#mal and Alina icons

[omgkatherine01]

Creatures of the Night: Chapter 8 - Not Leaving Without Her

Series Masterlist

Chapter 7, Chapter 9

Pairing: Kaz Brekker x female reader

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Oh my God, what did I get myself into? you kept thinking over and over again, sitting inside Kaz's office, staring blankly at the papers on the desk.

No matter what or how hard you tried, you couldn't get ride of Alexei's dead body out of your mind.

"You've been quiet."

You blinked when Kaz's voice made you snap from your thoughts. You glanced at him as he walked around the desk. He picked his pocket watch to see the time and he glanced at you.

"I will take it that this was the first time you saw someone die in front of your very eyes."

You didn't say anything and turned back to look at the papers on the desk.

He didn't deserve it, you thought.

"I'm sure it won't be the last time," he said, and you tensed up. The door opened and you glanced over to see Inej walking into the living room. She walked into the office room and looked from you to Kaz, giving him a look, "What was that?"

"Be more specific," he told her without looking up from the papers.

"It was one thing when we had a week to find a way across the Fold. But sunrise? We have to say no."

"No."

"So 'no' to the job?" Inej asked.

Kaz glanced at her, "That's a 'no' to saying 'no'."

"We can't go!" she shouted.

Kaz glared at her, "Can't we?" he snapped and you frowned as you looked between them.

Then, Inej pulled up her sleeve to show the tattoo on her wrist, "I can't go."

"What's the meaning of this tattoo?" you suddenly asked.

Inej lowered her gaze to look at you, her expression turned softer than it was when she spoke to Kaz. She swallowed before speaking softly, "Before I met Kaz, I was at the Menagerie... all the girls there have a tattoo like this."

Your gaze soften and she continued, "I can't leave without Heleen's permission."

"But, you're here. Not there," you said softly.

"Kaz didn't got me out yet. I still belong to her."

You frowned at that and you looked at Kaz. "She is coming, right?" you asked.

He glanced at you and then away, "I have a plan."

"What is it?" you asked after a moment of silent. Kaz clenched his jaw and looked between you and Inej.

"We both know by now when you're still figuring things out," Inej said, "You don't know how to pull off this job."

"I still have six hours, and right now, neither of you are helping," he said.

You could feel the rage in Inej when she spoke, "Maybe you crack a way across, but that doesn't solve this problem, does it?!" She thrust her wrist forth, forcing Kaz to stare at the branding on her skin.

"If I can't crack this, no one's going."

"And if you do?" Inej asked.

"Then maybe you stay here!"

You stared at Kaz in surprise and shock after he spoke those words. Inej looked at him for a long moment before speaking, "Maybe I won't be here when you get back."

"Inej," you said softly as she walked out. You stood up and walked after her but she was gone.

You quickly turned to Kaz, "What the hell is wrong with you?" you asked.

"I have no time to this," he snapped.

"Well, make time!" you snapped back, "Alright? This is Inej! You can't just take me and Jesper with you, and leave her behind."

"Y/n--"

"I won't go without her," you cut in, and he stared at you with his jaw clenching. "If she stays, so am I."

"Really?" he asked as he raised an eyebrow as a challenge, "You will give up on a chance to find out more about yourself across the Fold? Your powers? Your family? Money? All for Inej?"

Your expression darkened and now you glared at him. "Yes," you said.

He opened his mouth but you cut in, "If you want to go so badly, take Jesper and go. Because I won't leave Inej alone here." You thought back when you first came here, all alone and scared out of your mind, Inej was the one who helped you.

"I'm not turning my back on her."

She backed you up without really knowing you.

And now that the two of you got to know each other, things were different.

To you, Inej was family.

You glared at Kaz, "I'm not turning my back on her," you said the same words she said to Kaz about you.

He opened his mouth but you turned around and walked out the office. "Y/n," he called after you but you didn't stop and walked out through the opened window.

You climbed up on the roof and saw Inej sitting there. You let out a relief sigh and walked closer carefully. "I was afraid you have disappeared," you said as you sat beside her.

She didn't say anything for a long moment and stared off into the distance before speaking softly, "Did you mean it?"

"What?" you asked.

"About not going if I won't," she said softly and looked at you.

You gave her a small smile and nodded, "Yeah. If you're staying here, I will too."

"Why would you do that?" she asked.

"Because, you're family," you admitted, giving a small shrug and she stared at you in complete surprise. "At least to me."

Her eyes were glassy but she blinked quickly. She nodded lightly and slowly. "You too," she said softly.

You smiled softly as she took your hand.

--

Time went by as you and Inej continued to sit on top of the roof, enjoying each other's company.

"Do you have memories of your real family?" you asked softly.

Inej thought for a moment and suddenly a small smile slip on her lips. "A little. My parents. My little brother. The happy times..." She looked at you. "You? Do you have any memories?"

You frowned and shook your head. "No. Nothing," you said quietly and her smile disappeared. "All my memories are from the orphanage... and none of them really were happy memories. I remember the fear more than anything. The fear of..."

Your voice trailed off and you looked up at the dark sky, not finishing. "Fear of what?" she asked quietly.

Been in that damn closet, you thought bitterly. You felt Inej giving your hand a soft squeeze and you took a deep breath. You let it out softly before you spoke up, "Since I was little, the sisters would locked me up in the small closet in the basement... I've develop claustrophobia to small spaces..." You looked at her. "Only you and Kaz know about this. I don't like talking about it."

Inej nodded understandably, "I understand. When we were led to Dreesen's basement... that was why you froze, isn't it?"

"I didn't mean to, it just... happened," you admitted. "Seen it the door open and leading to a basement... just instantly made me remember the basement at the orphanage..."

