Howard

Fiyero: Sam Fine

Wizard: Michael Minery

Ms. Morrible: Michele Larkin or Shanny

Nessa rose: Giselle Gandarilla

Dr. Dillamond: Ronnie Todoroski

Boq: Nicholas Moreno

[t0esniffer69]

list of annoying pokemon characters:

Red Blue Professor Oak Daisy Oak Brock Misty Lt. Surge Erika Koga Sabrina Mr Fuji Reina Blaine Giovanni Lorelei Bruno Agatha Lance Bill Mr. Fuji Baoba Pokémon Center ladies Koichi Player's mom Old man Professor Oak's aides Ghost Marowak Ethan Silver Professor Elm Mr. Pokémon Falkner Bugsy Whitney Morty Chuck Jasmine Pryce Clair Will Karen Janine Red Gyarados Archer Ariana Petrel Proton Earl Dervish DJ Mary DJ Ben DJ Lily Week Siblings Kurt Cal Randy Carrie Amphy Kiyo Dude DJ Fern Joey Kanto Pokémon Federation Kimono Girls Maizie Johto Name Rater Johto Move Deleter Professor Elm's aide Radio Director Reed Player's mom Li Wilton Brendan May Professor Birch Roxanne Brawly Wattson Flannery Norman Winona Tate and Liza Wallace Sidney Phoebe Glacia Drake Steven Stone Mr. Briney Mr. Stone Wally Lanette Gabby and Ty Professor Cozmo Rydel Wanda Winstrate family Captain Stern Dock Maxie Tabitha Courtney Archie Matt Shelly Treasure Hunter Fossil Maniac Kiri Player's mom Hoenn Name Rater Hoenn Move Deleter Hoenn Move Maniac Peeko Old guys Trick Master Lucas Dawn Barry Cheryl Mira Riley Marley Buck Professor Rowan Roark Gardenia Maylene Crasher Wake Fantina Byron Candice Volkner Aaron Bertha Flint Lucian Cynthia Cyrus Mars Jupiter Saturn Palmer Bebe Mr. Backlot Eldritch Felicity Dr. Footstep Mr. Fuego Helena Johanna Sinnoh Name Rater Sinnoh Move Deleter Sinnoh Move Maniac Pokétch Co. President Danny Rad Rickshaw Roseanne Underground Man Wilma Julia Professor Rowan's assistant Jordan Dexter Keira Butler Hilbert Hilda Cheren Bianca Professor Juniper Cedric Juniper Cilan Chili Cress Lenora Burgh Elesa Clay Skyla Brycen Iris Drayden Shauntal Grimsley Marshal Alder Fennel N Ghetsis Rood Zinzolin Gorm Bronius Giallo Ryoku Shadow Triad Anthea and Concordia Amanita Hawes Player's mom Bianca's father Charles Ingo Emmet The Riches Shigeki Morimoto Kōji Nishino Unova Name Rater Unova Move Deleter Reminder girl Unova Stats Judge Calem Serena Professor Sycamore Shauna Tierno Trevor Alexa Bonnie Viola Grant Korrina Ramos Clemont Valerie Olympia Wulfric Malva Siebold Wikstrom Drasna Diantha Lysandre Aliana Bryony Celosia Mable Xerosic Chalmers AZ Nita Evelyn Dana Morgan Sina Dexio Emma Gurkinn Grace Cassius Inver Mr. Bonding Kali Linnea Blossom Katherine Kalos Name Rater Kalos Move Deleter Madam Reminder Phil the Photo Guy Stew Ward Esse Kalos Stats Judge Elio Selene Lillie Nebby Hau Professor Kukui Rotom Dex Ilima Lana Kiawe Mallow Sophocles Acerola Mina Hala Olivia Nanu Hapu Kahili Molayne Ryuki Gladion Plumeria Guzma Wicke Faba Lusamine Mohn Player's mom Samson Oak Harper and Sarah Eevee users Mr. Hyper Gester Alola Name Rater Alola Move Deleter Alola Move Reminder Victor Gloria Hop Bede Marnie Sonia Professor Magnolia Milo Nessa Kabu Bea Allister Opal Gordie Melony Piers Raihan Leon Rose Oleana Watt Traders Sordward Shieldbert Jack Ball Guy Cara Liss Player's mum Florian Juliana Nemona Arven Penny Koraidon Miraidon Professor Sada Professor Turo Clavell Katy Brassius Iono Kofu Larry Ryme Tulip Grusha Rika Poppy Hassel Geeta Giacomo Mela Atticus Ortega Eri Carmen Jacq Dendra Miriam Raifort Saguaro Salvatore Tyme Youssef Harrington Heath Pokémon League representatives Player's mom

[pinkacademic]

“I’m Wicked Through and Through,” Wicked’s Elphaba and Internalised Racism

The musical Wicked has been a Broadway and West End hit for over fifteen years, telling the story of the Witches of Oz from before Dorothy fell out of the sky. It follows their school days, how they became involved in the political landscape of Oz, and most importantly, it tells of their friendship and love.

