16730/No One Mourns the Wicked

No One Mourns the Wicked
Date of Scene:	01 January 2024
Location:	Gershwin Theater
Synopsis:	The New Year's Eve performance of Wicked welcomes Queen Lorna Dane of Genosha! Olivia and her niece get their best New Years ever when they share dinner with the queen in a surprise treat.
Cast of Characters:	Olivia Gaudin, Lorna Dane

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Olivia Gaudin has posed:
    One might think that after a shooting, people would be wary to attend Wicked. However, the media blitz and the stalwart insistence by the cast that the show go on has won the hearts of a city that never lets anything keep it down. It is sold out, with scalpers able to score a crazy payday for good tickets.

    The performance is electric. The crowd, the time of year, and the intense way the company was brought closer together have all contributed to it. From start to finish, everyone gave their best performances.

    By the time the applause are exploding at the show's conclusion, with Elphaba and Glinda hand in hand, bowing, and beaming, more than a few tears are being shed. It's a special thing, and an amazing way to end the year.

    When the crowd disperses, though, Olivia just can't bear to take off her costume. The energy in the air is special, and she wants to hold onto it a bit longer. Also, everyone knows that the audience is special tonight. A guest of incredible importance is rumored to be among them. While Liv wasn't quite told /who/ that is exactly, she hopes that they might make an appearance. As is her way, and in a slight 'bending' of the rules, she emerges at the front of house, meeting a few of her favorite fans (the children) and signing autographs, taking selfies, and generally showing that nothing is going to stop her from showing her gratitude to the people who make this dream possible.

Lorna Dane has posed:
    Despite the air of adversity and the ability of people to overcome it showing a triumph of human spirit and the indominable will of a community, security is bumped up, and no one really knows if it's because of the special audience, or if the community itself is taking steps to protect this play. There are people that don't feel like thespian types, surrounding the perimeters and being out of the way while still being observant and able to react should anyone or anything seem out of place.

    Some of these guards are in fact Queensguard from Genosha, on assignment to protect the Queen on her first public apperance since giving birth. Some time after the foyer has begun to empty of the departing crowds, Lorna descends wearing a black dress that looks poured onto her but lined with unique deep midnight green furs around the neck and over her shoulder where a thick black overcoat rests on her shoulders and her hands stuffed into a faux fur muff matching the black-green furs on her dress. She descends the stairs that access the box seats with a lithe man at her side that she turns and whispers to, before he veers off. A part of her security detail.

    "That was a wonderful show." She says, lifting a handerchief up to her face and dabs at the hint of tears in her eyes. "Absolutely wonderful."

Olivia Gaudin has posed:
    Olivia will never get used to meeting the level of VIP that Broadway welcomes. She goes from saying farewell to a little girl (after several hugs) to suddenly standing face to face with a queen. There's a catch in her breath and her brain goes completely blank.

    Thank goodness there is a part of her that is pure instinct and it is polite in her mental absence. Thank goodness she is wearing a dress.

    Olivia glides into a curtsey. It isn't perfect, but she's at least familiar with the motion. "Your Majesty, I am so honored you could attend!" And then the praise is realized. That draws big blush, but Olivia's makeup covers that very well. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I can speak for us all and say we are delighted that our work pleased you."

    With most heroes, she dives for her pen and tries to get an autograph. This is not 'most heroes', clearly. Liv is on her very best behavior. But still freaking out inside.

Lorna Dane has posed:
    Lorna steps closer until she can reach out and extends her chilly hand towards Olivia to shake and to hold briefly before forgetting that and offering a much more friendly hug and the European cheek kiss. One side then the other. "Please, I came to see you, and to help you out in a show of solidarity, it's me who is pleased to have seen you do such a wonderful job of not just acting, but of being a leader, a pillar, a foundation and a cause your community can gather around and support each other. It is the least I can do." Lorna admits with a kindly smile.

    A brief pause before Lorna asks, "Is there anything I can do for you? I'm not exactly familiar with the protocol of the theatre." Followed by a faint chuckle to mask and reveal her uncertainty.