"You're not there anymore," Inej said softly and gave your hand another squeeze. "You're safe now. None of them can hurt you anymore."

You gave her a small sad smile, she was right, they can't hurt me anymore... but the damage was already been done.

-

Taglist:

@lyria-skyfall, @myheartfollower, @cleverzonkwombatsludge, @mjlock, @clairewinchester14, @losteroops, @venomsvl, @yvxcy, @wickedlovely121, @supergaybish101, @woowwwee, @zeeader, @twlegit, @phoenix666stuff, @mortalmorgan, @wonderland2425, @dark-night-sky-99, @gabby10100, @lomlrhea, @juskonutoh

[fandomele]

I was making a big Christmas pack of headers and dash icons from Shadow and Bone (specifically from photos of its cast. You try to find pictures of Kaz smiling!) but I was hit by a headache, so I'll post 'part 1' and HOPEFULLY as soon as I get better I'll make part 2 but for now you get the alina-mal-darkling combo + a wild inej and jesper appearing.

below readmore other icons from these:

[czernysglittersoup]

thinking about the way that netflix ended things, alina and mal don’t end up together. after everything they fought through, it only served to draw them apart. it wasn’t enough. they didn’t meet each other again in the meadow. they didn’t live a life full of ordinary things. now, they’re little more than strangers to each other. not soulmates.

thinking about the way matthias doesn’t know why nina got him arrested. thinking about the way nina couldn’t save him. she spent the entirety of season 2 working toward him, only to be ripped back apart in the end. twin souls split forevermore.

[the-nada-thing]

Alina: Saint Alina has passed

The Apparent: Stop telling everyone you're dead!

Alina: Sometimes I can still hear her voice

[rosiethorns88]

Part 3 Grishaverse slipcase artwork!

How could I not offer this iconic scene as my contribution for the Shadow & Bone side: when Alina & Mal meet Morozova's stag in the wilderness of Tsibeya. ✨ Hi, Florida girl, here. 👋 I've only ever seen snow once, when I was 12. So my dreams and wishes of a winterscape set with snow banks looking like swirled ice cream and trees that look like marbled chocolate is realized in this illustration. 😌✨

This is in collaboration with Macmillan Children’s Book for a 5-book paperback box set of the Shadow and Bone trilogy and Six of Crows duology by Leigh Bardugo  (shown here on the last photo!) This set is a Costco exclusive and is currently on backorder until around March - visit my bio link for easy access! There were three artworks in total, check out the other two posted earlier if you havent! I had such a fun time with this project, and the box set will definitely sit as a gem on my bookshelf!

[she-posts-nerdy-stuff]

Rewatching Shadow and Bone so here are some of my favourite little details that I haven’t seen loads of people talk about (this is almost definitely just part 1 so stay tuned)

The bird cage in Heleen’s office

The masks on stalls in the Ketterdam streets, including Komedie Brute masks, what look like the Jackal masks, and what I believe might have been a sun summoner mask

The song that Ravkan soldiers in Mal’s unit sing whilst they march in s1e4 is the Kerch drinking song Nina sings for Inej on the boat in Six of Crows

Matthias’ hesitation before saying “I feel nothing for you” and Nina replying “then I guess that makes you good at your job” is SO reflective of Matthias’ realisation that Brum didn’t have to drown the good parts of himself to do terrible things the way Matthias always did; Matthias had grown to admire Brum for what he believed was the ability to silence the good in himself in order to do what “must be done” because he found that so difficult to do, and acknowledging that Brum didn’t find those things difficult the way he did was one of the most important moments of being able to separate himself from the Drüskelle beliefs and begin to understand that what he went through was actually abuse and what’s implied to be at least similar to Stockholm Syndrome (I’ve written at length about this and if I get going I’ll never stop, so if anyone wants to know more lemme know and I’ll tag you in my post about it)

“Pomdrakon Players”, the group the Crows join to infiltrate the Little Palace, references Ravkan desert “Pomdrakon” where you soak raisins in brandy then set them on fire and try to grab them in the dark that Nina tells Matthias about on the ice

This isn’t an observation I just thought you’d all like to know that when I was watching the map room scene in episode 4 every time Alina said ‘Aleksander’ I repeated her in a stupid voice, which was really unfair to Alina because she doesn’t know but it was a genuine reaction and I stand by it because screw the Darkling

The comment that the Fjerdans don’t mark ash tress because they’re scared, I love that. I wonder if they pray when they mark trees, like they do when they cut them down? I personally got the impression that all trees were precious but ash trees were sacred when I read the book

The valve to turn out the lights in the Royal Archives Heist because all the lighting is gas powered!! Like I know this probably was just a thing we knew without really thinking about but it’s also really cool in that it reminds us about the class difference between the Crows and the others since, at least in the books, gas lighting isn’t as common to the Barrel as candles and bone lights are but is implied to be more common among the Merchants

Also not an observation but “you’re the quarter master, aren’t you?” “Yep” *wallop* will never not be hilarious and iconic

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: the costume department for this show were goddamn miracle performers thank you for your service. I’ve banged on about the symbolism in the costumes before so I won’t now, but I have really only talked about s2 so I guess if you want more I could talk about s1

“No guns” *walking past Jesper* “no knives” *walking past Inej* “no weapons of any kind” *wait where’s Kaz* will always be fabulous

I genuinely have no idea how they did the Tailoring on Alina’s hair when Genya first does it for her but it is incredible like I don’t know exactly what changed but it just… I don’t know, it’s amazing

[iliveinyourceiling65]

Shadow and Bone incorrect quotes

Alina: What if I press the brake and gas at the same time?  Genya: The car takes a screenshot.  Zoya: For the last time, get the f*ck out.

