#;;Darkling I listen - ooc

[where-theres-smoak-2]

I was listening to this one podcaster. And she said that she hated how Episode 8 was. She’s read all the books btw. She liked the rest of the season but not the last episode. She said that Mal going off on his own and Alina staying at the palace with Nikolai was something they would never do because they’d never abandon each other. I thought to myself—its something that they never did in the books yes but not something that they would never do. In fact, in the books, Mal leaves Alina—a lot. He’s terrible towards her…A LOT. Anyway, that’s a whole other can of worms. Then the podcaster said that Alina deciding to stay is something she’d never do. Again, I feel like they need to realize that what they mean is something she never DID in the books vs something she would never do. Finally, they were leaning heavily into the idea that Alina having the shadow powers is because the darkling is in her. They were saying that she’d never smirk like that from getting those powers. First, did they not watch the show or even read the books properly, there are peeks and instances, especially in the show, where Alina does get seduced by the darkness (literally and figuratively), where she wants power, where she gets this euphoric look on her face from the power! So I don’t think it’s fair to say that the reason she got those shadow powers and reacted the way she did has to be because of the darkling and because Alina would never do that. I think the show, if anything, was trying to show the complete opposite, that she did lean into the power because she always had an inclination for it anyway. Even in the books!

Idk, there were some things as a book reader, that I didn’t like in the show but I think some people are missing the point of an adaptation and all the baggage and restrictions AND liberties that come with it. I think that ending was brilliant

PS. I have to agree with the podcaster about how the dresses Alina, Genya and Zoya were wearing just was not it. Especially Zoya’s. Jessie in that crown though—as Ben said, she looks gorgeous and looks right in a crown.

A lot of the time when someone says that a character would never do that, what they actually mean is I don't like the way things have turned out and so instead of admitting that I don't like that things didn't go my way I am going to project my feelings onto this character and claim that it was ooc for them to do this.

As you said there were plenty of instances in the books and the show where Alina showed that she liked power and was curious about the cut. In the books she nearly slices Sergei in half with the cut before redirecting it at the ceiling, she then asked the fabrikators who repaired the ceiling to make sure there was still a mark left as scars can be useful reminders, she wanted the grisha to have some fear towards her so that they would think twice before defying or betraying her. In 1x02 when Aleks was talking about the cut Alina looked intrigued and looked down at her own hand like she was wondering what it would be like to use it herself. When she got the sea whip amplifier she looked euphoric as the power was pouring out of her. She also looked pleased when she was practising the cut at the spinning wheel with Nadia and Tamar and she destroyed the practise dummy and put a crack in the wall. So its not new for Alina to react to her powers, especially when her powers are destructive, with joy or pleasure.

I also them saying her using the cut and looking pleased must be because of the darkling does make me glad that they cut that scene where Aleks gives Alina his powers and instead made it a consequence of her using merzost because this shows that antis would have used it as an excuse to blame Aleks for it.

As you said at the end of day this is an adaption of the books, everything isn't going to be the same, they are going to change things and go where they want to go creatively, they are not trying to make an exact copy of the books and honestly thank god for that. I am with you the ending was brilliant.

[krxkor]

                           This is an independent and selective Multi Muse with characters based in Legends and Lore. 18+, triggering content may appear. Name’s Lilah (she/her), I am 25+ and prefer plots & development. feat. Undine, Frau Holle & Rapunzel

Rules & Muses 

following back for my sideblog sevenxyears (Dawn Granger of HBO’s Titans) 

[swanimagines]

heeeey can i please request the prompt C45 and B88 with kaz??? thank you love!! <3

Fandom: Shadow and Bone

Prompts: C45. “Could you try stopping thinking like a machine and listen with your heart?” and B88. “I’ve tried to forbid myself from falling in love, but now I can’t help it.”

