My actual pet peeve is Authors having to put disclaimers prefacing their novels about what the book is or isn't. Authors should be allowed to tell their stories and have the readers think, feel and reflect all on their own. These things shouldn't be spoon-fed or dictated.
You don't write a Horror Erotica and then have to tell your readers that it isn't a Romance. No, actually, it doesn't matter the genre. I hate it because it clearly stems from fear of backlash due to Purity Culture. Especially when it is Dark Romance or Erotica. You don't owe your readers anything. Not an explanation or a disclaimer.
God. I miss it when we used to read books bravely.
I say this because when we looked through the books on the shelves, we didn't look for Trigger Warnings. We went to the shelves labeled with the Genres we loved. We browsed, we read through the synopses. Then, we went in with nothing but concept and came out in various states of beingâbroken, in love, bothered, changed.
We didn't police Authors. We didn't require Trigger Warnings. We didn't read the Genres we didn't like and left it at that. We didn't tell Authors and Readers what they should or shouldn't romanticize.
Romanticism doesn't even equal love. Romanticism used to refer to literature that prioritized emotion, individualism, nature, and the supernatural over order and logic. It celebrated the "common man," intuition, and the untamed beauty of the natural world.
You're supposed to be disturbed. You're supposed to be bothered. You're supposed to find beauty in the grotesque. You're supposed to be shameless about sexuality, even if the thing you're sexualizing is the horror.
You little sheltered fucks should learn that the world shouldn't cater to your sensitivities. You're supposed to fucking rawdog the world and get fucked by it real bad you go through a constant state of flux. You're supposed to learn.
To live is to feel all kinds of things.
And if you can't do that?
Stop fucking telling people they shouldn't.
Because you're the coward. But the rest of the world doesn't have to be.
Analyzing "Demon in the Wood" (Graphic Novel) - Part 2
(Part 1)
Be prepared. The little baby is going to kick some ass in this part đ
Oh how I wish I could read people in such detail as he does. He doesn't only see but observe. But these little lessons with Baghra are utterly boring to him.
Wait. She was preparing him to be a leader? She knew that this was what he would become?
The audacity of admiring his skills and then being angry at him for using them is...
Look at that smug face! đđ
Yes, baby, be proud of your talents! đ«”
The way he talks back is so cute :')
Speak it to the microphone, little Aleksander đ€
He has seen how Grisha don't live like humans. In decent conditions. They have no home, no real lives, nothing belongs to them. Aleksander seems tired and disappointed in seeing the same thing everywhere. No real change until he decided to do something.
âI want you to know my name,â he said. âThe name I was given, not the title I took for myself. Will you have it, Alina?â
âYes,â I breathed.
After a long moment, he said, âAleksander.â
DARKLINA FANS WHERE YOU AT?!?!
He gave his name and heart to the person he fell in love with!! This parallel has me on a chokehold
The way others look at him in the background with worry, fear and apprehension. And he seems so uncomfortable. đ
Look how happy he is using his powers! Alone where someone will not judge him or run away from him screaming. The woods are also his comfort space which makes this scene even more heartwarming.
He really tries so hard đđ
Yes, baby, give your shot! â
The social awkwardness is real.
He just took a stick and began playing with it than choosing to talk with them (he's just like me). He has already grown used to the fact that he can't make friends because he's constantly on the move. So he's like "fuck it. There's no point to it anyway".
He's so happy that someone else is entertained by his powers and not afraid for a change đ
Sylvi is a sweetheart by the way. Love her.
You sneaky little đ„č
Eryk: *disappointed but not surprised*
It's just another normal day for him where people get angry or afraid because of his powers. But it still hurts him.
Don't upset my baby that way đ đ
And the way Aleksander seems ready to throw hands in the background.
Little Aleksander to the rescue!!
He really said "Not on my watch"
I want to adopt Sylvi. She's the cutest little thingđ
The awkwardness from his part. How long has it been since he heard that word?
I find that facial change so funny đ
When he looks at the sisters he seems so happy. And when he comes home and sees Baghra he's like "đ"
Baghra you really didn't have to flex that much. Okay, we get it you can use the Cut to its fullest.
(Also Baghra is tall wow)
His little cuts in comparison đđ€
What is this? The traumatizing hour? Taking place every day at 20:00 pm?
He let Alina come close and we all know how that affected him.
I feel bad for Nikki for a sadder reality about her dynamics with her coworkers
It's mostly Bear this and Bear that, so I don't think anybody truly notices. But none of these people are true friends to Nikki. Not even Sarah, who is often put on a pedestal about how things would've been better if she was chosen, blah blah, is actually a Saint either.
We all hate Bear and rightfully so.
But it's just too uncomfortable to me that when Nikki starts to exhibit behaviour that isn't representative of who she is, they all use it to attempt to destroy her person to Bear instead of asking why she's behaving this way. Sarah especially. "You deserve to be with someone normal." SHE ISN'T NORMAL BECAUSE SHE ISN'T NIKKI.