Genya: I actually have a black belt. Alina: In what, karate? Genya: No, from Gucci.

Alina: *Kicks the door down looking panicked* Mal: What did you do? Alina: Nobody died. Mal: WHAT KIND OF ANSWER IS THAT?!

Genya: You love me, right, David? David: Normally, I’d say yes without hesitation, but I feel like this is going somewhere and I don’t like it.

Nikolai: Bad things keep happening to me, like I have bad luck or something. Zoya: Nikolai, you don't have bad luck. The reason bad things happen to you is because you're a dumbass.

Alina: Name a more iconic duo than my crippling fear of abandonment and my anxiety. I'll wait. Mal: You and me!!! Alina, tearing up: Okay.

David: There are seven chairs and ten kids. What do you do?  Alina: Have everyone stand.  Genya: Bring three more chairs!  Mal: The most important ones can sit down.  Zoya: Kill three.

Alina: WHAT’S YOUR TYPE  Mal: Anything, honestly, but sun summoners especially  Alina, desperately, as Mal bleeds out: YOUR BLOOD TYPE Mal: Oh! B positive.  Alina: DONT TRY TO CHEER ME UP JUST TELL ME YOUR BLOOD TYPE  Mal:

[aleksanderscult]

Hello! I loved your post about Baghra and how she is a glorified egoist and super toxic!!!

I would like to know your opinion about Ana Kuya, the terrible woman who screwed and oppressed Alina when she was still a child!!!

⚠️TW!: Domestic violence and abuse!⚠️

Thanks, anon!

Apparently that's a similarity that they share, the Darkling and Alina. They both had shitty, abusive mothers. And in Ana Kuya's case it's pretty much the same. She was physically abusive and Alina and Mal remember her fondly. And that's the problem. Instead of having the characters admit that she was a horrible mother figure, we have them look back on her punishments as something...worth to be remembered fondly??

Let's dive in her most fucked-up moments.

Talking shit about the children she's assigned to look after. Alina and Mal both heard her but she's still an icon in their eyes! 😍

No 'cause imagine comparing your mother figure to some blood-thirsty creatures with sharp claws and teeth that live and thrive in darkness.

Uhh...

Excerpt No. 1, in which the protagonists talk about Ana Kuya's physically abusive behaviour.

A LETTER?!

Girl, if I were you I would say adiós and never look back. What letter are you talking about?? 😭

Ana Kuya being responsible of Alina's shame for wanting to get it on with a man. This woman and her morals are imprinted in her mind.

Imagine having to spend your last day with your love and choosing to talk about her. And the memory is again toxic 🥹

Other couples: "Let's talk about our happy memories"

Malina: "Let's talk about how our mother abused us"

They have literally zero good memories from her. Only shouting and beatings.

Now that's a woman to admire!!

Do you hear that Alina?? You must kiss their shoes otherwise you would be like that poor girl on the road! 😠

Excerpt No. 2, in which the protagonists talk about Ana Kuya's physically abusive behaviour.

Excerpt No. 3, in which the protagonists talk about Ana Kuya's physically abusive behaviour.

Excerpt No. 4, in which the protagonists talk about Ana Kuya's physically abusive behaviour.

If a child refuses to eat a food, beat it!

Aha! So she does acknowledge it, huh? But what does it matter? We forgive her in this house😍❤️

(also can we talk about how they wanted one of their friends to meet her? Like guys whyy??😭)

Thank the heavens actually.

In my opinion, children need mostly love and understanding. But they also need discipline, yes. But NOT through physical violence. NOT through constant screaming. This is wrong but it's very possible that in Ravka it's accepted and forgiven? Because I also remember reading somewhere that when Nikolai was a child and misbehaved, they were punishing his best friend physically (I haven't read the duology so please correct me if I'm wrong). So even the royal family found it normal.

But having the characters look back to it as something that was okay? And they adored her?

I'm sorry but I didn't shed one tear when she died. Botkin's death affected me more than hers ever did.

Alina when she died: "Oh my God!"

Me when she died: "Oh thank God!"

[wesper-png]

nikolai lantsov legalising polyamory in ravka by proposing to both alina and mal he’s just that iconic 

[evellynssocbrainrot]

I made a Grishaverse Controversy Meme!

My favorite character for season 1 was Jesper cause he was so charming, hilarious, and always wore his heart on his sleeve

General Kirigan has been and will always be my least favorite character of the Grishaverse

Favorite ship will always be Kanej, no matter what

My least favorite ship will always be Darklina, it's toxic, how do you expect me to like it?

Episode 5 was the best, it was chaotic as hell! You have Alina living her dream life and Jesper limping around with that stable boy while Kaz, Inej, and Mal are running around trying not to die. It was incredible!

I don't hate episode 2, it's just there wasn't that much going on

My favorite moment has to be when Jesper, Kaz, and Inej first appeared on the show. That was simply iconic!

Watching Kirigan grow antlers out of Alina's collarbones made me really uncomfortable

I also made one for season 2!

This time around, the best character trophy must go to Kaz Brekker. I mean, you all saw season 2 right? He was practically drowning in angst. His pain is now bare for the viewers to see, he was extremely vulnerable, but simultaneously badass and formidable

Kirigan is still the worst

Kanej is always the best OTP, okay? Especially this season. Kaz cleaned her wound, Inej watched out for him and pulled him out of the crowd when he was panicking, her dream, their goodbye scene? Okay, bye, that's enough. Should I say more, I'm going to cry.

