161,556 words. That's how long the book is right now. I wanted to have the edit done by tonight, but unfortunately that's not going to happen. I'm up at 6 in the morning to catch a plane to Leeds, so I'm about to hit the sack.
Oh, and for those of you who were pleading with me to keep LSODM as long as possible... you've got your wish. My editor Nick and my agent Michelle both got back to me, suggesting tiny changes here and there, but nothing that would shorten the book.
So the HUGE amount of characters stay in. The MASSIVE battles stay in. The HILARIOUS jokes and LIGHTNING-FAST wit stay in. Verily, it is a good day to be a Minion.
And I've just been chatting to Laura, who calls it the "deepest and darkest one yet". So I've got her all-important seal of approval, which makes me happy.
When it's out, when you've read it, I'll talk more about the writing of it, and the various problems I had to deal with in order to make it work. Everything from Book Two onwards has been leading up to LSODM, after all. Of all the books, this is the one I was certain about from the very beginning, in 2005, but it was one I was the most unsure about when I was actually writing it. So it comes as a relief to know it's actually good.
So... tomorrow I'm in Leeds— the tickets to which are now sold out— and on Saturday I'm signing in Waterstones in York at 11AM— and no tickets needed.
I'm been really quiet lately, on the Blog and on Twitter, and I do apologise for that, but I had to devote all my attention to the book. Now that it's (practically) done, I can get back to normal. Which'll be... er... nice.
I guess...
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«Oldest ‹Older 2601 – 2800 of 4986 Newer› Newest»I know. I just want to be here, but no one's on.
It is Saturday *shrugs* i dunno Adra it is rather quiet we didnt miss a new post did we?
No, I have been refreshing on another page.
Huh okay so it is eerie
Ooh ooh ooh
*pours ice cube down Adra's back*
*screams and convulses on the floor until the ice cube falls out*
You hoor!
*shoves a lizard down the back of Zaf's shirt*
*sits in tree*
I wish that I could actually just call a Bloglandian, or be able to go to their house, and get an actual hug, not just a virtual one. *sighs*
Sorry. I feel... depressed, I suppose.
I feel really low, and sick, and upset, and depressed. .-.
Maybe I should leave again... I'm not doing much to cheer Blogland up.
#ChaseForBook9
*huggles Mara* When we get older, you can come live with us in the Sanctuary/Hibernian/ Temple
Mara! *gives 1D ice cream sundae*
ADRA THAT'S DEREK-LIZARD!!!
*pets Derek-lizard*
Good boy wanna play in my dynamite forest?
*looks stern* it is NOT the Derek-lizard. That is Scosch.
*pinches Zaf*
OWWW
*grumbles* 20 comments in an hour. This is sad.
Not everyone is on always
Is something going on that we weren't informed about?
#ChaseForBook9
What do you mean, Mara?
And I know that, Zaf. But out of the tons of people on the Blog..
I now....
I know you know
Im not Saracen Rue
Erm, yeah
Sorry distant doing quiz
I figured...
*re-emerges from bar* Sorry I ran off. Something... personal came up.
#ChaseForBook9
You're fine. *waves* hi
Why wouldn't I be?
#ChaseForBook9
What? No, you said "sorry" and I said "you're fine" as in "you're good"
Oh Ok then, so I didn't miss any life threatening (towards myself) issues or anything personal involving myself that could have affected me then.
#ChaseForBook9
(hello? Adra?)
#ChaseForBook9
Sorry! I'm here
and no, it appears you haven't.
Oh good...
*puts hands in pockets, starts whistling*
#ChaseForBook9
*cough* So....
Yeah... *hops slowly from side to side on feet*
#ChaseForBook9
*shuffles*
So... Um... I think the-plan is going to be good for a go soon?
Yeah, how many times has it been able to be done now?
#ChaseForBook9
Trip is your place just a bar or would you say it's a tavern/inn??
And hello peoples.
#ChaseForBook9
It's been fixed and it's ready.
Hi Em!
I would call it a bar. It has an attic which I live in, it's got all the essentials, bed, chest, cupboard and all the other things I own just sort of scattered around. But it has no rooms. I would like to call it a pub, but it isn't cosy enough, it's a wild west bar.
#ChaseForBook9
It broke?!