As a friend, Nikki told you she only saw Bear as a little brother and you don't start to ask the right questions? Instead of being concerned with your friend's well-being, you take information as bullets to fire shots.
Nobody in that friend group knows anything about Nikki to understand she isn't herself. They all think of her as Freaky Nikki so it never resonates that something is truly wrong.
Do you think authors need more than just the dead dove tag to properly warn people of what's to come? For example, should I label my works "dddne because of *this* triggering topic" or is the dead dove tag simply enough?
dead dove tag alone doesnât tell anyone anything. like. at all. dead dove means âyou have been warnedâ, but if you donât tell your readers what youâre warning them about, theyâre not gonna know what the content of the fic youâre warning them about is. is it non-con? is it violence? is it gore? theyâre not going to be able to know it.
dead dove tag is supposed to be used to emphasize the actual warning tag(s). itâs not supposed to be used as a standalone tag.
that said, most writers donât use âdead dove: do not eat because of xyzâ. how itâs commonly used is âdead dove: do not eatâ as one tag, and then different tags that tell the audience about the actual warnings.
for instance, âdead dove: do not eatâ, âblood and goreâ, ârape/non-conâ, etc
That's what the Category selection is for. You have "Rape/Non-Con, Choose Not to Use Archive Warnings, etc."
Dead Dove is just the additional tag you put. But IMO, you can do with just that as long as you have categorized your work. Just add other/more specified tags for proper subcategories you want your work to show up under.
a/n an au where Luda is reborn again because I'm sad and I like reincarnation stories so I decided to do something about it. If the characters don't sound like themselves (and by characters, I mean Aleksander), I'm sorry. I try and I still can't get him right. Anyway, I guess this means no Darklina?
"If I get an amplifier, I'll live longer. I could see another 100 years, maybe more."
"That seems like a long time to you, I'm sure. But it won't last forever." She knew that. But she was desperate. What was Luda supposed to do? She wasn't like Aleksander, who was basically immortal. As a Grisha, she lived longer than most, but not as long as Aleksander.
"Aleksander." He cupped her face. Luda searched his gaze. She understood his frustration. As much as he loved her, as much as he knew that she would never leave his side, Aleksander knew that one day, she wouldn't be there.
And he was already mourning that loss.
"Luda, I understand, but-" A distant cry was heard, somewhere behind them. Aleksander went still, eyes searching the darkness, his hand dropping from her face. "Soldiers."
"Likely at Sikursk. They raided our village yesterday, calling for all known Grisha. A few of us got out."
"And Baghra?"
"She led others to the sanctuary." Luda felt the thump-thump of her heart as it picked up speed. She knew what it meant to have soldiers nearby. She wasn't safe. They weren't safe. They had to leave this place behind.
Luda followed Aleksander inside their home, helping him gather the important notes and books, the food, anything really that they needed. But at the sound of a horse neighing nearby, they both paused.
"Darkling! I know you're in there!" A soldier shouted. Luda felt, before she saw, Aleksander's panic. He did his best to keep it under control, but she knew he was worried. She wanted to pull him close, to whisper that everything will be okay. They will survive this.
"Remember Ryevost?"
"The same plan?" He nodded. Before he could turn to leave, Luda stopped him. She knew this could wait until later, but she had to do it now.
She placed her hands on either side of his face, bringing his head down so she could place a quick kiss on his forehead.
"Stay calm. Everything will be okay. And I love you." He kissed her palms.
"I love you as well, Luda." He pulled away. Luda watched Aleksander open the door and step out. They will be okay. They will reach the sanctuary.
As long as Aleksander was with her, Luda could still have hope.
She moved closer, looking out through one of the windows, straining to hear the conversation. She sensed so many heartbeats.
Luda was a Healer. That didn't mean she couldn't be a Heartrender as well, but her lack of training made her hesitate to try. She had learned how to heal others, not how to cause damage. But maybe, just maybe, if she got an amplifier, she could toe the line between Healer and Heartrender.
Luda raised her hands in front of her. She ignored everything else, but focused on the heartbeat she was most familiar with. Soldiers wouldn't spare him. And she would die before she let Aleksander suffer.
She heard his grunt of pain, clenching her jaw when he fell to his knees. She narrowed her attention to his wound, sealing it and repairing his muscles and tissues. Aleksander slowly yanked the arrow out, surprising the soldiers.
"I don't want to hurt you." Did they deserve his kindness? Even though they wanted to kill him, kill so many other Grisha, Aleksander was still giving them a chance. But somehow, the Grisha were the monsters, not the soldiers. And it made Luda burn with anger.
Two arrows were shot at once, and Luda repeated the process. So focused was she on Aleksander that she failed to notice the presence behind her until it was too late.
"One movement, and I slit your throat, witch." No. She couldn't be captured. Aleksander was depending on her. Her friends depended on her. She couldn't let them down.