A/N: I was super tired when I wrote this and there was a lot of noise around me which I didn't have a chance to escape so this isn't as good as I planned, but I tried to fix it here and there, hopefully it isn't as crap as I see it. XD And fyi for everyone who isn't aware of it by now, I'm in love with this man and I'm so happy that he gets love too, honestly I was so afraid The Darkling would end up being DBH Connor of Shadow and Bone = 99% of my Shadow and Bone requests would be for him and I'm not really fond of him, or actually I very much dislike him. :D He's still the most popular character in the fandom (judging by how many x reader fics he gets in a day + their notes) but I'm glad I have only gotten one so far (and another where he's an important side character but it's gonna be a Kaz x reader too). But yeah I'm so happyyyyy I can finally be crazy about someone FRESH who a lot of other people like too, doesn't happen often. Actually I'm not sure if it has ever happened??? I usually come to fandoms late and when most characters are long forgotten and I'm crazy about them alone. Also when I love a character, their pieces automatically become a lot longer and I also write them a lot quicker. Tbh makes me wanna take only Kaz requests in for a while XD Also I had a different, fluffier idea at the start of this but it didn't work out. But I hope you like it!!

Warnings: a fight, angst (or kinda hurt/comfort??) Also Kaz could be a bit OOC (at least to the book version) because he’s not a very soft person, definitely not a huggybear and apparently even less so in the book (sad me doesn't have a chance to read them). Kinda scared of some of my Kaz requests because of that. Trying my best with it though. But I tried to even it in this fic by making him colder than usual at the beginning XD

Word count: 1.2k :))) Oneshot-sized, ehheh. Tried to think of a name so I would have published this as a proper oneshot but didn't come up with anything so this passes as a drabble for this one time, sorry to those who don't like longer pieces. But I swear this was supposed to be like 700-800? words, but it was with my previous idea.

Sometimes you couldn't believe how you had feelings towards this man, Kaz Brekker, sitting in front of you, looking like he didn't even listen to you. You knew he did, but he just didn't care.

He was being so stubborn, so emotionless about your proposition to help some homeless people, get them food and maybe some clothes.

“We are not a charity, Y/N.” Kaz sighed.

“They are homeless, Kaz. I was homeless when you took me in, why are these people any different?”

He just continued writing, not bothering to look up. “You were someone worth taking in. But I won’t invest in anything which doesn’t bring me any profit.”

He seemed to be in a bad mood anyway, pouring it on your proposition, but his words still were like knives through your chest. Investing. Money. Money seemed to be all he cared about, especially when he was in a bad mood. You knew he cared about his Crows, even if he had denied it, but on days like these he escaped his negative feelings to work, to make profit.

“Could you try stopping thinking like a machine and listen with your heart?” you snapped, frustrated how he failed to see the picture around everything which wasn’t about money. No matter who got hurt in the process, if they got profit, it was worth it. “Or have you finally lost it?”

Kaz finally looked up at you, placing his quill beside the paper. “I don’t have time for rescuing people who won’t be able to work for me. And that’s final, you can leave now.”

“So, you have lost your heart.” you scoffed, turning on your heels, marching out from the office and closing the door a bit too roughly.

Inej immediately picked up your distressed form as you sat beside her at the bar counter, putting her hand on your arm. “Hey, are you alright?”

You took in a shaky breath, not wanting to talk about it at first, but you ended up opening up anyway. “Kaz. He only thinks about money, he won't listen when I try to... when I'm proposing that we could use our resources to help some people who need it, without getting anything in return. For once, show a little bit of empathy. And things like this are why I've tried to push my feelings towards him away.” you let out a choked sob. “He’s cold and emotionless, seems to have forgot his skill to feel empathy, but...I know there’s more than just money in his life, he just doesn’t want to show it. I don’t know why, but I just know there is something more. I know it’s stupid-”

“It isn’t stupid, Y/N.” Inej interrupted you, weighing her next words for a few seconds. “And Kaz… I know, he’s not good at emotions.”

You scoffed as you tried to swallow that irritating lump in your throat. “Yeah, I've noticed.”

Inej glanced at Kaz’s office door, knowing perfectly wll why Kaz was always colder than usual with you. Inej knew that Kaz cared about you, more than he usually cared about people. She knew Kaz even had at least slight feelings for you, but he was scared of them too, so that’s why he had decided to drive you away, to suffocate those feelings. He probably didn’t want to risk it, possibly break your heart even if you ended up together. Kaz hadn’t said anything about it, of course, but Inej had seen that look on Kaz’s face when he looked at you, when he thought that nobody would notice. His usually cold and emotionless face had a stripe of affection, and Kaz never answered when Inej asked about it. He knew Inej would immediately catch it if he lied. He knew he was feeling things despite all the suffocating, but it was better to keep quiet so he wouldn’t have to finally admit it to himself either.