For Elphaba, who would go on to become the Wicked Witch of the West, it is also a story of how she became a scapegoat for the citizens of Oz despite her good intentions. Though there are many factors for her descent into wickedness, one that she can never get away from is how she feels about the emerald green colour of her skin.

Her skin colour causes other people that she encounters to stare, to laugh, and to fear, and it is an obstacle to acceptance that Elphaba tries desperately to overcome.

This is a story of flying monkeys and broomsticks, of witches and wizards and whirlwinds, but also of race and how it affects how a person is seen by others, and most importantly, by themselves.

She’s a Terror, She’s a Tartar

Wicked serves as a strong metaphor for external racism, as seen by how others interact with and view Elphaba, and it is no wonder that she might feel so negatively about her own colouration when she is faced so frequently with such attitudes. To begin with, her very birth is seen as “atrocious,” “obscene,” and “unnatural,” as stated in No One Mourns the Wicked, with her father crying “take it away, take it away,” and ingraining negative self-perception from the moment Elphaba was broght into the world.

It does not go away as she ages, and, as she arrives at Shiz, her fellow students call her “a terror,” “a tartar,” and the Ozian coinage of “disgusticified.” What is this Feeling continues to announce the entire student body’s “loathing, unadulterated loathing” of Elphaba with the only reason they have chosen to do so being the colour of Elphaba’s skin.

Finally, it is stated by Madam Morrible in an attempt to make a her an enemy of an Oz that “her green skin is but an outward manifestation of her twisted nature,” before at last calling her “the Wicked Witch.”

It is clear that Elphaba has every reason to feel thusly about herself when she faces a barrage of prejudice with the only exceptions being Glinda, Fiyero, and a rather complicated relationship with her sister Nessa-Rose

“Would it be alright by you If I de-greenify you?"

Elphaba spent her whole life internalising these thoughts and wishing to look like her sister and her peers. Upon meeting her Shiz classmates, she’s so used to years of silly questions that she introduces herself with pre-prepared answers that she was born this way and didn’t eat grass as a child. As Suzanne Lipsky describes internalised racism as “turning upon ourselves, upon our families, and upon our own people the distress patterns that result from the racism and oppression of the majority society.” Elphaba is exemplary of this definition, as she notes that she is used to he father ‘not being proud of her’ and her sister ‘acting ashamed’ as described in “The Wizard and I.” Except, even her own family are in her case part of her problem, as Elphaba is the only known green witch.

As The Wizard and I continues, Elphaba’s internalised racism comes truly to the forefront as she imagnes a scenario in which the wizard changes her skin colour to a non-green- or, more acurately, to “de-green-ify” her. She’s hoping that, because she is “so superior” in her magical abilities, that her appearance should match, showing how she feels inferior to her peers due to the colour of her skin, despite her impressive skills in magic. She equates it with ‘goodness’ also, foreshadowing the later association of the colour of her skin with wickedness as the musical.

The Milk Flowers

Elphaba’s internalised racism continues to be a prevalent issue in her life, even as she gains more acceptance through Glinda. Though Glinda resigns herself to being Elphaba’s “pal, sister, advisor” in Popular, it is after Elphaba has confessed that she believes it to be “[her] fault” that her sister Nessa Rose is “they way she is,” referring to her disability. As their father had his concerns that Nessa would “come out green” as Elphaba had, he encouraged the girls’ mother to eat milk flowers, which is believed to have caused Nessa’s premature birth and disabilty, and the demise of their mother.

While surely it should be clear that, if anyone is to blame at all, it is Elphaba’s father and not Elphaba herself, it was Elphaba who shouldered, and internalised the guilt for her whole life. Elphaba’s father, the governor of Munchkinland, expresses these views for all of Elphaba’s life, and, to take a brief pause for speculation: as an important political figure in Oz, the governor could have used his influence to spread or fuel existing prejudices- not to mention ableism against Nessa Rose which aids his discriminatory practises towards Elphaba. It should be noted that there is little basis for the accusation, other than the language used around Nessa’s disability being unfavourable, Elphaba’s treatment from her father, and his position in society according to the musical.