Olivia Gaudin has posed:
    Olivia first accepts the hand, then reacts to the hug. This she is familiar with, and its natural, even if she is surprised. More delighted than anything else, though. She got a hug! It's another of those moments that is simply awesome.

    The praise is just soaked up. Olivia struggles to process it all. She cannot disagree out of respect, but she tries to downplay it, "Your Majesty is so kind. Having you share an evening with us is all the magic we could ever wish for. Honestly, if there is more that I can do, please let me know. Truly."

    She realizes she is wearing her hat still and takes it off quickly. Her mutation is still hidden under her wig, or Lorna would see a blow hole at the top of the performer's head. That bit is still a secret.

    "There is one thing I would like, if you have time." She feels shy to ask, but really, how many chances will she have to get her picture taken with Lorna? "If we might get our picture taken together? Oh, and maybe with my niece. She'll be around shortly." She is already late, but no doubt she's one her way.

Lorna Dane has posed:
    "One thing, name it." Lorna responds before lighting up with her eyes. "Only if you make sure I get a copy too, and sure thing, I want it to be special for you and her. And me too." Lorna says the last in a playful whisper.

    "How old is your niece?" Lorna asks, sounding like she could use some baby talk, but she doesn't want to be forceful with the subject as back at Genosha she has been swamped in talk of the triplets. It's been non-stop. Likely this is a big reason she's in New York for the weekend.

    "Would you mind telling me though, how the recent attack affected you?" Lorna asks almost diplomatically.

Olivia Gaudin has posed:
    "I am sure we can do that," says Olivia. It's weird but she's somehow feeling comfortable about Lorna. There's something so disarming and calming about her. Olivia is still completely starstruck, obviously, but she isn't acting like a fool for a change.

    "She turns four on the first of the year. And her parents are out having fun, so she's all mine tonight." Olivia is obviously excited about it. "She is with my understudy." And then, suddenly, she is not. The little girl races up to crash into Olivia's leg, hugging tight. "Vivi, that was so fun!" she blurts out. Then the little face turns to see Lorna. A little jaw drops.

    "Your Majesty, this is my niece, Elsa." Olivia lowers herself to be closer to the little girl's level. "And Elsa, this is Queen Lorna Dane of Genosha." She moves closer and whispers, "Remember how we greet queens when we play?"

    Elsa is snapped out of her own surprise and nods. She manages a very practiced little curtsey of her own, spreading her skirts out and bowing her head. "Hello, Your Majesty."

Lorna Dane has posed:
    "Four. Wow." Lorna repeats and then audibly gasps as soon as the young girl slams into Olivia. "Oh my god." She squees a little bit herself before she bends her knees to rest on her ankles to get herself at Elsa's height.

    "Oh- I remember." She says before standing fully and bows with a fully curtsy towards Elsa, "Good evening, Your Highness!" As though the young girl was a higher royalty than herself. "Very well met and so on and so forth." She says, lifting a hand in the air and twirling it about playfully. "I'm so excited to meet the great Elsa." She says, holding out that hand to take Elsa's.

    "Your amazing aunt here says she would like a photo of the three of us, and I think we should do it, but I must ask you for the final okay, what do you say your excellence?"

Olivia Gaudin has posed:
    The little girl slides right into her role. She's played this role a lot. Clearly she was born for it!

    She looks from Olivia to Lorna and smiles. She does her best to copy the Queen's handd twirl. That looks very dignified to her.

    "I think a picture sounds like a smashing idea!" She just picked up that word from Olivia's understudy and she likes it. Smashing is a great word, after all!

    The performer laughs softly, giving Lorna a grateful smile. There's something about mothers with children that always moves her. And, yes, makes her ache a little.

    "Well, let's see who we can get to take our picture!" There are options. A ton of security, a professional photographer who would kill to have their chance at this after taking photos for other theatre-goers all night, Olivia's understudy, who is positively /hiding/ around a corner and terrified to meet the queen. That being Allison, who was also secretly a mutant before a bunch of gunmen came in looking for her!