Darklina still the worst

Need I explain myself when I say that Episode 4 was the best? The best scene of the entire show is the Kaz and Pekka showdown. The lighting, the dialogue, THE ACTING!!! FREDDY FUCKING KILLED IT!!! It's as if he extracted Kaz's spirit from the books, turned it into a beverage and drank it. He poured his heart, soul, blood, sweat, and tears out on the screen... so someone give him an Academy Award, or else!

Episode 7 was the worst episode of the show. There were very little of the Crows, the so-called battle scene was horribly choreographed and cringy, and they made my beloved Jesper COMPLETELY out of character by making him chop off that tidemaker's fingers. Listen, Jesper is tough, but there's no way he would do something like that.

The best moment, I spoke about before, will always be the Kaz and Pekka showdown. In fact, it's not just the best scene of the season, it's the best scene of the entire show!

The battle scene in episode 7 is the worst yet. I mentioned it before, I don't think I need to repeat myself.

Here are the templates

[omgkatherine01]

Creatures of the Night: Chapter 6 - DeKappel

Series Masterlist

Chapter 5, Chapter 7

Pairing: Kaz Brekker x female reader

Please comment, like and share ❤

The next day, at the evening, Jesper and you were playing at the card table where he was teaching you to play with the other men.

"I don't think Kaz would be happy to see you here," you told him when you leaned closer to his ear.

Jesper smirked at you, "You gonna tell on me?"

"Maybe," you said, smirking at him back, "What is it for me if I won't?"

"What would you want?" he asked in a flirting voice, making you chuckle and shake your head. You've grown used to his flirting looks and words, and unlike with the rest of the men, you didn't punch him or gave him dirty looks.

"There's the pretty girl!" You looked over to see a fat older man walked over, laughing and drinking, looking at you with a smile, "My lucky charm!"

You gave a small smile and turned back to the table as he walked closer. He looked at the dealer, "Hey, you take Zemeni coin, yes?"

He threw the pouch to the dealer which he caught and started to open it. Jesper raised an eyebrow, "Let me see that."

The dealer immediately handed a coin to him. Jesper looked at you, "Watch and learn," he muttered before quickly looking at the man as he narrowed his eyes, "The Lucky Nine casino up the block has had trouble with counterfeit coin lately. Heavy, but brittle."

"Oh, come on, now," the man said, "I've been here for hours. My money is good, no?"

"Zemeni coin can take a bullet," Jesper said, "But the knockoff..." He flipped the coin in the air and shot it. As it landed on the table, you all saw the hole in the middle of it. "Busted," he said, swinging his gun back into its holster with a self-satisfied grin.

"What does that prove?" the man asked angrily. You raised an eyebrow and watched as two men walked closer and grabbed him, dragging him away.

You smiled a little, amused as Jesper nudged your arm before quickly reaching forward on the table for the money, until a cane smacked down right in front of his hand.

Everyone were silent at Kaz's appearance. Kaz stared down at Jesper, giving him a warning look, "No loud noises at the table, Jesper. You'll scare off the pigeons."

Jesper nodded slowly, clearing his throat, "Wouldn't want that, boss."

"Shouldn't you be on the door?"

"Yeah, right away, boss."

Kaz shook his head slowly as he gave him one last look before his eyes darted to you. He moved his cane away from the table and he started to walk away.

You stood and followed him, amused while everyone went back to their business. "Early for action, innit, Kaz?" you glanced over your shoulder to see a man she met a few times, Rotty, walked up to them. "Hello there, y/n, looking beautiful as ever."

You smiled softly at him, "Thank you."

"What do you want, Rotty?" Kaz asked.

"Someone stole a DeKappel from a merch's private residence last night," Rotty said and you frowned.

Kaz glanced at you and then away as you walked to the stair case, "Is that so?"

"It's a painting," Rotty said, "A landscape of Ravka. The Fold. Oil on parchment."

You stopped and turned to the two men, tilting your head. "Really?" you asked as you glanced at Kaz with suspicion.

Kaz rolled his eyes, turning to Rotty, "I know who DeKappel is."

"Well, he don't do nudes, so I never heard of him," Rotty said, and made a face

"Get to it, Rotty," Kaz said.

Rotty reached into his coat pocket and swiped up a piece of paper and unfolded its crumpled edges, showing it to you and Kaz. You raised an eyebrow as you recognized it.

There was a rolling field of lime green grass, hints of white at the tips where the sun hit the blades and bounced from dew-drops. A gravel path tore through and trailed up a hill where a tall birch tree stood. The sun was slipping and the sky had a golden hue to it.

That was the same as the painting on your wall.

You looked at Kaz and raised an eyebrow, fighting an amused smile as you noticed he kept staring at the picture instead glancing at you, and you knew he could feel your gaze at him.

"Worth something like 10,000 kruge," Rotty said. "The thief had to get past four roving guards, high fences, padlocked doors, and a security system designed by one of them Grisha witches."

"Fabrikator," Kaz said, noticing your tensed shoulders.

"Whatever," Rotty said, "The point is, either it was a group effort or a ghost."

Kaz's eyes moved to him and he raised an eyebrow, "Why does this concern me?"

"I've got a buyer lined up," Rotty said, "Legit money. So, uh if you hear a whisper..." He clicked his tongue and winked at you.

You frowned, blinking. Did he really just winked at me? you thought.

Kaz took one step toward him, and asked quietly, "Who can hear a whisper here?" He raised an eyebrow before leaning back. He turned around, and walked past you, "Let's go."

You gave Rotty a small smile before turning and following Kaz to the stair case. You walked up the stairs and went into the door to the second floor living room.

"You know, it's funny, that painting Rotty was talking about..." you started, smiling with amusement as Kaz stiffed and turned to you with a look. "That looks a lot like the one you gave me last night."