That said, the point remains that Elphabas home life was influential in her self-loathing and internalised racism.

One Short Day

In her lifetime of overwhelming loathing for herself and the colour of her skin, Elphaba has placed all of her hope in the Wizard of Oz, in the hopes that he won’t be “dumb” or “small-minded” like the Munchkins of Munchkinland, or the students of Shiz. By association, Elphaba falls in love with the Emerald City, a place where everything is a bright, glittering green. The musical makes the crucial visual addition of giving green sunglasses to all of the dancers in the Emerald City scenes. They would never even notice that Elphaba is green if they are seeing everything through carnation-tinted glasses. Instead of discrimination, Elphaba is greeted only by the hoi polloi of the Emerald City, where “it’s all grand” and “it’s all green” as she exclaims with joy.

One Short Day is the heartbreaking turning point in Elphaba’s life as it represents both her highest high and the pivitol descent to Elphaba’s supposed Wickedness. Elphaba gets to walk through the Emerald City, surrounded by green buildings, green dresses, and green-tinted sunglasses. The citizens welcome her and guide her to Wiz-o-mania, and she and her best freind Glinda sing together: “I think we've found the place where we belong!”

But it after that song concludes and Elphaba meets the Wizard as she’s been dreaming of “since birth,” that her world comes crashing down around her and she is set off on the journey that exposes the truth of the oft-quoted statement “one man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter.”

Let all Oz be agreed, I’m WICKED Through and Through!

Elphaba’s internalised racism, blended together with the outward racism of her peers in Act Two, which opens in Act Two when we learn of the propaganda that has been spread since Elphaba’s last defiant stand in Defying Gravity. Citizens of Oz sing that Elphaba is “ev'ry day, more wicked,” and that ev'ry day, the terror grows.” It is made clear that all of Oz has upped their racism ten-fold, claiming that she is “spreading fear where e'er she goes.” And actually, the Wizard recognises the nature and danger of spin in Wonderful, noting “a man’s called a traitor- or a liberator [��] it’s all in what label is able to persist.”

Unfortunately for Elphaba, the racism of others has lead the label of Wicked to be the persisting one, and it is only at this point, the point of no return, that she uses it for herself.

In her desperation to save Fiyero from harm in No Good Deed, she transforms him, likely irreperably into the scarecrow as he is known from the Wizard of Oz. This is also after having turned Boq into the Tinman, and allowing Nessa to walk with enchanted silver slippers which will go on to be the last image that exists of her after her untimely demise. She feels at this point that she must be truly Wicked, as even when she tries to do good, she causes bad things to happen, saying:

“Sure, I meant well -well, look at what well-meant did,” and resigning herself to never do good again.

Although just one song previously, Elphaba makes an attempt to claim the word as having a positive connotation when she’s with Fiyero, the chance is gone.

The article 6 Signs of Internalized Racism (and How To Heal) from disorient.co quotes Steve Biko saying “the most potent weapon of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed.”

To me, this perfectly reflects Elphaba’s attitudes towards her own failings. She breaks the flow of her own spell in No Good Deed to shriek about how she feels it is futile, which, by my speculation, could have caused Fiyero to turn to straw, rather than her own inabilities. But because she has had such a negative view of herself her whole life, she does not consider herself able to save him.

Defying Gravity

But is there a happy ending for Elphaba? Can there be a way to overcome internalised racism for someone who has become a terrorist in her home country? Everything admittedly seems bleak when Elphaba makes Glinda promise not to clear her name, and leaves Oz, intending never to return.

Perhaps I am overly optimistic, but I wish to explore the routes through which Elphaba could find happiness again.

The previously mentioned article, 6 Signs of Internalized Racism (and How To Heal), lists six ways to heal from the trauma of one’s internalised racism. Of those, one that may have some applications for Elphaba’s life after the events of Wicked is number three: “Seek counseling and healing on our memories of internalized racism […]

As previously mentioned, Elphaba does have a brief moment of trying to reclaim her Wickedness in a positive light, which fits well with one of the example prompts as written by Suzanne Lipsky, “What has been good about being Black?”

Elphaba’s being called wicked stemmed only from her attempts to help animals who were being harmed by the Wizard’s schemes, and everyone who worked with him, such as Madame Morrible. Elphaba’s “road of good intentions” really was a road of good intentions. She was just a scapegoat because she threatened to undo the balance in society that had been following the Wizard’s lead since he blew in “on the winds of chance.”