She jammed an elbow into the man's stomach, reaching for her dagger. Her jaw ached with pain when he punched her face, using that distraction to wrench one of her arms behind her. He spat in her face.
All that training, gone in a moment.
"If he, or any of his men slaughter one more of my-"
"Stand down, Grisha!"
"Luda." She met his gaze, hoping he could read her apology written across her face.
"Here's the little witch who's been stitching him back together." She struggled against his hold, angry at the soldier. Angry at herself for getting captured so easily. Angry at the world for their hatred and prejudice, all because Grisha existed and wanted equal rights. Because they wanted safety. Because they didn't want to run, constantly looking back to see if they were being hunted.
"I'm sorry."
"Luda."
"Hands at your back. Or the next arrow will do his job." Aleksander looked...defeated. He allowed his hands to be tied, anger burning in his eyes.
"You have two prizes for the King. You want a promotion to the lieutenant, take us to the palace!" Luda sensed it before the words were uttered. Aleksander was confident that they would still be alive, still be together. She had promised to never leave his side. And now she would be breaking that promise.
"I only need you. Not your Healer." The anger in his eyes drained as he realized what that meant.
"No," He whispered as he was forced onto his knees, struggling to break free.
I'm sorry, Sasha.
"You thought the two of you could just quietly train witches among us."
"You want my cooperation, you bring us both in. Is that understood?" His voice shook with anger, but Luda could hear the desperation in underneath Aleksander's words.
"I told you. Those were not his orders."
"No, no, no, please." Aleksander met her gaze.
I'm sorry, Sasha.
"No, I'm begging you, please!"
I can't leave you. I can't leave you.
Aleksander's shout of pain hurt Luda more than the blade in her side. The soldier twisted it before slowly pulling it out and she dropped to the ground. The last thing she could remember was Aleksander kneeling, tears falling down his face.
For as long as Luda could remember, when she slept, she saw a man with beautiful dark eyes, and a soft smile. She longed to know who he was, this man who haunted her dreams.
And at the same time, Luda knew something was different about her. She remembered the time her little sister scraped her knee. Without thinking, as if she had done this countless times before, Luda brought her hands together, focusing on the injury. And just like that, her sister's knee healed.
"Keep your head down, Luda," her mother once hissed. "Never, ever give yourself away. They will kill you."
"Who will kill me, Mama? And why?" But her mother never answered. Luda practiced though. Mainly on animals. Whenever they limped from being caught in a trap, she set them right. Or that time she waited until cruel boys left the poor kitten alone, Luda healed him, and secretly cared for him.
She called him Sasha, a beautiful name for a kitten born of the shadows. And he grew into a strong and wonderful cat. Whenever she was confused, tired, or simply aching for something, though she wasn't sure for what, Sasha was there, gazing at her with his dark eyes, and that was enough to bring a smile onto her face.
Years passed by like this. The innocence Luda had as a child shattered when she witnessed what the world was truly like. When she learned what it meant to be different.
"I can't live like this, Mama. I have to do something."
"And what will one person do against drĂŒskelle? What will you do against the royal family?"
"I can't just sit here when I know people out there are suffering. Why should they be punished for existing? Why should they be hunted down and killed just because others are afraid of things they can't comprehend so they solve that by trying to get rid of us."
"You're safe here, Luda."
"For how long? What will you do when someone realizes what I can do, Mama? What will you do when they break down our front door and kill me in front of you?"
"Luda!"
"Sooner or later, they will find out. Let me leave, Mama. I'll head to the Little Palace. I can learn more about myself, about Grisha history. I can help in the fight in creating a better future."
"And if they send you the Fold?"
"So be it."
"It can't be brought down!"
"Maybe, maybe not. But I won't know unless I try." Her mother fell silent, her eyes shining with tears. Luda didn't want to hurt her mother. But she heard stories about the Little Palace. And she felt like that was where she was supposed to be.
"At least write to let me know you're okay."
"I will. I promise." A few days later, Luda hugged her mother and sister, using the night to slip away from the only home she knew. The only reminder she could bring with her was Sasha.
Aleksander was exhausted. For the first time in centuries, he had dreamt of Luda. It felt like it was just yesterday that he held her in his arms, and she had promised to be with him, always.
Luda understood Aleksander in a way he thought wasn't possible. The first time he let his guard down, aching for a connection, hoping for a friendship, she tried to kill him for his bones. It had been a long time since he thought about that night, when they icy cold water covered his head, and for a moment, he thought he would drown.
After that, Aleksander made sure to keep a distance. At times, he still hoped that people would look at him and see him and not a Shadow Summoner, a rare type of Grisha. But many were wary of him. He tried to have friends, but it didn't feel right.