"I didn't give you anything," he denied.

You nodded, "Oh, so it must have been Jesper," you said as you stared at his face. "Or maybe Inej."

He clenched his jaw, "Must be," he muttered as he turned and walked to the office.

You followed him inside and noticed the darker walls around the room. "You seem to be getting better at it." Your eyes moved to Kaz as he sat down behind his desk. "Controlling the shadows."

You smiled softly, "I guess so," you muttered as Kaz moved to next door where his room was. You moved into the room and were surprised when he started to take off his coat.

You blinked as you didn't knew what to do as he started to take off his gloves. Should I leave or stay? you thought, Does he want me to stay or was he expecting me to leave already?

You felt the chilling cold from outside and looked to the side to see that the window was opened. You glanced to the walls at the darkness and smiled softly.

Inej was back.

"Hello, Inej," Kaz spoke without turning.

Inej stepped out from the shadows and greeted you with a soft smile as she removed her cloth from her mouth. "What information do you have for me tonight?" Kaz asked.

Inej looked at him, "A lead on a job. A big one. Enough money to change lives."

Kaz shook his head lightly, "It doesn't take much to change someone's life in the Barrel."

"A million kruge?"

Kaz paused for a moment, "What's the name?"

"Dreesen," Inej answered. "A wealthy merchant."

Kaz nodded slightly, "Dreesen. I've heard of him. He could afford it. The question is, what's worth a million kruge to him?"

"He's looking for a crew willing to cross the Fold into East Ravka and bring back something," Inej said.

Kaz turned to her, "The Fold? Well, of course, certain death pays a million. He didn't say what he wants nicked?"

"No," Inej answered. "But he's taking meetings tonight, starting at midnight."

"Tell me you followed him," Kaz said.

You had to scoff on that, and smirked softly when you caught their attention, "Of course she did, she's Inej."

Inej smirked at the compliment and nodded lightly before she looked at Kaz, "He brought someone in from a ship. Took a way back to his house in the Garden District to avoid attention. I would have followed him inside, but Dreesen's hired some private security. I would have had to use my knives to get closer."

Kaz nodded as he thought, "Private security... Anyone we know?"

"A Zemeni man," Inej said, "I think his name is Tendo. You know him?"

"Yeah," he answered, "He gambles at one of Pekka's clubs. So I won't have leverage on him. But Pekka will." He grabbed his cane and walked past you and Inej to the office.

You both turned to him when he walked around his desk. "Kaz, I got this lead from one of the girls at the Menagerie," Inej said and you frowned.

"What's that?" you couldn't help but ask.

"It's where--" Inej started but Kaz cut her off, "Nothing."

"That doesn't seem like nothing," you said as you noticed how they exchanged a look.

"It's a place you need to stay clear from," Inej finally said, "Trust me." She looked back at Kaz, "The girls there, they tell me things in case you'd buy them out, like you did with me."

Oh, you thought sadly, Now, you know what it mean. It's a whore house...

"I didn't buy you, I'm paying off your indenture," Kaz said.

"You know what I mean," Inej said, "This one girl, Kesh, she has skill. She's like me."

"I only invest in the one of a kind," he said, "She isn't like you. No one is."

Inej looked frustrated and you placed a hand gently on her arm, to keep her calm. Luckily it did. She took a deep breath before speaking again, "So? What's our move now?"

"You're the one of us who believes in a higher power," Kaz said, "If we're going to survive a round trip through the Fold, we'll need a miracle or two."

Inej rolled her eyes as she turned away and you frowned, hearing his mocking tone in his voice. Kaz looked at her, "Get Jesper, the four of us will be heading out soon."

"The four of us?" you repeated.

"You're coming with us."

-

Taglist:

@lyria-skyfall, @myheartfollower, @cleverzonkwombatsludge, @mjlock, @clairewinchester14, @losteroops, @venomsvl, @yvxcy, @wickedlovely121, @supergaybish101, @woowwwee, @zeeader, @twlegit

[whomst-the-hell]

im rereading the grishaverse books and tbh the sab trilogy is often so nothing to me that i kinda forget the things that happen in em that dont directly relate to the later books so like. i really forgot that the zoya/mal plotline continued in sas. i cannot overstate how funny it is that mal is insecure because he thinks alina wants nikolai while alina is insecure because she thinks mal wants zoya, with the knowledge that zoyalai end up together. the sheer icon levels of zoyalai to be BOTH SIDES of the malina homewrecker arc… leigh bardugo your mind…

[wyluvbot]

the fact that we aren’t getting a spin-off for soc or another season of shadow and bone is devastating. i remember streaming the new season and later on the whole show for the first few months following season 2’s premiere TERRIFIED that if i didn’t contribute views, Netflix would cancel it. I’ve sat with no news for months and now this?? blaming the strike when material was already written and the cast was more than willing to continue? FUCK OFF NETFLIX.

now we’ll never see nina and matthias reunite on screen. we’ll never see them be together and in love and happy. we’ll never see Kaz and inej reunite and learn to heal together. we’ll never see inej find her family or kaz confront his trauma. we’ll never see wylan’s backstory or jesper’s trauma. we’ll never see the ice court heist, one of the best plot lines ever in fantasy books, played out on screen. we’ll never see all six crows working together and finding relationships closer than family within each other.

we’ll never see nikolai and zoya together, or see their separate plot lines come to fruition. alina going dark won’t be explored, nor will she be reunited with mal. the darkling’s return in kos will never be brought back. we won’t see genya healing, fedyor/ivan making a comeback, nadia and tamar’s relationship, inej’s relationships with mal and tolya and the crew of the ship, we won’t meet kuwei or jesper’s dad, we won’t get the “we can wake them up” line or the kanej bathroom scene. we won’t see inej’s tightrope scene from ck or nina’s struggle with jurda parem, or how wylan is betrayed by his father and then later the iconic “he was wylan van eck” scene. we won’t see kaz ripping out eyeballs and dumping bodies from lighthouses. and so many countless other beloved scenes that i couldn’t wait to see adapted.