If Elphaba could remember that, and learn to appreciate the good that she did, and realise that she did have “wickedness thrust upon her” as suggested by Glinda in the opening moment of the musical, then hopefully, she can heal.

I like to believe also, by pure speculation, that Elphaba and Fiyero, though having to live low as they are both well-known political figures in Oz��� and one of them is rather uniquely green, they still managed to live a simple, happy life, away from Oz.

I also like to belive in the hope that Glinda rebuilt a more tolerant Oz, as the only other person who knew the truth that Elphaba was not wicked, but good. Perhaps they will reunite someday as two best friends should, and maybe they’ll even have more days in the Emerald City together as they deserved.

Conclusion

Wicked is as much about Elphaba’s internal struggles with the colour of her own skin and the stigmas that she’s had to face in relation to that trauma as it is about Elphaba as a witch of Oz. Internalised racism creates such a barrier in her own mind to what she’s capable of, and external racism is what sent her onto the path of so-called Wickedness in the first place. Elphaba is a perfect case study for internalised racism, as maybe the true Wickedness stems from racism.

Ultimately, Wicked is a highly political musical, dealing with propaganda and the complicated nature of what is wicked and what is good, and Elphaba’s struggles are a huge part of that.

It is up to everyone to fight their own prejudices, and build a space where wickedness can be reclaimed for good.

[a-world-of-whimsy-5]

The wager

Day 4 Prompts:  The hunter and the hunted

For: @feast-of-horns

Rating: M

Pairing: Meássë/Nessa 

Themes: NSFW / NSFT

Warnings: Kissing

Wordcount: 1.4K words

Summary: Meássë has a wager with Nessa to see if she could capture the other Valië during the chase.

Minors DNI | 18+

This is also available on AO3

It all began with a wager. Lady Nessa insisted no one could capture her. The fierce warrior many looked on in fear swore she would succeed where others had failed. 

“Can a lioness outrun one faster than the deer that follows her train?” Nessa replied over her goblet of wine. She smiled. “Can she capture one who is so swift of foot?” 

Meássë smiled, her eyes full of wicked humor. “This lioness has not feasted on failure before, little dancer, nor will she feast on it now. I will succeed; you will see.” 

“Shall we put your bold declaration to the test, my lady?” Varda said, rising. The Star-Kindler was in a fine mood, and the challenge served to whet her appetite for more sensual delights. The other revelers ceased eating and drinking and laughing when they saw the queen standing to attention by her place on the dais. Attendants stood where they were, their hands heavy with platters laden with food and flagons full of wine and ale and mead. The air around them all crackled with anticipation. Something new and unexpected was about to take place. 

“Aye, my queen!” Meássë was never one to walk away from a challenge. She rose as well, her drinking horn firmly in hand. “We will have a wager! If I fail to capture Lady Nessa during the chase, I will tend to her in whatever way she wishes for a full twelvemonth.” 

“And if I fail to escape, I shall tend to Lady Meássë in whatever way she desires for a full twelvemonth,” Nessa returned, and then she smiled again and said, “Though I would not consider such a failure to be a dreadful thing.” 

Her smile was wide and soft, and her eyes held many unspoken promises. Meássë drained the last of her ale, emboldened by both the challenge and by Lady Nessa’s words. She gave her empty drinking horn to a passing attendant to take. 

There is more to what she said, she thought, and I cannot wait to discover it for myself.  

Oromë arose; he asked his lady to fetch his horn for him. Lady Vána left his side and returned to him not long after, with the Valaróma perched on a crimson pillow. The Hunter and the Ever-Young then left the dais and walked hand in hand to the gathering field. The other revelers made haste to follow them for the time of the chase was near at hand.

“Hunted!” He cried after they had all assembled in the field. “Are you ready for what is about to happen next?” 

The cheers that followed echoed through the field and forest like a thunderous roar. Oromë was pleased. He lifted the Valaróma to his lips and blew a clear call. Those who put themselves forward as the hunted raced around thick trunks of trees, shouting and laughing even as they vanished into the shadows and mists beyond them. Oromë waited until the last of them was out of sight.

“Hunters!” He turned to face the others and cried again. “Are you ready?” 

The roars that answered him were nearly deafening. He sounded the Valaróma for the second time, and all those who would give chase pursued those they wished to claim for themselves. 

Meássë wasted no time dithering. She raced around the gnarled trunks of ancient but mighty trees, her eyes fixed firmly on her prize. Nessa was indeed as swift as the poets made her out to be; neither hide nor hair of hers could be seen. She ran past the others, looking this way and that, and she stopped only when a familiar elven lord crossed her path. 

