#lakjsldkjfs i talk too much in case anybody hasn't noticed yet

[greensaplinggrace]

4 for the ship question meme! darklina, malina, malarkling, and malarklina :)

Ahhh thanks for the ask!! I'm putting it all under the cut lol.

Darklina

When I started shipping it if I did: As much as I love the ship now, I actually didn't start really shipping them until I joined the fandom and saw all the hate lol (I'm a Malina girlie at heart 😔). It was kind of a spite ship lol.

My thoughts: It's one of the most intriguing ships in SaB when it comes to potential and complexity. For all that I love the Darkling, that doesn't necessarily mean I would like him with Alina (he has harmed her and those she loves quite a bit after all), but I've really fallen in love with the ways their relationship could have gone, especially in regards to Alina and her own development in terms of reclaiming agency, self actualization, and a progressive character arc instead of the canonical regressive one. Even canonically, there is something so compelling in the books about the moments they have together and the dynamic they possess. I like that Alina has so many conflicting thoughts on him and I like that the Darkling clearly cares for her but his idea of love is so skewed. Mostly, I just love the push and pull power exchange of their dynamic a lot.

What makes me happy about them: They're adorable in the show and compelling in the books. Not to mention there is a mutual obsession between them that is absolutely hilarious lol. And I love the mind bond a lot I think it's really interesting and allows them to have so many fascinating scenes together in the books. I also really love how they can understand each other on a fundamental level others cannot.

What makes me sad about them: The tragedy of it all, not just in the nature of their dynamic, but also in what Aleksander's death means for Alina. Alina's character arc makes me so incredibly sad, and it's saddening to think about everything she loses at the end of the books. Not just in terms of innocence, but also in the fact that she loses her powers and loses what is essentially the only person on the planet who can understand her. Also, what makes me sad, but that I love, is the haunting aspect of their relationship. I've said it before but the way he haunts her in the second book is very 'she is haunted by the ghost of his inevitable death at her hands' 'she is haunted by his memory'. the darkling always exists first and foremost as a memory to Alina. all of his actions have more of an impact on her after the fact, which I think is interesting.

Things done in fanfic that annoys me: Lots of things lol. I'm not too fond of Aleksander being the Super Dominant Man while Alina is like this poor wilting sub, although there are some fics that actually strike a decent balance. I don't like it when Aleksander is british or christian or catholic or something instead of russian and jewish, the same going for Alina. Most fics that have Alina too innocent or stupid aren't appealing because she's not. Most fics that treat Aleksander as if he's nicer or meaner than he is aren't appealing either. If it's a fic that indicates this is sort of a study on if things were different, I don't mind it. But if it's a fic that goes 'this is how they canonically are and that's why I'm writing it this way'. Then I just nope out of there lol. Anything that says Aleksander is being redeemed is something I am peaking into with one eye closed hoping for the best like a skittish animal ready to bolt at the slightest provocation. Also anything where Aleksander is born into power and wealth instead of having to claw his way to the top or Alina is super sheltered instead of someone who has experienced the worst of the world. Basically I struggle a lot with Darklina fics.

Things I look for in fanfic: Alina is a solid human being. She is powerful, and even when she isn't dominant she holds a level of control. Alternatively, she starts out with no power or control and reclaims it, forcing a better and more equal dynamic between her and Aleksander. One of the best Darklina fics I've ever read is Absolute by TwilightToMidnight, and it is probably one of the only fics like it that I will ever read. I usually do not like unhappy endings or heavy power imbalance fics, but I came to love this one and I came to really like the ending a lot. In fics, I also look for power struggles where it is a back and forth push pull between them, and one of them is always struggling to get on top, succeeding, and then falling again. The best kind of this fic is one where they do it because it is in their nature, but come to hold a level of deep respect and love for each other regardless, or maybe because of this and because it is also in their nature, which is why The Empress, Robed in Sun is one of my all time favorite fics. And then of course my favorite favorite, because it feels as if it was written specifically to appeal to me and is my ideal fic in every way, is Power Corrupts by sweetlittlethirst.