I’m genuinely devastated and in complete denial that that was the last time I’ll ever see these actors playing these characters. to all the actors and writers and crew involved, thank you. this show means so much to me because the books are my all time favorites and bring me such comfort and happiness. everyone involved did an incredible job bringing the show and characters to life and i treasure the time and content i got from the show, and i won’t be leaving the fandom anytime soon (they’ll have to bury me with my books). the entire cast was so perfect and did every character justice, and my heart goes out to each and every one of them.

fuck you Netflix. you don’t deserve half the subscribers you have.

no mourners, no funerals (all the mourning and all the funerals) 🐦‍⬛💔

[blues-valentine]

But — Alina being able to see Mal’s last memories before she has to kill him and it was all about her and after she tells him she loves him we hear the voice over of Alina saying “I will never know a love like this” because it’s true. The type of love and devotion Mal feels for Alina, enough to put down his life for her, enough to reach sea and earth to led her power, enough love to know when to let her go. It’s just iconic and Mal will always be the love of Alina’s life. I am so sorry not many people get it. I do.

[lilisouless]

Alina: maybe we have to redefine what fits on "its an emergency, come quickly"

Nikolai: its a million dollar plan, all we need to do its letting weird people to record us in a house

Zoya: we are NOT doing a reality , nothing its real anyway

Nikolai: duh, thats why i am assigning each one of you a role to play. I will be the protagonist

Zoya: there are no protagonist in reality shows

Nikolai: Zoya...please...alright, my role will be the guy with incredible charm, incredible leadership skills but still likeable that everyone admires and its incredibly modest. It will be easier since well...i play that everyday.

Mal: and i guess i´ll play the loser guy

Nikolai: i admire your self awareness Mal, but no, i actually need you to be my best friend which i have a borderline homoerotic relationship with that will be the most talked thing about the show. Now come here and hold my hand in a platonic-not so platonic way, and you better use a mint on our brotherly new year eve´s kiss

Mal: out what now?

Nikolai: We also need a diva, a queen, a girl who is cruel, rude but so and charming that people will see her rudness as "brutal honesty" and claim her as absolutely iconic, and we have the perfect person for the role, the only woman with the talent of creating such a charismatic yet outrageous persona...Zoya...

Zoya: ugh, if it means so much to you, then i-

Nikolai: plase move, i need to talk to Genya.

Zoya: seriously?

Nikolai: Genya, would you do the honor?

Genya: do i get to write my own lines and choose my victims?

Nikolai: absolutely

Genya: deal

Nikolai: now, Tolya, you will be the sensitive man

Tolya: oh, does that mean i get to recite my poems?

Nikolai: better...you´ll learn to play acoustic guitar, i need to you play it in every second the camera is on you.Now Zoya and Alina will be most of the time fighting over me-

Alina: no!

Nikolai:...over Mal?

Zoya: no!

Nikolai: ...over being Genya´s bestie?

Zoya & Alina: fair enought

Tamar: now if you think Nadia and I will kiss for a creepy male audience...

Nikolai: actually, i thought you could be besties and a come out as a couple a year after the first season...

Zoya: you want more than one?

Nikolai: Like, our secret weapon to regain audience and a renewal. Sure Mal and I will be the most popular thing at the show´s time but after the end, you two will have the "tamadia being cute" compilations

Tamar: fine, but we demand a higher paygrade

Nikolai: David is going to be the local relatable guy...

David: i still don't follow the "reality" but fake...

Nikolai: excelent work! and the glasses give it a nice touch...and about Leoni and Adrik, you will be the cute non problematic girl and the guy that everyone forgets exists...so, pretty much yourselves

More under the cut, to not make the most too long

Nikolai: what do you mean it got rejected?!

"Sorry man, but we have a new reality show"

Nikolai watching the tv: keeping up with the ketterdams?

Inej on tv: He can buy a boat but he can't fix his hear for me? i mean...does he really love me?

---

Wylan: i am changing the curtains, i want them in icy sapphire

Kuwei: icy sapphire? omg he is so pretentious, shut up! its blue...

---

Nina crying: MY WAFFLE FELL IN THE OCEAN!

Jesper: Nina , there´s people that are dying

---

Hanna staring blankly: huh...i thought this was going to be a cooking show...

---

Marya: oh Mr Fahey, shouldn't we talk about the obvious...(reads on smuged hand) huh...tension? between us?

Colm: Oh yes, our natural chemistry is undeniable and not fabricated for views at all

(awkwardly hold hands)

---

Alys: oh , i just randomly had the impulse to...SIIIIIIIING!

"SECURITY! WHO LET HER IN?! GET HER OUT AND YOU BETTER NOT FORGET TO EDIT THIS BIT OUT!"

---

"footage of Kaz falling facedown over a cake"

Matthias: is what he deserves (smiles)

[naushtheaspiringauthor]

~Child Of The Storm~

Nikolai Lantsov x OC

Image by - @brokendreamtale2

Warnings- none

A/N- I think I'm gonna start making my chapters bigger from now. It's more convenient and there are a lot of chapters already so. And let me know if you'd like to be added or removed from the taglist!

Taglist- @pansexualwitchwhoneedstherapy @sirisuorionblack @nadeleine123n @marauders-wife @evelyndane

Ch-49 ~The calm before the storm~

As Anaya turned around and glanced at Alina, she saw that the girl was gleaming. It appeared as if they'd attained a human lantern.