Aleksander was still young and slightly foolish when he met Luda. She didn't shrink back at the sight of his shadows, letting it curl around her as if greeting an old friend. She didn't flinch at his touch, eager for it because it was from him and not because he was a living amplifier. With Luda, Aleksander had hope. He thought he could achieve what he wanted: safety for all Grisha. He found someone who understood his vision and didn't try to stop him from trying to make that become reality.
That was why he loved Luda. Because she understood that he would never abandon the Grisha. He would never abandon a better future just because he loved her. And Aleksander knew he could trust Luda to do the same, to never sacrifice the world just for him.
And with Luda, Aleksander also found a dear companion, someone he could confide to without worrying about being betrayed. After so many names and titles, he finally revealed his true name to her. And it was worth it. Every time she said his name, Aleksander felt alive. He wasn't afraid of losing his real self.
But Baghra reminded him that it wouldn't last forever. Luda was a Healer. She wouldn't live forever. Not like them. One day, he would have to say goodbye. One day, he would lose her friendship, her love. Her smiles would fade from his memory, her voice a distant echo. His hands would forget that they ever cupped her face. His lips would forget the shape of her name. His heart would forget that it used to beat for her.
Aleksander knew it was foolish to fight against that reality. Even with an amplifier, Luda wouldn't live forever. That had caused minor arguments between them at times. Luda would insist she could expand her lifespan. She knew she was strong, and with an amplifier, she would get stronger, be able to dip into similar areas. And he would remind her over and over again that it wouldn't matter. That one day, he would have to bury her: her body and the memories of her.
He wasn't able to for a while. She haunted his dreams, the moments they created together replaced with the memory of her murder. But over time, as much as he hated it, Aleksander locked up all memories of Luda.
And now, centuries later, he was dreaming about her again. At least it wasn't about her death. No, he dreamt about the first time she expressed her love for him and how he had panicked and left. She had teased him about it when he finally allowed himself to let his guard drop to kiss her under the moonlight.
But there no use in thinking about Luda. Though his heart ached at the memory of her, Aleksander had to clear his mind. So many things needed his focus: the attacks on Grisha, the arrival of the Sun Summoner, finding the stag his grandfather made, the uprising in West Ravka.
He paused for a moment, replaying the moment when he first met the Sun Summoner, Alina Starkova, a mapmaker. He remembered the way she had denied her powers, questioning her importance. He remembered his mother pointing out that she was hopeless: she couldn't conjure light.
Aleksander knew she needed an amplifier, and not just one. He knew Alina was like him, a rare type of Grisha able to live forever. Overtime, she would settle into who she was meant to be, her fears and doubts long gone.
He knew what her arrival meant. Alina was his equal, the balance to his shadows. Together, they could guide Ravka into a new future. But with her focus all on some boy named Mal and her wish to return to her old life, Aleksander wondered if he got it all wrong.
Would Alina really abandon her life at the Little Palace, Ravka's future, Grisha's safety, herself, all for some boy? Was she that desperate to go back to pretending she wasn't meant for more? Aleksander hoped that wasn't the case. Discovering one's abilities was like breathing in fresh air. It made you feel alive. Surely, Alina wouldn't be so foolish as to let that all go?
"General?"
"Yes, Ivan?"
"Someone is here to see you." Perhaps it was Genya with her latest update. Maybe Alina had finally learned something and would now be ready to let go of her old life, to stop looking back.
"Let her in."
"I know you." That voice. Aleksander glanced up, the papers falling from his hand. There she stood, the woman who decided to haunt his dreams again, at the doorway, holding...a black cat.
"Sir?"
"Ivan. Give us a moment." He knew, without looking at Ivan, who knew Aleksander, that he was surprised, even if his face didn't betray the emotion.
The man from her dreams stood, dark eyes wide in surprise. Luda had been hearing whispers about General Kirigan of the Second Army, a Shadow Summoner. The whispers were a mix of awe and fear and her curiosity grew every time she heard something about him.
She hadn't seen him, not once since she arrived. She knew it might never happen. He was a general. He had responsibilities. He seemed to have a soft spot for the Sun Summoner. Or at least, that was what the rumours said.
Luda hadn't had a chance to meet her either, Alina Starkova. Her time was spent reading, training how to fight Botkin, and suffering under Baghra's 'teachings'. Eventually, Luda joined the other Healers and learned everything she could from there. In the evenings, she returned to her room, where Sasha would be waiting for him, taking over the entire bed and refusing to budge.
She thought she left her strange dreams behind when she left home, but they followed her to the Little Palace. And it took her a while to realize that there might be a connection between the man from her dreams and the General. Her only clue was that both wore black.
Genya, the only friend she had outside of the Healers, told her it was hard to meet him.
'I met him once.' Luda knew better than to ask the reaosn behind it. The mix of anger and pain in Genya's gaze was enough to tell her not to inquire further. And she heard what the others said about Genya. And if what they were saying was true, Luda hoped the king suffered a slow and painful death.