“Hail and well met, Lord Tyelkormo,” she said. “I wonder if you have seen a certain Valië flitting about during the chase.” 

If anyone knew how to find Oromë’s sister, it would be either the Lord of Forests himself or one of the hunters who followed his horn. And the third son of Fëanáro had distinguished himself as the most renowned of the elven hunters who followed their lord. 

“Hail and well met, great lady.” Tyelkormo smiled. He held a delicate but incredibly strong net of gilded rope weighed down on all ends with smooth, round stones in his hand. “I know of the Valië you seek. When I last saw her, she was by the northern shore of the mirror lake. You may still find her there if you are quick enough.” 

“My thanks,” Meássë replied. 

The elf bowed and went on his way. Meássë did the same, halting briefly to admire the many fireflies that danced about her with their pale, flickering light limning the trees and bushes around them in green and gold hues. She continued to seek out her prey and she found her tarrying by the northern shore of the mirror lake, just as Tyelkormo said. Nessa was kneeling by the lake’s edge, drinking handfuls of clear, still water. The deer that followed her train were behind her, nibbling off the tender leaves of new shrubs and young trees. Meássë took care to conceal herself by crouching low to the forest floor.  

“I know you are there,” Nessa declared. She turned to face the trees on her right. “Come out of the shadows, warrior, and show yourself.” 

Meássë stepped forth, unable to comprehend how she gave herself away. “How did you learn of my presence, my lady?” 

“The scent of iron, my lady.” Nessa smiled, rising. Her deer kept a wary distance. They were frightened by Meássë's mere presence alone. “It clings to you like perfume.” 

“A skill you learned at your brother’s knee?” 

“Aye. My brother taught me many things: how to sniff out prey, how to outrun them, and how to outwit them.” 

“And yet you tarry here.” Meássë took a step forward. It startled the deer. They fled from her and ran deeper into the forest. “Why?” 

“Because I was waiting for you,” Nessa said. She took a step back, her eyes alight with good-natured mischief. Meássë’s eyes narrowed in amusement and determination. She will find no easy conquest here. Her victory would have to be earned the difficult way. “Now that you are here, we can begin our chase again.” 

The Valië turned sharply on her heel and ran, her laughter ringing out like crystal bells. Meássë chased after her, her laughter unrestrained and booming as she dogged her every move. This time, she made it nigh impossible for Nessa to escape her, for she was always a pace behind her. Or perhaps, she thought, the Dancer was not running as swiftly as she was wont to do. 

Does she wish to be captured? She thought. Is that why she is just beyond my grasp and no further than that? 

It was an enticing notion, and Meássë was not about to let to such a golden opportunity slip away from her. She picked up her pace, and just as Nessa was about to run around yet another tree, she grabbed her arm by the wrist, and wild laughter erupted from them both as they fell to the forest floor beneath them in a tangle of limbs.  

“I yield!” Nessa cried, still laughing, “I yield, my lady!”

“Just so.” Meássë sat astride her hips and smiled triumphantly. “Now tell me. How will you honor your part of our wager, my lady?”

“Like this!” Nessa grinned wickedly and grappled with the warrior, rolling her onto her back after she gained an advantage. She leaned down and kissed her companion, open-mouthed and hungry. Meássë returned her kiss with the same passion that she received, her hands tangling in thick, auburn hair. Then Nessa withdrew, smiling as she drew her finger along the other Valië’s finely formed squared jaw, and admired the strong lines of her face.

“Have I pleased you with the way I have begun, my lady?” She asked.

“Aye.” Meássë was content to lay as she was, with soft, fallen leaves beneath her and her companion perched above her. Nessa was still smiling, her vivid green eyes glittering like twin stars. “You have more than pleased me with the morsel you have already offered, my lady. Pray tell me what else you have in store for me.”

“I will not tell you,” Nessa returned as she drew her finger down Meássë’s throat and over the fine leathers she wore. Her touch, light as it was, was enough to make the latter shiver. “I will show you instead.”

Meássë closed her eyes when Nessa sought her lips again.

tags: @cilil @asianbutnotjapanese

[lesbiancosimaniehaus]

I think having read the wicked novel, it’s very interest to take note of the ways in which Schwartz & co decided to depart from the source material. There’s the relationship w Fiyero, and Nessa Rose’s disability (it would be hard to cast an armless actress in every cast), but I think the most interesting is the characterization of the wizard. In the book he’s an authoritarian despot, and in the musical he’s maybe a little ominous but Wonderful kind of… idk. It’s very interesting. I wish there was something to read about those conversations etc