---

Inej stood by the doorframe of Kaz’s office, watching him work for a while before speaking. “Kaz, you’re driving them away if you treat them like that. I know you don’t want that.”

“Y/N can be replaced if needed, just like everyone else.” he slowly stated, but Inej knew Kaz too well, she knew he was lying.

“I know you don’t mean that.” she sighed and Kaz didn’t answer anything. “If you want Y/N to stay, if you don’t want them to think that you’re turning into some heartless monster who only cares about money, you’d better change your ways with treating them."

"Inej-"

"No, listen. Y/N won’t last much longer. They care about you too, but you’re breaking their heart, ripping it apart piece by piece. They love you, but they wish they didn't, and I can see why. I know you aren't good at emotions, but you aren't this cold with others. Y/N doesn't know what's wrong and they're beating themselves over it. You don't have to show affection, but at least treat them fairly.”

And with that, Inej left Kaz to his work, but he had stopped writing, Inej’s words echoing in his head. Inej always knew the right words to make Kaz think, as much as he had tried to push his feelings to the side. He didn’t want to let you in, too afraid you’d get scared when he’d open the doors. Too afraid you’d never be able to look him in the eye when you’d get to know about his demons, about everything that had happened to him, why he was so cold and why he was afraid of feelings. He was afraid to reach out to you, start treating you again like he did before developing those feelings, because he didn't want to admit it to himself. Even when he already had admitted them in a way.

"I've tried to forbid myself from falling in love, but now I can’t help it." he muttered to himself, briefly imagining saying it to you. But he couldn't imagine it any further than that. He'd break your heart eventually, drive you off anyway. It was better to keep your relationship purely professional - even if you both had feelings for each other.

But... maybe someday he’d be able to let you little closer, maybe someday he could let you help him get over his trauma. He knew that you could help him with it, given a bit of time, but only if you wanted to, only if it wasn’t too much for you. But he had a tiniest bit of hope that it was possible. Maybe someday he could touch you, caress your cheek and forget about the rest of the world. Show you how much you really meant to him. But it would take time. He cared about you, more than he ever could have imagined when he first encountered you there on the street - and now you were quickly making your way to his heart, even when he had tried to stop it.

Maybe someday he could finally accept his feelings towards you. Maybe someday he could hold you without wanting to let go immediately.

Maybe someday he could proudly say you were his.

Tags: @musicallisto

[usmsgutterson]

I need a platonic zoya x reader where they are besties and really close with each other cause i love her and she deserves the world 😌

Sweet Rolls- Zoya Nazyalensky

I am so sorry it’s taken me so long to get to writing this! I promise, I’ve got your other requests on the go as well, and I am embarrassed at how long getting to this took me! 

Again, just to say, this request has been sitting in the drafts for a little while because I’d been busy with other things and didn’t have much time on my hands to write or get things done, but I wanted to get this and your other requests done so I promise, anon, I don’t know who you are, but I see you, I respect you and I promise, my slacking in getting your requests done was absolutely not an intent!

ALSO: I promise, I l o v e David Kostyk, but I couldn’t resist, as I’m also a Genya simp, so a relationship with Genya is implied! 

I’ve not yet gotten the chance to read through the KoS duology, so she might be a little OOC!

Fic type- fluff

Warnings- mentions of the Darkling

Zoya Nazyalensky was, in simpleton terms, your favorite person.

She made things feel easy when they weren’t. She was there whenever you needed, with a bottle of kvas and a sarcastic remark, or a hug, whichever of the two you needed. 

You’d both been through things with the Darkling that neither of you would ever voice to anyone else, and that created a weird but fun kind of bond between the two of you, one that was stronger than even a Fjerdan or a druskelle hellbent on serving the wishes of Djel. 

“You really are a gift from the Saints,” Zoya murmured as you walked in, basket of alcohol and sweets hanging from one arm, blankets balanced on the other. You shot her a smile as you walked through the room, tossing the blankets onto the large bed and plopping the wicker basket at the foot of it. 

“You said it, and I hate to admit, but I’m inclined to agree!” You quipped, straightening out the joggers you’d chosen to wear to sleep. Zoya was wearing one of Nikolais sweaters over her slim frame, eyes glinting in the lights of lamps she’d lit throughout the room. 