Lorna Dane has posed:
    "Smashing!" Lorna repeats before scooping the girl up, and holding her to her hip as if it was so second nature that she didn't even ask, but she reaches a finger to boop Elsa's nose. "Such dignity and grace!" Lorna compliments the young queen before she turns to stand next to Olivia. "Are you going to have to ask someone to take our picture?" Lorna asks with an eyebrow raised towards Olivia, kind of hoping Elsa will catch on to the leading question and tease her aunt a little bith with the green haired mutant.

Olivia Gaudin has posed:
    "Vivi always has trouble around amazing people," Elsa replies truthfully. That makes Olivia laugh at herself. Oh dear! "Guilty as charged, I fear. One moment, your Majesties. I have just been overawed by your presence."

    She is giving the Queen favorite person in the world status for this. Seeing her scoop up Elsa is something she'll never forget. The people she meets are just the real pay.

    She finds what she is looking for quickly. "Frank! Have I got a photo for you, my man." Out of the ear shot of the royals, Olivia can be way more casual. "You better bring your very best. This is only the most important photo of my life."

    He laughs, rather used to Olivia. The girl chats up everyone, and makes an impression with her childlike energy.

    Frank is, however, also shocked when he realizes that for once, Olivia was stating fact. He snaps himself out of it in a moment. "Your majesties," he says, offering a bow. He gives Olivia a look and shoos her off into the picture. "Now, I believe that we need a fitting word for royalty to say when they are ready," he muses. When taking pictures, one rule trumps all others: cater to the kiddies.

    Elsa, left to decide, shows off her education by suggesting, "Fromage! We shall say fromage." Someone is taking French.

    Olivia gets herself into position. She is so calm at this point that she just acts like she would in any other picture, getting close without fretting over it. Once everyone is ready, there is a pair of muted flashes and the photo is taken.

    "I will be back in a moment, your Majesties," Frank says. There is a printer somewhere.

Lorna Dane has posed:
    Enjoying a brief moment alone with Elsa, Lorna smiles and gives a little playful tickle to the young girl. "Your aunt seems to try very hard though. We should be nice maybe this once?" Lorna takes a deep breath and adjusts to help make sure Elsa isn't slipping down, or letting her dress fall.

    "Oh, Fromage?" Lorna asks looking to Elsa, and smiles genuinely, "What is fromage?" She knows, but why not at least let the girl have her moment.

    "FROMAGE!" Lorna says loudly and smiles for the photo before lowering Elsa back to her feet and turning to Olivia, "Where's he going? Do we not use Airdrop here or what?" She asks, with a tilt of her head.

Olivia Gaudin has posed:
    Elsa giggles loudly and smiles. She loves tickles! She otherwise minimizes her squirming. She may be the highest ranking of royals tonight, but it is a pretty special thing to be picked up by someone as amazing as the Queen.

    "Oh, Vivi is quite funny. I get to stay up late tonight! So I will be nicer to her."

    Her voice is extra excited about that. Stay up late, and also, "We get to have ice cream tonight. Mint with chocolate chips. And my birthday cake!"

    The question gives Elsa a chance to be extra proud of herself. "Fromage is cheese. I am learning French from my nanny." Her parents are quite well to do. The child carries herself with a grace and confidence that shows she has had a pretty wonderful childhood thus far.

    After the picture, Olivia laughs. "He is printing it, Your Majesty," she explains. "It's terribly old fashioned, but we can get the photo in digital, too." She has done this before, so she can provide the whole QR code thing where the photo will soon be available. Understandably, the usual $20 fee is zeroed out, already covered. At his kiosk, Frank is working away on things. He'll be back soon, honest!

    

Lorna Dane has posed:
    With a look over her shoulder, Lorna gives a nod to her assistant/body guard to make sure the man is paid before she turns back to the Queen Elsa and to Olivia. "Nothing wrong with old fashioned." Lorna admits before giggling again and taking a deep breath, "Your French is impeccible your highness."

    "So, what happens between now and then?" Lorna asks, turning to face the actress and her niece with a kindly shuffle as she slips her hand beneath her muff.

Olivia Gaudin has posed:
    That kind of praise has Elsa blushing and doing her own adorable little turn at being awkward. "Thank you, Your Majesty!" She bounces on her toes, simply awash in energy waiting to burst forth. Olivia's neighbors will just have to deal with it!