“Alina,” Mal said softly. She opened her eyes. 

The rest were staring as well.

“What?” she asked

Mal took her hands and held them out in front of her, “You’re glowing.”

“Oh,” she breathed. 

“Oops.” He ran a finger down the girl's forearm with a smile.

He stepped back abruptly and dropped her hands. “Be more careful,” he said tightly.

Mal gestured to Adrik to help Tolya reseal the crypt, then spoke to the group. “Stay close and keep quiet. We need to find cover before dawn.” The rest of them fell into step behind him, letting him lead yet again.

Anaya noticed that Alina had hung back, actively brushing the light from her skin. When her and Zoya drew level with her, Zoya spoke, “You know, Starkov, I’m beginning to think you turned your hair white on purpose.”

 “Yes, Zoya, courting death is an integral part of my beauty regimen.” Alina responded

She shrugged and cast a glance at Mal. “Well, it’s a little obvious for my taste, but I’d say the whole moon maiden look is working.” 

“I hate to admit but I believe she’s right. The hair’s adding to the dramatic flare” Anaya chimed in

An astounded expression washed over Zoya's face, but it hastily converted into a proud grin. “Look who’s finally taking account of my intelligence”

Anaya rolled her eyes.

“Thanks, for keeping us safe down there. For helping save Sergei and Stigg.” Alina said, a statement that purely shocked Zoya.

 “You’re welcome,” she managed. Then she stuck her nose in the air and added, “But I won’t always be around to save your ass, Sun Summoner.” 

                                               ..................................................................................………………..

It took them far too long to get out of the cemetery. The rows of crypts stretched on and on, cold testimony to the generations Ravka had been at war.

The paths were raked clean, the graves marked with flowers, painted icons, gifts of candy, little piles of precious ammunition, small kindnesses, for the dead.

Anaya was grateful when they finally cleared the gates. The terror of the cave-in and long hours on their feet had taken their toll, but Mal was determined to get them as close to Ryevost as he could before dawn.

They trudged onward, marching parallel to the main road, keeping to the starlit fields. Occasionally they glimpsed a lone house, a lantern glowing in the window.

It was quite relieving to Anaya, to see that there were still people who led normal lives.

The sky had just started to lighten when they heard the sounds of someone approaching on the road. They barely had time to scurry into the woods and take shelter in the brush before they glimpsed the first wagon. There were about fifteen people in the convoy, mostly men, a few women, all bristling with weapons.

 Anaya could make out  bits and pieces of First Army uniforms. It was impossible to tell what they were transporting. Their cargo had been covered by horse blankets and tightly secured to the wagon beds with rope.

 “Militia?” Tamar whispered.

 “Could be, not sure where a militia would get repeating rifles.” Mal said

“If they’re smugglers, I don’t know any of them.” 

“I could follow,” said Tolya.

 “Why don’t I just go do a waltz in the middle of the road?” Tamar taunted. 

Tolya was hardly quiet on his feet.

“I’m getting better,” Tolya said defensively. “Besides—”

 Mal silenced them with a look. “Do not pursue, do not engage.” 

As Mal led them deeper into the trees, Tolya grumbled, “You don’t even know how to waltz.” 

                                                     ……………….......................................................................................

They made camp in a clearing close to a slender tributary of the Sokol, the river fed by the glaciers in the Petrazoi and the heart of commerce in the port cities. They hoped they were far enough from town and the main roads that they wouldn’t have to worry about anyone stumbling upon them. 

According to the twins, the smugglers’ meeting place was in a busy square that overlooked the river in Ryevost.

 Tamar already had a compass and map in hand. Though she must have been as tired as the rest of them, she would have to leave immediately to make it to town before noon. None of them had liked the idea of letting her walk into what might be a trap, but they’d agreed that she would have to be the one to go. Tolya’s size made him far too conspicuous and none of the rest of knew the way the smugglers worked or how to recognize them. 

“Don’t do anything reckless.” Nadia had been hovering nearby. Now she cleared her throat and kissed Tamar once on each cheek. “Be safe,” she said. 

Tamar flashed a grin. “If anyone wants trouble,” she said, flicking back her coat to reveal the handles of her axes, “I’ve a fresh supply.”

The girl was clearly showing off to Nadia

 She pulled up her hood and set out at a jog through the trees.

“Yuyeh sesh,” Tolya called after her in Shu.

“Ni weh sesh,” she shouted over her shoulder. And then she was gone.

“What does that mean?” Alina asked

“It’s something our father taught us,” Tolya replied. “Yuyeh sesh: ‘despise your heart.’ But that’s the direct translation. The real meaning is more like ‘do what needs to be done, be cruel if you have to.’”

“What’s the other part?”

 “Ni weh sesh? ‘I have no heart.’” 

Mal raised a brow. “Your dad sounds like fun.” 

Tolya smiled slightly, “He was.” 

Anaya watched Tamar disappear into a row of trees. She truly hoped the prince had been alive. It was the only bit of hope they had left.

He was the only bit of hope she had left.

                               .............................................................................................................................

They laid out bedrolls and divvied up food.  Adrik and Nadia started raising a tent while Tolya and Mal scouted the perimeter, setting up stands where guards would be posted. 

Stigg was attempting to get Sergei to eat. He appeared slightly better since the death of Marie, but he was still far from being okay. They all were.

Anaya looked around her, the trees, the long blades of grass growing from beneath the soil. She felt as if a lost part of her had returned. Despite the fact that being at the White Cathedral was far safer, away from the war, she’d despised it. 