“Genya tells you the same thing every morning, so of course you’re inclined that way!” You’d laughed as you plopped on the bed next to her, rolling up the sleeves of the shirt you’d stolen from Genyas side of the armoire that morning.

It was Zoya who crawled to the edge of the bed to retrieve the wicker basket, yanking the expensive bottle of kvas free without a struggle, popping the cork and taking a gulp as you grabbed the package of sweet rolls and ripped it open. 

You two were a duo that nobody really expected; Zoya was all sarcasm and quippy retorts mixed with a confidence only matched by Nikolai, and you were soft. You were kind, you were good, you focused on things when you needed to, and you preferred to stay quiet. 

The friendship, born of a trauma bond, was unlikely, but loved by most. Genya didn’t mind that you two were as close as you were; the way she saw it, a trauma bond, after everything that the Darkling had put everyone through, was almost expected. Nikolai thought nothing of it, you knew, because he knew you saw the way that they looked at each other. Nothing would ever split them apart, and if something did, it’d take at least a millenia of trial and error beforehand.

“Tonight,” you said, voice excited as you rapped a finger against your thigh. “We feast like kings!”

She’d laughed, and you joined just bare minutes later. 

The night went as most nights with her do, laughter and drinking and listening to her rambling about Nikolai, which, in turn, lead to her listening to you rattle off Genyas perfections and all the things about her that you cherished. You made your way through one, then two, then three expensive bottles of kvas, and several packages of sweet rolls and cinnamon buns in turn. 

When it got quiet, she beckoned for you, nail polish clutched in one hand. You nodded, holding your fingers out to her, ready to let her beautiful voice and loud laughter take over the silence that’d blanketed the room. 

She was one of the best things in your life, and you hers. 

[glorycndgore-blog]

((I’m working on a reply for your starter just my life is a little upside down right now, I promise I’m not ignoring things are just crazy !!)) since you asked for hcs I just want to let you know I hardcore vibe with your au where the darkling didn’t lie about who he was and actually wanted help destroying the fold. There’s no doubt he’s full of angst and distrust, he’s ancient that’s bound to happen to anyone over time, but I would’ve loved to see a redemption arc where everything wasn’t a lie

   first of all d on’t worry about it ok i totally understand, take all the time you need

    i just!!! have so any feelings about this ok!!!! he’d still be old but not Ancient and the moment it’s discovered he carries the darkling’s power - undoubtedly at a VERY young age - there’s s o much pressure on him from everywhere to be perfect and to find a way to destroy the fold and god he wants to, he does but he doesn’t know what to do and from a young age he has to learn to take the pressure or at least internalize the fracturing

he’s not religious, doesn’t believe the saints watch over him to bless him but the day alina shows up he swears he sees god and wrapped in the darkness he’s made a home out of he weeps for sheer joy and hope he has never known the likes of. and honestly?? i could see him still trying to over throw the king. he’s a useless old bastard and selfish and destroying their country. and yes aleksander’s first priority is always always always going to be other grisha but he knows should ravka fall there will be no safe place for them remaining. so?? just?? aleksander and alina destroying the fold. perhaps civil outcry because ravkans don’t believe it it’s too good to be true who are these two can we even trust them. nikolai becoming the bad ass king he deserves to be. alina and aleksander are his closest advisers, constantly act as balances for each other and lead the second army side by side, becoming less reclusive and exclusive at alina’s insistence. alsoalsoalso tbh the Unbearable Stress would 900% be part of why he was so. reclusive.

um mal stops being that way and settles down w someone good and is buds w alina. alina nikolai and aleksander are the power ‘thruple’ of the millennia. alina and aleksander lead ravka into a long and prosperous future and rule after their bf dies. thanks for coming to my ted talk, ‘how self indulgent and ridiculous can john get while fucking exhausted’

[krxkor]

Starter Call - Lancelot

I am trying to focus on my original work, but Lance is awake and alive. So give this post a ♥ for a starter.

[krxkor]

I am feeling this little bean a lot lately, so give this post a ♥ and I shall hit you up for plotting. And if you would prefer to plot with a different muse of mine just let me know :) 

[krxkor]

Hiatus until the 8th of September

My snail records continue as I am going on hiatus for a week. I am traveling to Scotland to research the book I am writing. It’s my first solo trip ever, and I am a 100% sure I forgot to pack something important. So keep your fingers crossed for me! ♥ Stay safe everyone!