'I didn't think it was possible, seeing as he was busy. Why would he waste his time on someone he never met? But he listened to me talk. He gave me the strength I needed to continue. Whatever it is that you want, give it a try. If you seek his help or his advice, he wouldn't deny you.'
And so, carrying Sasha with her, Luda set off to the war room, which she knew was connected to the General's bedroom. She met Ivan and Fedyor there.
"Luda! And Sasha." Fedyor smiled at them, scratching the cat under his chin. Fedyor was her first friend at the palace. And though he always seemed grumpy all the time, Ivan, Fedyor's husband, was her second friend.
"I know it's sudden, but I was hoping I could meet the General? There's something that has been bugging me that I think he would have the answer to."
"Does it have something to do with your heart?" Fedyor teased, sensing the way her pulse quickened.
"No."
"Liar. Anyway, I think it should be fine."
"Fedyor."
"My love." Ivan sighed. He met her eyes, and, after a moment, opened the door.
"General?"
"Yes, Ivan?"
"Someone is here to see you."
"Let her in." Fedyor dragged Ivan away, giving Luda some space. And when General Kirigan met her gaze, it confirmed everything.
"Luda," he whispered.
"How do you know my name?" He went still, various emotions flashing through his eyes.
"Come in." She did, shutting the door behind her. He gestured at one of the empty chairs and she sank into it, grateful for it. Her legs were beginning to shake and she had wondered if she was about to fall over.
He sat back down in his seat. If Luda didn't know any better, she would say the General was nervous. But why would he be nervous around her? They had never met.
Right?
"Kirigan-" She stopped speaking when he closed his eyes.
"Luda. How are you here?"
"I heard about the Little Palace. I knew one day, my village would discover I was a Grisha. I knew one when I was younger, who had told me all about the palace. I didn't want anything to happen to my mother and sister so I came here. Can I ask you a question?" He still hadn't looked at her. He gave a simple nod.
"How do you know my name?" He opened his eyes. This close to him, Luda could appreciate the beauty of his eyes. They were dark. So dark, she could drown herself in his gaze.
"What do you know?"
"I...What do you mean? About my abilities?"
"About yourself." Luda paused, taking a moment to think. General Kirigan wasn't talking about what she had learned at the palace. What was he talking about?
"Not...much. All I've ever known, even before I realized I was a Healer, was you." That took him by surprise.
"You were always in my dreams. I know it sounds weird, but it's true. Seeing you brought me comfort. Seeing you felt like finding a missing piece of myself. But why? Why would I dream of you if I had never met you before?"
General Kirigan rose from his seat again, pacing the room. Luda rose as well, letting Sasha down as she followed Kirigan. When she took the chance to place her hand on his shoulder, he relaxed under his touch.
And just like that, her mind exploded. Luda swayed, and before she could even blink, Kirigan turned around, pulling her close.
Aleksander wasn't thinking clearly. Centuries of distancing himself from others vanished just like that. He remembered what it was like to hold Luda close. And his heart, his foolish, stubborn heart, had found a shred of hope once more.
Luda's eyes were closed, her face twisted in pain.
"Luda? Luda, answer me." She didn't answer, her hand clenching his kefta. She mumbled something, but he couldn't hear what she was saying. She was trembling all over. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't get her to answer.
It was a good thing he was still holding onto her. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to catch her when she fainted.
"Ivan!" His right-hand man burst through the door, Fedyor behind him. He didn't try to explain, to clear away their confusion.
"I want a Healer. Now." Aleksander didn't put up a fight when Fedyor scooped Luda into his arms, carrying him out of the room. Ivan stayed behind, sensing something.
"General?" Aleksander couldn't break. Not now. Everything changed with Luda's arrival. He had his old companion back, the one who believed in his plans and his future. More than that, it was like his life had returned. He thought he had moved on. He had moved on. But what did it mean now that she was back? How could he pretend that what they had was nothing? Could he really turn his back away from Luda?
Aleksander went back to his desk. For Grisha? He would. The old promise he made to Luda surfaced in his mind. He wouldn't let the world burn for her. He couldn't.
"Let me know when she awakens."
"General. Who is she?" He couldn't answer. And his silence was answer enough. Ivan simply nodded once, closing the door behind him. Aleksander lost hours, mind consumed with everything and anything that wasn't Luda.
He couldn't focus. He retreated to his bedroom, but sleep evaded him. Eventually, he heard Ivan enter the room.
Aleksander watched Luda, her gaze distant. Before he could announce himself, Luda spotted him.
"Aleksander." A tear fell from her eye.
"You remember."
"I am so sorry." He sat at the edge of the bed.
"It wasn't your fault."
"Wasn't it? I should have fought harder. Not only that, I had promised, Aleksander. I had promised I would never leave you."
"Luda."
"I missed the sound of your voice." Me too, he wanted to say.