Who I’d be comfortable them ending up with, if not each other: For Aleksander, I suppose Nikolai or Mal? For Alina, literally everybody lol. I love her with Genya and with Mal and with Zoya. She deserves to get all the love she can.

My happily ever after for them: One where Alina has more power and control in the relationship, even if it is a fluctuating and always changing thing. There are so many potential avenues this could happen, and I think any of them would be great.

Who is the big spoon/little spoon: Alina is the big spoon and Sasha is the little spoon obviously 😔

Malina

When I started shipping it if I did: Immediately!! I love Malina and I actually really liked their meadow scenes. Every scene they had together was sweet and adorable. I think I really started liking the ship when she was at the little palace on her bed and they were reaching for each other even when they were apart.

My thoughts: This ship has such a real feel to it. I love the physicality of it and I love the way it brings the reader as well as Alina down to earth. It isn't a relationship without it's faults obviously, but a lot of that is miscommunication and the fact they are both struggling to reconcile their reality with what they want for each other and their futures. And a lot of it is also how Mal struggles to understand this part of Alina that he can't really know, but that he wants to support anyway.

What makes me happy about them: Every scene they have is so adorable?? Especially in the show?! I love it when they snuggle and kiss and touch and hold handsss. I love it when Alina goes to sleep on Nikolai's ship and Mal is sitting there watching over her just reading. They're so domestic and sweet. And I love how they always come back to each other and consider each other home.

What makes me sad about them: The divide between them that I think can never really be crossed or reconciled, even after Alina loses her powers. I think there is something within her that is just so far beyond Mal's reach and it's kind of painful to think about because everything else about her can know and touch and understand. And I think it's sad too that Alina always feels as if she's dragging Mal along with her and as if he doesn't want to be with her. And it makes me sad too that he thinks all he can offer is a service and his loyalty, as if he's not more than that to her. And aldjsflksd they need to communicate moreee. GOD!!

Things done in fanfic that annoys me: OOF. Fics that say Alina liked losing her powers or that it was good for her. Fics that don't acknowledge Alina's lost powers as basically a disability that was forced on her. It was a moment where she was stripped of agency and harmed irreparably. And instead of fics capitalizing on this and having Mal help her through her grief and the adjustment into a new life they just... don't? Anyways, fics where Mal is too mean or too understanding. Fics where Alina is too mean or too nice. Fics where Mal's trauma isn't really touched on or where Alina's isn't either (excluding what if things were different studies of course). And of course fics where grisha persecution is pushed under the rug or where Alina is shamed for her desires like she is in canon. Also fics where it feels like they're putting up with each other instead of actually in love. I honestly just have a hard time finding fics I like for any of my ships in this fandom lol.

Things I look for in fanfic: Alina and Mal helping each other through their trials and their grief! Mal actually acknowledging and supporting the parts of Alina that he doesn't understand. Alina being a complicated and complex person who is not wholly perfect or bad. Them finding better ways to communicate and open up to each other as time passes. Fics where Alina is super protective of Mal, sometimes fics where she's even allowed to be possessive, because I kind of love that about her and I don't see it nearly enough. Fics where Alina's darkness isn't brushed under the rug and Mal is allowed to be a bit of a bitch.

Who I’d be comfortable them ending up with, if not each other: Mal probably with Nikolai or Zoya or Aleksander. Alina with everybody XD. Aleksander or Genya or Zoya.

My happily ever after for them: Honestly? If Alina had kept her powers and still retired to live with Mal. Like that's it for me. (also perhaps immortal mal too 👀)

Who is the big spoon/little spoon: aldjlfks Alina is mostly big spoon but occasionally Mal is.

Malarkling

When I started shipping it if I did: "My summoner" and "My tracker." The war room scene in the show where Aleksander and Mal have insane boatloads of sexual tension.

My thoughts: They have two brainells between them but it only works when they're apart because when they're together their braincells cancel each other out.

What makes me happy about them: They both suck at killing each other. There's so much sexual tension between them. They will take any opportunity to insult each other for literally no reason. Aleksander fucking keeps Mal alive despite logic and everybody else saying he should kill him.