[krxkor]

King Karl: You did make sure someone is looking after the young ones? Queen Hulda: 

[krxkor]

I just got home from a late shift and have an early shift tomorrow, so I will be lurking while I try to at least hit my small wordcount for today. Catch me on Disc. or IM for plotting and shenanigans ;)

[krxkor]

My weekend was filled with working on Eric the Red and I am super exhausted, but autumn hit us full force and I am sO INSPIRED. (I also saw the Downton movie with the girls yesterday so COME AT ME FOR PLOTS) I shall be here to write some replies and fill the queue later today (like in an hour or so), but first of all, I want to get some words down on the page.

[krxkor]

I am about to do a word sprint with Flora and I shall write a certain scene. Since I am currently pantsing stuff there is only one thing I know about this scene: Flora will kill me for it.

[krxkor]

My Updated Rules & Muse List can be found here. 

[krxkor]

Current Muse List 

Main Muses: 

Rapunzel (based on legends / Die Falsche Königin)

The prince is dead, her hands are red with blood, and her most deadly enemy - the one she calls mother - has returned. Danger follows this girl wherever she goes but Rapunzel is no longer a damsel in distress, but a force to be reckoned with. A dark twist on the fairytale with Rapunzel turning to the old gods for magic and power. Crossover verses for BBC’s Merlin and Tolkien’s legendarium upon request. 

[verses / mirror / plotting call / starter call / headcanons / relationships]

Königin Hulda (based on legends / Die Falsche Königin)

The villagers believe that whenever Hulda shakes out her pillows snow falls on the surrounding meadows. They call her Frau Holle and cherish her as a woman that rewards hardworking girls. Mortal souls must be more than cautious if they approach her though, for she has grown weary of immortality and once you follow her she might lead you into the mountain, where you have to endure until the seven years have passed and the warriors of old ride into battle once more. Based on German folklore and infused with urban legends this muse can easily be adapted to any verse which features old Norse mythology. Crossover verses for BBC’s Merlin, Arthurian Legends and Tolkien’s legendarium upon request. 

[verses / mirror / plotting call / starter call / headcanons / relationships]

Lancelot du’Lac (BBC Merlin canon divergent / based on legends)

Once a loyal knight to Arthur Pendragon Lancelot has known sacrifice and pain, but also hope and devotion. Evil whispers may have driven him out of Camelot and upon a path, he never wished for himself, but the knight remains loyal, brave, and true until the end. Based on BBC’s Merlin and influenced by Arthurian Legends this muse’s Main verse is set within Tolkien’s legendarium. However, any point in his storyline is open for interactions. Modern verse upon request. 

[verses / mirror / plotting call / starter call / headcanons / relationships]

Private Muses / open upon request:

Konstantin von Deseberg. ( based on legends / Die Falsche Königin  - only available upon request)

(Aiden Thomas Campbell - OC / private muse)

[krxkor]

Which reminds me, if anyone would like to call Rapunzel out on the fact that she killed her own husband, feel free to do so!

[krxkor]

...brick by brick and ghost by ghost...

              Headcanon and Verses Master Post  I Rapunzel

Rapunzel

Main Verse: 

The Tower  The Heart  The Sacrifice The Forest The Mirror

A Crown As Heavy As My Heart: Rapunzel has secured the throne for herself and now rules over the kingdom with an iron fist, following the old ways. Some call her Evil Queen for she will never again be made victim in someone else’s tale. 

May your reign be dark and full of terrors - Kingdom of Westphalia AU - Modern Royalty AU, still under construction 

With empty hands the high king reigns - Die falsche Königin Arc 1 (closed verse with @meinliied​ and @razrushosta​) Rapunzel’s backstory in this verse is the same as it is in the main verse, up until she is abducted by the witch.

Other verses: 

Merlin (Main FC) Middle Earth A Song of ice and fire (secondary FC)

Relationships: 

Ostara

Alexander von Ammersbach 

Halvard

Egil - King of fear and fable;; 

Secondary Muse: Prince Konstantin Seine Asche mag der Sturmwind treiben, seine Liebe dauert ewig aus   Ghost AU: Und der Tod entbindet uns von allen Pflichten