#ChaseForBook9
Well would you be offended if I made you wild west bar into a tavern/inn on the Blogland minecraft??
Heya Adra sweets *hugs*
#ChaseForBook9
(So a dog just walked up my stairs...I don't own a dog.)
Erm, no, but it's just been added to.
I wouldn't be /offended/ but it wouldn't feel as if it were my bar, it would feel like an inn which I owned.
#ChaseForBook9
Well would owning a tavern/inn be such a bad thing??
#ChaseForBook9
No... But I do love my bar. Would this be because you can only find a tutorial for a tavern/inn?
#ChaseForBook9
Because if so, give me the url and I can tell you how to change it to match my bar.
#ChaseForBook9
No, I was just wondering what your bar looks like so I can get an idea on where to build it.
#ChaseForBook9
*appears* Alright, I'm here. Show me what you've created.
I thought that it was just literally a bar with some stools, one wall, and a door to a basement. Honestly.
FINALLY
Gee, it took you long enough.
Oh! If you want a description i can give you one after we do the plan on Alistair.
#ChaseForBook9
You know what's really perplexing? Aretha is afraid for me. It's actually rather unsettling. She didn't want me to show up until I knew what I was up against. But she can't control me, much as she'd like to, so here I am.
Well. I don't know what to say...
I'm flattered.
#ChaseForBook9
For you?
Sorry, did I just hear that right?
For?!?!
Well! Shall we get this plan underway?
#ChaseForBook9
Don't be. I don't find the idea of all of you planning together threatening at all. She's afraid that you'll kill me. I'm confident that you can't.
*nods* Follow us, if you please, Alastair.
*walks into the library*
Adra- I know. Perplexing. Of course, she only wants me alive because while I'm around, she has some hope- however small- of getting Niccolò back. But I still find it peculiar. I would think that getting rid of me would be more important than saving him, but apparently not.
Hmmm... *looks back* you coming or not?
Of course. *strolls into library*
So. It's just down those stairs *points to staircase*
I wonder what you would have done if I simply refused to follow you. *walks down stairs*
I'd have pushed you down there. *opens a wooden door into a large chamber*
Again. Age before beauty.
*checks phone* It's damned annoying that I have to go now, but, duty calls! I won't return this evening, goodnight all!
#ChaseForBook9
*facepalms*
And if you couldn't push me? I'm seeing a great many holes in this plan. *walks into chamber*
Oh. How incinvinient. Can you do it without him?
*scowls, shutting the door* Of course I can.
*presses her hand against the floor, where a blue circle lights up, attaching to the circle on the ceiling, where Alastair is*
That, my dear is your cage.
*she touches the door, and it melts away*
There goes the escape, and...
*touches the wall, and symbols light up red*
And those are binding sigils.
*looks around, examining symbols* And now what?
And now, you're just like the rest of us.
*picks up a long spear, which powers up to her touch, electricity crackling at the end*
And when I ask you a question, you're going to answer.
Or I won't, if I don't want to. Though generally, I don't see any harm in questions. So, how does this work? *reaches hand to lightly touch blue circle*
You know, I'll be honest, I was expecting more from this. I'm a little disappointed, actually.
It is fueled by a type of alchemy. I'd previously emptied a bit of it into a generator, and charged it. It's able to go on for weeks.
First question, though. What time is Niccolo in?
*shrugs* Later, dear.
Besides, everyone ELSE made a big hype about it. We just didn't correct them.
I've already said it several times. Aretha even posted it on her little fanfiction blog. 127 years in the past. However, I don't know the exact location, month, day, hour, minute, second, or millisecond.
You didn't answer my question. How does this work, exactly? For example, what would happen if I tried to walk through this? *gestures to blue energy*
*rolls eyes* Do I LOOK like I have time for that?
Second Question- the souls inside Niccolo, if we were to somehow extract them, would they be able to sustain a human body?
Well, you see, because I created it, I can come and go as I please. You, however... If you tried to leave, it would burn your flesh.
You said it'll run for weeks. That seems like plenty of time to me.
No, they wouldn't. It's like I told Zafira- even though they constantly thrash about within me, they are true names, not souls, and they are my true names, and therefore just as much parts of me as yours is to you. My existence proves the fact that they can be extracted, but they cannot sustain their own life in a different body.