"I know what you're thinking, Aleksander. It was bound to happen at some point. At the end, I wasn't fragile. I was just mortal. And I know you. You wouldn't open up again, not when you know that I will still die again, while you would continue living." He remained silent.
Luda reached out, her hand shaking as she hovered over his. She watched him, waiting for what he would say or do. This moment, his decision, would decide what this meant for them.
Aleksander knew the risks associated with this. He knew what it meant to his heart if he decided to fall in love with Luda all over again. But with her, he didn't have doubts. He knew where her loyalties lay. With her back, he had one more person who would help him in this fight against what felt like the entire world.
"It doesn't have to mean anything, Aleksander. Your friendship is all I need." Because a better future for Grisha is far more important. Luda understood that. He took her hand, squeezing it gently.
"I don't know if I ever could, Luda. It's been so long. But I can't fully turn away from you." What if I lose you again? What if your blood stains my hands once more?
"Aleksander."
"Say it once more."
"Aleksander." It was foolish to let his heart open once more, to allow the light to enter through the crack. His mother would call him a foolish boy once she realized the truth, reminding him that Luda couldn't live forever. And he knew that.
A soft meow interrupted his thoughts. Luda's eyes lit up as she spotted her black cat.
"Sasha!" Aleksander watched as the cat jumped onto the bed, and allowed himself to be petted once before jumping off the bed and disappearing into the shadows.
"You name your cat after me?"
"At the time, I didn't know it was you." Aleksander smiled, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. Everything will be okay. Luda watched him, sensing his thoughts.
"It will be okay," she said. "Now, tell me everything I've missed."
a/n is this shit? Yes. Yes it is. Does Aleksander sound like himself? Nope. I tried (would this mean he's a bit ooc?). In this version of the story, he doesn't die because I refuse to have that ending. He works toward his goal and he doesn't feel as alone anymore because Luda is back, even if it's not forever.
the darkling had a lot of repetitive phrases he used when he was manipulating people. this has been said before, but he says âyou and i are going to change the world.â a LOT. like bro please get a new line weâre all tired of your bullshit he also uses the argument of grisha aging against people. he points out to alina that sheâll outlive mal, and points out to nikolai that zoya will outlive him. in both of these situations, he wanted the couples separated. he kept scaring them by making them think of losing each other. and idk i think thatâs interesting.
i didnât even like darklina in the beginning of the first book 1) age difference(he states he super old at the start, the worst part is heâs MUCH older than the age he lies about)2) he was being all mysterious and vague about how the little palace and grisha fit into alinaâs life3) he seemed to be avoiding confrontation from alina when she asked him questions. ik thatâs mostly because he was lying out of his ass but he was still leaving alina guessing pointlessly in the dark and let alina feel like an outsider. he was giving ALL the red flags even at the very start . But seriously, the two interacted a tiny bit in the first book (and that ended with him stealing her power and taking ownership of her), barely at all in the second, (and even that was just a whole lot of the Darkling being a creep and stalking on her, giving her mental trauma) and a tiny bit more in the third. (In which the Darkling killed several of her loved ones, destroyed her childhood home, and in turn, Alina killed him)
Just wanna say I'm not Anti darklina. I just want to khnow what do you think about this stupid fans :)))
Before I start, I want you to know that I'm staunchly anti-darklina and not for the reasons you think.
I hate Alina as a character and I believe the Darkling deserves a better partner than that village idiot. So don't expect any sympathies from me for her or for her 'trauma'. S&B is a chosen one trope and Alina is a stagnant protagonist. She had no thoughts beside Mal for THREE WHOLE BOOKS. And before you pile on me screaming, 'She's a teenager!', I'd like to point out that so was Katniss, Harry, Hermione, Percy and several other YA protagonists and they all did remarkably well in their quests. Where as Alina is a boring, judgmental and doormat of a character with air between her ears. So no, she's not going to receive any grace from me.
Now repeating phrases is a crime? Did Nikolai not have one? or did you forget about 'When people say impossible, they usually mean improbable.' or 'I love it when you quote me.'. I believe even Kaz had one. Somehow it's just a problem when the Darkling does it; that too he did like TWICE and to two people.
Besides, this whole, Zoya was also conveniently manipulated by the evil villain and was a victim too, was one of the most BS thing LB had ever written. And please, don't pretend like LB doesn't retcon her own stories. Eg. Genya's power was so rare in Book 1 that no one could do what she does till LB needed someone to disguise Nikolai. Suddenly, the Bataar twins could do it too. And by Six of Crows, even a poorly trained, fresh out of school Nina could tailor anybody like a piece of cake(not talking about the parem!Nina). Yeah, that's how much she retcons. So I'm no way believing that suddenly Zoya became so special to the Darkling that he said 'You and I are going to change the world'. Aleksander was like 500-700 years old and for an immortal like him, Zoyas were a dime and a dozen.