    "Well, between now and then, we should probably get food somewhere. Queen Elsa has only had snacks and, I wager, ate all the candy in my dressing room even though I told her not to spoil her appetite!"

    The child, indignant, blurts back, "Did not!" A blush, bashful look at her feet, and amends, "I left two pieces."

Lorna Dane has posed:
    "Two pieces. Such self control, and mighty thoughtful." Lorna says giving Elsa faint praise before looking to Olivia, "Is there somewhere in particular would you prefer to go eat, or is there a traditional haunt where actors prefer to go after a stunning performance?" Lorna asks, moving to give a piece of candy out of her hidden clutch to Elsa.

Olivia Gaudin has posed:
    "There is a nice place not far from here, Your Majesty." Oliva needs a moment to realize though, what is being suggested. "Oh, oh my. Do you mean to say we can eat together?" She is more than just honored. She's blown away by the offer.

    She is happy there are places nearby that have real gourmet chefs working. Reservations will absolutely not be a problem. Even Liv can get in without those. Adding the Queen her her entourage...

    Elsa takes the candy with a shy smile. She tries to be sneaky, and Oliva just plays along. And then there is Frank, offering the pictures. He bows... a lot. More than necessary, probably, and then he whisks himself away. His work is actually really good. The man knows what he's doing.

    At this point, the restaurant is figured out, narrowed down. French fare, to fit the language of the evening. Liv speaks it as well, so she has some confidence in not making mistakes that might distress a queen. Eating with a queen. This is really going to happen.

Lorna Dane has posed:
    At the French Restaurant, Lorna finds herself trying to find a heater to sit under, or at least near, and allows the coat check to take her muff as well as her over coat. Moving to the table she sits down beside Elsa, and folds her hands gently before herself and takes a deep breath. "Have either of you experienced New Years Eve in New York before?" Making small talk and making sure that she isn't being loud enough to draw the attention of any near by reporters trying to get a scoop, or any nar-do-wells. She wants this to be a memorable evening for the two new friends she's made.

Olivia Gaudin has posed:
    The pleasant thing about this restaurant is there is simply no hope for a reporter to get in. Unless they were eating here. While everything is polite to the proper guests, those who come to pry would find themselves ejected from the premises. This is a place for relaxation and pleasure.

    Olivia has taken the time to get out of her makeup. Which only takes a short while and is every bit as tricky as one might imagine. Even with a shower and a scrubbing there are parts of her ears that never come clean. Not that Liv cares!

    She is just looking over the menu when she first notes that her niece, energetic as she is, has not napped properly today and is losing her fight with drowsiness.

    "Come over here, dear, and we can look at the menu together," she suggests gently. In moments, Elsa is asleep, snuggled up in her aunt's lap.

    "My apologies, Your Majesty. I am sure she will wake up later, but this is a very long day for her. All the excitement cut into her nap time, I'm afraid."

    She looks around, making sure that nobody is staring. And shockingly, they aren't. Manners are a lovely thing. "I had a question for you. What is it like to have children? I mean being a mother with such an important job must be a challenge."

Lorna Dane has posed:
    Lorna is remotely doting on Elsa as she falls asleep and she can't help but feel a welling of love rise up in her chest and she awwws softly as she leans forwards, resting her own face on her hands, elbows on the table. Decorum be damned. Then at Olivia's question she can't help but recoil softly and lean back in her chair, lips raspberrying as she allows her mind to think about such a deep question. "It's... insane. My whole life was instantly different. Everything I thought was important wasn't even a blip any more, not once I held my first and then the other two all at the same time. It ..." She trails off and lingers in that moment.

    "It's the greatest feeling I've ever felt."

Olivia Gaudin has posed:
    Olivia smiles at Lorna. She can see past the title and into the woman. It's shocking to her that they maybe aren't so different, really.

    "I want to have a family. As many kids as this body can handle, really. As much as music is my dream and love, well, family is my purpose and identity." She strokes her niece's hair gently, shifting the child so she can sleep more comfortably.