It would burn me? That's all?
And yet, how did Zafira survive it? Was she not a part of you?
Burn, electrocute, among other things.
*shrugs and sits on a stool*
No, she wasn't. I didn't actually steal her name- otherwise her body would have died. I only stole her consciousness. She happens to be unusually friendly with her true name, however, which resulted in her name essentially seeping into her consciousness. Only a small fraction of Justaria came with her.
I believe I have already explained that.
What about Alexis? What would happen to her?
Do I look like I have time to go back and remember what you said? No
If you had taken the time to remember, you would not have had to waste your apparently precious time asking me again.
I have only taken Alexis' consciousness. I haven't even liked our bodies. That would have given Zafira too easy a way out. I mostly did it to drive her mad. Her physical form is fine, and will remain so if I return her consciousness. However, I cannot speak for her mental health. And if I die while her consciousness is in my mind, it will die too. Technically her body will still live, but it will be a shell, capable only of simply being alive.
And for Alexis herself? Do you have her stashed somewhere or...?
Which part of her are you referring to?
Her physical form.
Oh, yes, I've left it somewhere safe.
*smiles sweetly and walks closer to the beam* Want to tell me where?
"Safe"
[Shakes head]
#ChaseForBook9
*grins* I have, if you'll pardon the expression, hidden her in plain sight. She's inside of a tree- and I don't mean a hollow one. Actually, it'd be more accurate to say she has become one with the tree.
*throws hands into the air* Well it's not like there are billions of those!
Besides, do you mean tree tree, or a form of wood? Because this could go many ways.
I mean an actual, living tree, with roots in the ground and branches reaching for the sky.
I imagine he used Zaf's tree. It's like him. Used some sort of spell to keep her inside.
Then again, I could be wrong.
#ChaseForBook9
*nods* my thoughts exactly. How... Sentimental of him.
What about my friends, Alastiar? Victoria and Antonio? Is their disappearance your doing as well?
I'm not certain of what exactly Zafira's tree is, and I'm fairly certain that's not the one I used.
I have done nothing to your friends, Adra, although now that you've mentioned them, I'm tempted.
Uh huh, life's like this
Uh huh, uh huh, that's the way it is
'Cause life's like this
Uh huh, uh huh that's the way it is
Chill out, what you yellin' for?
Lay back, it's all been done before
And if you could only let it be
You will see
I like you the way you are
When we're drivin' in your car
And you're talking to me one on one
But you've become...
Somebody else 'round everyone else
You're watching your back like you can't relax
You're tryin' to be cool
You look like a fool to me
Tell me
Why do you have to go and make things so complicated?
I see the way you're acting like you're somebody else
Gets me frustrated
Life's like this
You, you fall and you crawl and you break
And you take what you get and you turn it into honesty
You promised me I'm never gonna find you fake it
No, no, no
You come over unannounced
Dressed up like you're somethin' else
Where you are ain't where it's at
You see you're making me laugh out
When you strike your pose
Take off all your preppy clothes
You know you're not fooling anyone
When you've become...
Somebody else 'round everyone else
You're watchin' your back like you can't relax
You're tryin' to be cool
You look like a fool to me
Tell me
Why do you have to go and make things so complicated?
I see the way you're acting like you're somebody else
Gets me frustrated
Life's like this
You, you fall and you crawl and you break
And you take what you get and you turn it into honesty
You promised me I'm never gonna find you fake it
No, no, no
No, no, no
No, no, no
No, no, no
Chill out, what you yellin' for?
Lay back, it's all been done before
And if you could only let it be
You will see...
Somebody else 'round everyone else
You're watching your back like you can't relax
You're trying to be cool,
You look like a fool to me
Tell me
Why do you have to go and make things so complicated?
I see the way you're acting like you're somebody else
Gets me frustrated
Life's like this
You, you fall and you crawl and you break
And you take what you get and you turn it into honesty
You promised me I'm never gonna find you fake it
No no
Why do you have to go and make things so complicated? (yeah, yeah)
I see the way you're acting like you're somebody else
Gets me frustrated
Life's like this
You, you fall and you crawl and you break
And you take what you get and you turn it into honesty
You promised me I'm never gonna find you fake it
No no no
#ChaseForBook9
Damn. Which tree then?
