shadow and bone s2 spoilers

I quite liked this conversation between Sankta Neyar and Jesper, though not for any particular reason, so:

Of course we see later that her advice paid off well- Jesper did end up using the buttons on his waistcoat/jacket as bullets which was pretty cool should I make gifs of that too?

anon request | sankta neyar tells jesper to use the metal on him // jesper uses the buttons on his waistcoat in a fight (2.06 // 2.08)

There are many things that I liked about this new SaB season, and many things that I did not. One of the changes that I appreciated that added layers to the story was the integration of another living saint: Sankta Neyar.

yes, we saw a glimpse last season of what the Darkling has historically lived through, and what the toll of outliving everyone you know, over and over again, does to you. we know that the curse of immortality and infinite loneliness are what tie the Darkling and Alina's fates together, more than anything. it's a crucial part to their characters to explain their actions, thought processes and obsessive behaviors.

but Sankta Neyar! she directly, thematically, counters both of them!

She's calling the Darkling's way of living is safe. it's the way his mother taught him to live, of course. to be cynical, apathetic, cut off from your heart. when he loves, it's weakness, so he doesn't really let himself love. he obsesses, and maims, and lashes out at the people that disappoint his expectations. it makes him even more isolated.

Sankta Neyar could've easily been another Darkling mirror with this alone, and yet:

An immortal person with a mortal love. this is who Alina would one day be. if only she could accept that it's alright to love someone and lose them. her own naive greed are why the season ends the way it ends, with Mal leaving in search of himself, now that she's taken his power and left him feeling hollow. her committing merzost to bring him back, her trust in that they will come together again, is not so different from what the Darkling is capable of for her. only, instead of closing her heart, she's super-glueing it to someone else. she refuses to let him go! it makes her unpredictably dangerous.

with Sankta Neyar there, we are shown balance: someone who will live every day to the fullest with her love, while still guarding herself and being distrusting of other people's intentions. it's possible to live forever and not lose yourself in the process. incredible! if only the Darkling and Alina had some immortal other than Baghra for influence!

DANIELLE GALLIGAN as NINA ZENIK SHADOW AND BONE, Season 2

i hope after season 2 more people come join me @dregstrash and @wafflesandkruge as Malkolai Truthers.

To clear the record we are not just malokai truthers we are open to any and all pairings from the love square bc they’re all objectively possible and hilarious

I've always been a Malkolai truther, Happy to have found others who see the light

SHADOW AND BONE No Shelter But Me

Fucking sobbing over Genya and David, they always were and always will be the best couple

...I can't believe they've done this to me