What makes me sad about them: I think Aleksander sees Luda in Mal, which is sad but also so interesting. I think he sees Alina and Mal's relationship and knows what's going to happen, and I think his way of viewing Mal largely comes from that. Aleksander's connection to anybody that isn't immortal is eventually going to end in their death and his grief, which is just tragic.

Things done in fanfic that annoys me: Not much really? When it comes to this ship there's so few that it's hard to gauge. I suppose fics where Mal or Aleksander act too out of character in terms of being mean and cruel or hating each other is kind of annoying. But that's about it.

Things I look for in fanfic: Mal being a bit of dom and Aleksander being a bit of a brat. But also Aleksander being antagonistic like a smug cat and Mal suffering for it lmfao. They're just fun.

Who I’d be comfortable them ending up with, if not each other: Alina 💕. And of course the people stated before lol.

My happily ever after for them: 😭😭 I don't know I don't really think about them having a happily ever after. Mal is immortal and doesn't die would be nice tho ngl

Who is the big spoon/little spoon: MAL IS THE BIG SPOON. but sometimes Aleksander will be the big spoon just to make sure Mal is alive.

Malarklina

When I started shipping it if I did: HHHH IMMEDIATELY. But also after the war room scene in the show lets be reallll. Also again "my summoner" and "my tracker". Like why are you so obsessed with them.

My thoughts: This is the ideal dynamic because they all balance each other and both Mal and Aleksander fulfill parts of Alina's emotional needs that the other can't. I'm not even lying when I fully say that Alina's character would be at it's most fulfilled and have the chance for it's best progression if she was allowed a relationship with both Mal and Aleksander simultaneously. I think they are both Alina's soulmates in different ways. I think they both represent the different and most crucial aspects of Alina's soul.

What makes me happy about them: How Mal and Alina are both clearly attracted to Aleksander and subconsciously appreciate many of the same things about him. Never forget their conversation about being comforted by Aleksander's confidence and praise in them lmfao. Also how Aleksander clearly has an attraction to them both. Also how they both clearly bring out his competence kink ngl. He visits them both in their dreams which is freaking wild. Also Alina has such fluffy and amazing moments with the both of them. I just love all of their interactions. Also of course Aleksander fondly remembering being penetrated by Mal and Alina. It never gets old.

What makes me sad about them: The fact that Alina has to end up with only one of them canonically. The ways they all hurt each other. The fact that Mal is mortal and will eventually die.

Things done in fanfic that annoys me: Not much? I usually like all Malarklina fics. This fandom rules 💕. Probably just the same stuff I stated earlier, where any of them act too ooc in terms of being cruel or nice. Or any form of redemption for Aleksander and especially any attempt at redeeming him the eyes of the law and royal family that persecuted his people for centuries. But I haven't really seen any of that in the Malarklina fandom because it's amazing so 🤷🏽‍♀️

Things I look for in fanfic: Mal and Alina being more dominant than Aleksander. Them all caring about each other instead of some of them caring for each other more. I really like fics where Mal and Alina get invested in helping the grisha, and I also really like fics where Aleksander tries to support Mal and Alina in their more down to earth endeavors. Also I love fics about them where all of the differences in their relationships with each other are acknowledged. Like how Alina and Aleksander would probably act more possessive with each other. They'd be tossing around "you're mine" like it's the word of law. Whereas Alina and Mal would be more fond of the "I'm home when I'm with you" statements. Aleksander would actually be pretty fond of poetry, though, and waxing poetic, which I think Mal would appreciate more than Alina. but Alina would love having vicious morally opposed arguments with Aleksander that Mal wouldn't. Mal would probably like having arguments with Aleksander about other things, though, and he would actually probably love physically sparring with him. And Mal would love taking Alina places that Aleksander would hate, and vice versa. Like idk I just love the unique ties developed within polyamorous relationships, especially the potential between all of them.

Who I’d be comfortable them ending up with, if not each other: As stated above. Basically everybody lol.

My happily ever after for them: Immortal cottage life until they reach the modern world, and then immortal city chaos.

Who is the big spoon/little spoon: Alina and Mal are the big spoons and Aleksander is (the knife) in the middle. But sometimes they switch things up.

send me a ship (x)