And don't you dare touch them. *scoffs* like you could find them. I don't even know!
There's no way to distinguish it from any other tree. It has no special markings or even a different energy signature.
That doesn't answer my question.
Where.
Is.
The.
Tree.
[hugs Mara]
#ChaseForBook9
*laughs* In a forest in Iowa, in a town that's not on the map. If your intention is to attempt t locate it, I wish you the best of luck- you'll need it.
*bites lip* We're not going to ask you to take us there, if that's what you want. We're not stupid.
*smiles* I know you won't ask.
Good, so we have a mutual understanding.
Hmm... Tell me more about the 48/9, depending on if you count Alexis, people inside of you. You've said that they're... Hurting.
Why?
And how can't they break out? And why haven't they tried?
Alexis....my baby
*just glares at Alastair*
Zaf, remember what we talked about
I'm not exactly here now.
Will be if necessary, though.
#ChaseForBook9
I know im just showing anger to Alastair
Tell me, would you like to have your existence reduced to a little voice inside someone else's head? *smile fades, shudders ever so slightly* It is, simply put, rather unpleasant. Many of my names feel it is far worse than death to be fully conscious and constantly aware of what's going on, to have your own will, and at the same time be completely powerless in your own body- which isn't even really yours to begin with. A stranger steals away your existence in a matter of seconds, and you spend the rest of their life as a true slave, completely unable to resist. There's no fight to the death or trying to run away. That kind of entrapment does things to people. That's why they scream.
As for how they can't break out- think of the way the character Darquesse is described in those books you all love. She's a constant presence in Valkyrie's mind, whispering, waiting for the chance to push her aside and take over. It's sort of like that, only with less whispering and more screaming. Little fun fact- Niccolò's power gets weaker every time he uses it, meaning that every time he steals a name he loses just a tad more of their essence, in other words, personality. I'm the first he stole, so although I'm rather strong- minded to begin with, I have a slight added advantage. Niccolò has never been able to suppress me entirely.
So can't you free them? Like...if you wanted to
Zaf, that's not part of... *sighs* Never mind. Hopeless cause.
What about the body that you had before Niccolo? What became of it?
No. Not even if I wanted to. I could stop using the strength that I have and allow the next strongest name dominance over this body, but I'm certainly not going to do that, and there's no way I could separate them entirely. Technically, they are really me.
It died, and once I realized I couldn't go back- which was within a few minutes of it dying- I burned it.
That's... Terrifying, actually.
Do you ever wish you could be separate? To go back?
*just watches quietly*
My daughter is a tree...a bloody tree...
*hits head against bookshelf and continues to glare at Alastair*
Initially I did, but once I realized how much power was at my fingertips, I decided it was worth being stuck in someone else's mind. And it wasn't all that bad for me, anyway, because I've always held influence over Niccolò. I wasn't completely powerless. I quickly began to realize it was the best thing that had ever happened to me.
In my opinion- and I understand I'm stepping slightly out of character to say this- my real captor is Aretha. If you wish, you can all pretend I haven't said that, as it has nothing to do with this roleplay.
Zafira- if it helps, the tree isn't actually bloody in the slightest. *laughs*
Alastair i can only say one thing: You are lucky I haven't strangled you yet. All I honestly want is my daughter back. I havent the slightest caring if you live or die. If you die I will be gladly helping killing you. My magic is bound like yours I never understood why it could be bound up until I had my true name sealed.
*pats Zaf's shoulder* I know. The poor sap.
*waits for that to sink in*
*sits down* Well, this is much more depressing than I had thought would be. *tilts head to the side* You're lonely, aren't you, Alastair? You have many others trapped inside you but you're still alone.
Isnt bound like yours*
Well... I suppose I'd be lying if I said I've never longed for company. However, I truly don't mind being alone. I was alone even before Niccolò stole my name, purely out of choice. I enjoy suffering above everything else, and besides, I've just never cared about anyone. I tried a few times, when I was younger, to become attached to people, but it's never worked for me. (Unless you're referring to the bit about Aretha, in which case I'd say the same thing anyway. Even when I become my own person, I will choose isolation.)