Zoya was the result of LB shooting her own foot by writing a stagnant character like Alina. So once LB got rid of her, she needed a new character every bit opposite to Alina-a confident girl boss who makes grown men quiver and yet every man would fall at her feet and bend over backwards to accommodate her. And voila! Zoya was born with the perfect amount of toxic girlboss energy and temper to bring down storms. Plus don't you think Zoya's entire character backstory is copy paste of Danny from GoT?
Anyways, coming back. When Aleksander was pointing out the mortality of their relationships, he was telling the truth. So is he supposed to just sugar coat things to the people who destroyed everything he built? Is he supposed to be nice to them? You seem to have a problem when he hides the truth and also have a problem when he tells them. SoâŠ
Coming to your other points;
1) Age difference - In real life, I strongly condemn it. But in this case, it's not like he was asking for it. Sure, Aleksander would love to have age appropriate relationships with someone mature enough to understood the struggles of Grisha. However, he can't because THEY'RE ALL DEAD, unlike him. So what is an immortal being supposed to do? Remain celibate for the rest of eternity?
2)I don't know how old you are but I'm going to assume you're working individual. So every time you have new coworker in your office, you'll spill out all your secrets to them right off the bat? Do you confess your sins and desires to them? Seek their forgiveness? Or beg for their acceptance?
See how silly it sounds? You're holding Aleksander to standard that you, yourself won't practice in real life. Aleksander is not a love sick boy, he's an experienced army general and Alina never earned his trust. You don't even have to look far and wide; Book 1, chapter 5 gives every info you need to know. He told her the reality and as usual it went past her. So no, there were no red flags. Your girl was just that stupid.
And when exactly did he make her feel like an outsider? Please, he never have to gaslight Alina, she can do that all by herself. Besides, did he stop her from training? or mingling with Grisha? Or let other Grisha mistreat her? She never opened her heart enough to actually learn about any Grisha. She even forwent eating at the common table after a few days. Even simple banter like Marie talking in Suli, was offensive and indirect hit on her worthlessness in Alina's eyes. And when she asked Genya to eat with her and Genya tried to explain why she can't, Alina's response was, 'I'm not going to weep into my soup.' She thought they were all mocking her. So how exactly Aleksander play in role into making her feel insecure? She had a major main character syndrome and was in a perpetual state of victimhood. Whatever she felt, I assure you, she did it herself.
Finally, he did not take ownership of her. He learned that she never could be trusted and used her as a weapon. He had bigger things at stake than an idiot's sensitivities. So he made sure the trigger for her powers lies with him. It's a trolley problem and I agree with what he did. In Book 2&3, Alina was his enemy, in case you missed that bit.
Once again, Aleksander is not a teenage boy. He's an army general fighting an active war. If you cannot understand the ugliness of war then you can never understand him. There's a duality to every great leader. Winston Churchill was a war hero but he also caused one of the greatest famines in India that killed nearly 4 million people. So make of it what you will.
PS: If you're the anon who has been spamming Pro-Darkling bloggers these past two days, then this would be the last time, I'm responding to you. You claim you're not against the Darkling and then bring up the same three talking points like every other anti. So I'd appreciate if you could stick to your side of the fandom. However, if you're not, then this is not directed at you and I was not trying to offend you.
Superpower: Knowing Authors' religious beliefs through the way they treat their most humanly characters.
Because why is it the characters who have the most valid reasons to be angry about and act out against systemic failures that are presented as their own undoing for the lack of faith on a higher power?
âThey became the lifeline between the two sides of our country. But they were still hated for the sins of the black heretic.â *LOUD INCORRECT BUZZER* theyâre hated because the otkazatâsya are bigots.
I don't think anything quite captures the difference between show and book Darkling like comparing how they spoke with Alina after the whole stag incident.
Show Darkling be like: "Okay, I'll go to her, try and talk to her, try and gently get her to see my point of view. She may be incredibly difficult right now, but I'm sure she can be convinced to see the truth."
Meanwhile Book Darkling: "Ivan, bring me the Sun Summoner, I'm going to talk some sense into that stupid brain of hers or I'm not Baghra's son! She wants a manipulative, monstrous villain? Then that's what I'll give her, so help me grandfather."
The Darkling does have some very human qualities. Whenever he doesn't get what he wants, he behaves like a wounded child. He craves the love of a desperate nation... and he craves power
When it comes to redemption, however, he is still a long way from it. He still carries a part of the brilliant boy he once was, but he is far from innocent. And when he makes a threat, he truly means it. He is not a man who speaks empty wordsâhis words are every bit as calculated as his actions.
Sorry it took me a minute to reply, I was spending time with my family over the 4th of July.
Please know that this is not meant to be hate or disdain towards you or your beliefs, merely an analysis of your words and why I disagree with what you said.