    "And while I love this little shoulder monkey more than life itself, come tomorrow, I have to let her go back with her mom and dad to Metrpolis. So I was just curious. I mean, maybe I can do it. Balance everything, somehow, and have both a career and the family."

    She places her order when the time comes. She orders something to go for her niece. There's no way she'll be waking up for a while.

    "Oh, and, I.. want to show you something. Cause you are, well, you. Your Majesty."

    Free of her wig, she reaches up to move her hair slightly. She always braids it with care to cover it, but she reveals her blow hole.

    "This little problem of mine..."

Lorna Dane has posed:
    "It's certainly a difficult balancing act, but the scale itself changes when you have children." Lorna admits and then reaches to touch the back of Olivia's hand, "You'll be a great mother when the time comes." She says before squinting and eyeing the blow hole and with a tilt of her head. "That's quite a unique mutation. I ... how is it such a problem for you?" Asks Lorna as she seems to wonder where that mindset comes from. She understands a physical mutation can be more difficult, but she's curious about Olivia's perspective.

Olivia Gaudin has posed:
    "Thank you, Your Majesty. I truly hope so. It can be hard to wait, and my sister-in-law tells me that waiting is a mistake. She's always saying find the right guy, figure it out, get started." No pressure, obviously!

    "Oh, and the mutation. I am scared of it, really. After what happened, well. I haven't told anyone all of that, but beyond the horror of the reranged, it feels so odd. And there are other problems. I met with Dr. Gray who believes she can help me. I hope she can. There are headaches, vertigo. If there are loud sounds I cannot anticipate, I sometimes faint."

Lorna Dane has posed:
    "Well, you don't want to rush into something so important and life changing without a healthy support system. I might not have a husband or boyfriend myself, but I knew I have plenty of people I can count on to help me raise them. I know that's not normal, so I'm not going to tell you to jump right into it, unless YOU know you're ready." Lorna says, after ordering herself something light and green. A simple enough salad with plenty of fruits and nuts. Sounded tastey.

    "Now, Dr Gray is an amazing person, who should be able to help you plenty, but do keep us Genoshans in mind, we'd be certainly glad to help you in any way we can. Community is kind of the theme of the night it seems."

    "You don't have to go through any of life alone." Lorna says, being as inviting as she can.

Olivia Gaudin has posed:
    There are so many moments where Olivia is able to step outside herself and appreciate a moment. This is one of those times. She is relaxed, holding her favorite person in the world, and sharing a meal with a charming, awesome woman.

    "I don't really know much about Genosha, Your Majesty. But I would like to. It is far away, but I have more freedom to get around than most do. It would be nice, honestly. To be somewhere that I could just fit in. I worry that something will happen because of this. And it is so new."

    She looks at Lorna intently. She has so many questions. "How long did it take you to go from just getting your mutation to being able to control it?"

Lorna Dane has posed:
    "Well, the first one." She says, as she reaches up for a lock of her green hair. "Took no time to control, but much longer to accept." She says before letting her hair fall from her fingers and then she holds out the same hand to pull the fork up to it without gravity having much to say about the subject. "This took much longer and as far as control, I have that, but I don't have the level of strength as ... a certain someone." Lorna admits with a knowing frown.

    "But it's like any other muscle, it requires practice and practice and practice." Copying a phrase most actors have heard and said a trillion times themselves. "Sorry but that's the secret. Nothing else."

Olivia Gaudin has posed:
    "I have to admit, Your Majesty, green is my favorite color. Forgive me for saying it, but you look incredible." Olivia is getting perhaps a bit /too/ comfortable with the queen. Lorna is just too easy to talk to. If Liv isn't careful, she's going to forget to call her Your Majesty soon.

    "So I just have to get used to it, then. And use it. It can do distacting things, honestly, like-" She trails off and blushes. Without makeup, that stands out. "-locking on to the sound of someone's heart beat."

    Which of course she made happen by thinking of it. "The problem I have is I can't stop it once that happens." She laughs softly, "Your Majesty's heart has a lovely cadence, of course." A pause, another blush. "Sorry."