If being safe meant forever living as a prisoner, huddled beneath the soil, if it meant being stripped off her freedom, she did not wish to be. 

She looked around at the camp. Harshaw already curled up and snoozing with Oncat on his chest, Sergei, pale and watchful, David, back propped against a tree, a book in his hands as Genya fell asleep with her head in his lap; Nadia and Adrik struggling with poles and canvas while Zoya looked on and didn’t bother to help.

She’d never quite liked Zoya, and she’d gotten the hint that Alina didn’t either. After all, she hadn’t exactly been all friendly to the girl, both of them hadn’t.

But she understood her. She knew her in a way that Alina never would.

They both had their petty rivalry since their childhood. But it was something placed in both their minds, the need to be the best in order to be worth something.

And despite all, Zoya had been the one to save her back at the Little Palace. Back when she’d no longer wished to live. 

Even at the White Cathedral, she was the one that had held her through it all. Perhaps because she too, had understood her. She’d known her longer than the rest of them.

                                         ………………………...............................................................................................

Tamar had come back. Though her expression had no signs of relief, making Anaya believe that she hadn’t brought any good news.

Tolya went off to fetch Alina and came back with her in a moment. Tamar was leaning against a tree, gulping down water from a tin cup as the others gathered around to hear her report.

 “Any trouble?” Alina asked her. 

She shook her head.

“And you’re sure you were in the right place?” Tolya said.

“West side of the market square. I got there early, stayed late, checked in with the shopkeeper, watched the same damn puppet show four times. If the post is active, someone should have spoken to me.”

 “We could try again tomorrow,” suggested Adrik.

 “I should go,” Tolya said. “You were there a long time. If you show up again, people may notice.”

Tamar wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. “If I stab the puppeteer, will that draw too much attention?”

 “Not if you’re quiet about it,” Nadia replied. Her cheeks pinked as they all turned to look at her. Anaya hadn't ever heard the girl crack a joke.

Tamar slipped a dagger from her wrist and twirled it, balancing its point on one fingertip. “I can be quiet, and merciful. I may let the puppets live.” she said, as she took another gulp of water. 

“I heard some news too. Big news. West Ravka has declared for Nikolai.” That caught their attention. “They’re blocking off the western shore of the Fold,” she continued. “So if the Darkling wants weapons or ammunition-”

 “He’ll have to go through Fjerda,” Zoya finished.

“West Ravka now, maybe the Shu Han next." Tolya said. 

 “Or Kerch,” Anaya added

 “Or both!” Adrik crowed.

A swift wave of hope spread through them

“So now what?” Sergei asked, tugging anxiously at his sleeve.

“Maybe we can wait another day?” Anaya suggested

I don’t know, I don’t mind going back. But there were oprichniki in the square today.” Tamar said

That wasn't a good sign. The oprichniki were the Darkling’s personal soldiers. If they were prowling the area, the group had good reason to move on as soon as possible.

“I’m going to go talk to Mal, don’t get too comfortable. We may need to be ready to leave in the morning.” Alina said as she left.

The rest of them dispersed while Tamar and Nadia walked off to dig through the rations. Tamar kept bouncing and spinning her knife, definitely showing off, but Nadia didn’t seem to mind. 

                                      …………………………………….................................................

Anaya had been talking with David about some of his past works, when the peace was disrupted by sudden chaos.

Harshaw had been on watch when they heard the sudden sound of a bullet. All of them had sprung to their feet. Anaya had a summoned a blade.

Then they saw them, about thirty soldiers in the First Army uniform marching towards them with their rifles raised.

Tolya attempted to lunge forward, attacking one of the soldiers. But another struck a blow at him from the back of his rifle, making him stumble backwards.

The rest of them attempted to strike, but were seriously outnumbered. And before too long, they all had rifles pointed at them. Two more soldiers appeared from the trees, with Alina and a barefoot Mal with rifles pointed at their backs.

Harshaw was pale, swaying on his feet, clutching the wound at his side and panting as Oncat yowled.

 “See? With this windfall, I don’t need to worry about the highest bidder.” the soldier said to Alina

Alina stepped infront of the soldiers and spoke to them in a voice so low that Anaya couldn't make out what she was saying.

It seemed as if whatever she'd said, had made the soldiers go in deep thought

“Don’t do it, have one of her bloodletters take care of him.” The female soldier narrowed her eyes

She gave Alina a jab in the back and steered the two into the group with the others.

“Spy that collar?” the other soldier asked of the crowd. “We have the Sun Summoner!” There were exclamations and a few whoops from the rest of the militia. 

“So start thinking about how you’re going to spend all of the Darkling’s money.” They cheered.

“Why not ransom her to Nikolai Lantsov?” said a soldier from somewhere near the back of the circle. 

“Lantsov? If he has a brain in his head, he’s rusticating somewhere warm with a pretty girl on his knee. If he’s even alive.” the soldier from before responded.

 “He’s alive,” said someone.

 “Makes no matter to me.” He spat

“And your country?” Alina asked. 

“What has my country ever done for me, little girl? No land, no life, just a uniform and a gun. Doesn’t matter if it’s the Darkling on the throne or some useless Lantsov.”

 “I saw the prince when I was in Os Alta, he’s not bad looking.” said the girl.

“Not bad looking?” said a rather familiar voice. “He’s damnably handsome.”

The man scowled. “Since when—” 

“Brave in battle, smart as a whip.” Now the voice seemed to be coming from above them. The man craned his neck, peering into the trees.

 “An excellent dancer, oh, and an even better shot.” the voice added

 “Who—”  the soldier never got to finish. A blast rang out, and a tiny black hole appeared between his eyes.

Then chaos erupted.