Firstly, Aleksander does not "have some very human qualities" as you put it: He is human, irrevocably and unchangeably. While he may be much older than your ordinary human, he still feels and thinks and acts dangerously, achingly human. He loves his mother and puts up with her cruelty and bitterness, even though that is the last thing she deserves, because like all people, he desires nothing more than to give and receive love (as evidenced by how SHE IS STILL ALIVE AFTER ALL THIS TIME. A real monster would have killed her the second she got on his nerves. Aleksander does get openly irritated with her behavior, yes, who wouldn't. But it takes her betrayal in sending Alina away for him to finally DO something to her. And as several people on this platform have pointed out, there is no good reason presented in the text as to why she could not remove the shadows over her eyes herself). He is fiercely devoted to and protective of the Grisha, because they are his people, his culture, his lifeblood (Even though little to nothing has changed regarding the treatment of Grisha - go read Demon in the Wood and compare how the Grisha were treated then vs how they are treated in other nations during the Grisha Trilogy - he has remained in a position of servitude and stuck with the Grisha rather than disappearing with his dear ole' mum or striking out on his own). And I believe that he truly loved Alina -perhaps not entirely romantically, but he cares for her despite her flaws, despite the fact that she made them enemies (How and why could he have trusted Alina with the truth of who he was? Why did he laugh at her frankly unfunny jokes? Why did he never take advantage of their tether to manipulate her into coming to him, or at least break her mentally? He didn't even really say anything to her until that night she asked him why he didn't leave her alone!). Aleksander has not become uncaring and cold in the endless centuries of pain and loss. That's very clear to me in the text. He was born human, he died human, and even in resurrection was human. You will not and can not convince me otherwise.
"Whenever he doesn't get what he wants, he behaves like a wounded child" so first he's not really human and now he's a child. Please, pick a lane. And please give me an example of him acting "like a wounded child" because I quite frankly do not recall any such instances. Aleksander's a good bit emotionally constipated, alas, but he is very much a man. A very thoughtful, careful general, mind you. One who has BEEN LEADING A BLOODY ARMY FOR ABOUT 400 YEARS.
"He craves the love of a desperate nation" he craves love period. Because his mother never gave it to him and his relationships with anyone else will always be shadowed by the sad fact that he will eventually lose them all. Because that's part of what makes him human. Are you wrong for wanting the love of your family? For wanting people to like and understand you? Or does that make you and me just as depraved and "inhumane" as him?
I also don't think it's only love he seeks. I think he also craves acknowledgement, to be appreciated for everything he's done not just for Grisha, but for all of Ravka. To cease to be their monster. To be recognized as the savior for once in his life. For someone to look and say "good job, you did well". But that could very well merely be me self-projecting myself onto him.
Need I remind you why Ravka is so desperate to begin with? Because of the incompetence of mortal men, particularly the Lanstov line.
"And he craves power" well why does he? What does he intend to use that power for? I always understood it as him wanting power so he can finally enact lasting change for the benefit of Grisha and Ravka. There are also several others on Tumblr whom I follow and repost often who have reached the same conclusion. Ones like stromuprisahat, lilu787788, rotteddesires, and starrfettii, to name a few, who are Darkling supporters who often post detailed analysis on Leigh Bardugo's work and the Shadow and Bone Show that I highly recommend you take a look at.
"When it comes to redemption, however, he is still a long way from it." This I actually agree with you on. Because Aleksander needs no redemption. Merriam-Webster defines redemption as "the act, process, or an instance of serving to offset or compensate for a defect". Usually people use the term redemption to refer to villains or antagonists changing their ways and joining the protagonist's side.
Sasha has no major defects that require offsetting, nor would I EVER want him to change or join ALINA'S side of the fight. He's perfect just the way he is.
"He still carries a part of the brilliant boy he once was, but he is far from innocent." Nobody in the bloody Grishaverse is an innocent. Alina murdered an entire skiff full of ambassadors and soldiers, for crying out loud. As for that "brilliant boy part"... *sigh* Listen, one of the reasons I hate Alina so much is because she can only ever seem to compare Aleksander to a child or a monster, never the man he is. And you seem to have the same problem. Please, try and form an independent opinion on the state of this man's soul outside of the verbatim Alina constantly spews before talking to me again.
"And when he makes a threat, he truly means it." I SHOULD BLOODY HOPE SO, given that HE'S A MILITARY LEADER who seeks political power!!!! Seriously, what's even the point of making a threat if you cannot or will not follow through on it? If you don't follow through on your word, it shows that you don't have the strength or integrity to be seriously considered trustworthy, and it undermines your authority. That's just common observation skills, dear.
"He is not a man who speaks empty wordsâhis words are every bit as calculated as his actions." Again, THAT'S A GOOD THING, AND NOT SOMETHING TO HOLD AGAINST HIM, UNLIKE THAT GOOD-FOR-NOTHING HUMAN FLASHLIGHT AND THE PUPPY PRINCE.
Hope you have a wonderful day/night, God loves you, and I love Sasha. Nothing you or anyone else says or does could ever change that. đ