*shakes head* I pity you, Alastair. I really, really do
That's a new one on me. *stares* Why?
I don't really know... I mean, I look at you, and you try to be cocky and arrogant and smart, but deep down, somewhere you want to be different. *shrugs* You're sharing a body with 48 other people, constantly screaming.
You might like it, and that's what makes me pity you even more.
*sits on stool with shadows aimlessly*
Just sit here Zaf...
*walks up to wall where entrance used to be* No it's not Alistair! I've pitied you for ages. Pitied, despised, disliked and respected for a while now.
#ChaseForBook9
I feel seriously stupid sitting here. I really do just sitting not sure what to do having no idea what's going on...
*nods*
Respect? *laughs* All right, humor me. Why respect?
Sminky Shorts. *smiles*
Always makes me grin.
#ChaseForBook9
Zaf, how the hell did you even get in here?
Well, Zafira, they've bound my magic and locked me in a room with no door, and now it seems we're all sitting together and talking about our feelings.
...Hello?
#ChaseForBook9
Shadow walked why am i not supposed to be in here? I have nothing else to do anyway
Alastair idk why see I wasn't informed of whats going on so i honestly can't explain this
Hello, Luciana. We're roleplaying. You may join in if you like.
Zafira, I believe they meant just to question me- interrogate, you could say- but it seems to have become something else.
Respect...
You are...
Powerful. But just because you are a crazed madman doesn't mean I can't respect you for it. The power you wield... and how you choose to wield it... *smiles* I have to admit, as twisted as it is, it's pretty cool.
#ChaseForBook9
(Zaf, the room is bound... That was the whole part of the plan)
Besides, Alastair. Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer, eh?
Alastair, we meant to trap and cage you. And keep you there.
And if this escalates, I might even get to fight you. Yay
Hey, Luci. *hugs*
#ChaseForBook9
I'm leaving, then.
Bye.
#ChaseForBook9
Well, actually Alistair, my plan was to repeatedly hit you in the face and then let Adra do what she wished with broken-face you, but work had other ideas.
#ChaseForBook9
(So what i can't participate? And yes it has no effect on me i explained previously to Alastair my magic isnt bound to shadow-walking into a bound room will just be like any other room the only way to actually bind my magic is to shackle me the sigils have to physically touch me
Speaking of work, I have a meeting with the south Africans in five minutes.
#ChaseForBook9
(No, you just can't be in there. Like me!)
#ChaseForBook9
*sighs* And here we are again.
*gets off her stool* Tell me, Alastair. What do you think would happen if we just left you here?
Breathes there the man with soul so dead
Who never to himself hath said
This is my own, my native land
Whose heart hath ne'er within me burn'd
As home his footsteps he hath turn'd
From wandering on a foreign strand
If such there breathe, go, mark him well
For him no minstrel raptures swell
High though his titles, proud his name,
Boundless his wealth as wish can claim,
Despite those titles, power, and pelf,
The wretch, concentred all in self,
Living, shall forfeit fair renoun,
And, doubly dying, shall go down
To the vile dust from whence he sprung,
Unwept, unhonor'd, and using.
Sir Walter Scott
(Well Adra you can't expect me to sit here for hours while you question Alastair i mean that's not fair to me at all but whatever
*is just sitting bored*
*exasperated*Yes yes, the poem reminds us of you and your values, we get it. *pinches bridge of nose* You're always so moody, always talking about how crazy and weird you are. You're no better than a psycho killer hipster.
#ChaseForBook9
If you left me here, I'd get out.
Hey, I'm out here too! You can talk through the wall.
#ChaseForBook9
Yeah ok Alastair so far out of all of us here I'm the only one with an inkling of a shot to get out my magic isnt bound
Really? *taps the wall and it glows orange* Reinforced. Multiple times.
Nice poem, by the way. Didn't know you were a classics fan. Scott was a nice guy, though...
*giggles at Trip's comment* oh my God..
(Hello?)
#ChaseForBook9
(Yeah, I have no idea)
(Um, I've got to go again. I'm at this party thing at night in a street and inside and shouldn't be and my absence has probably been noticed.
Sorry, Bye!)
#ChaseForBook9
(Nor do i...maybe he left i mean it is possible...then again im not doing anything to begin with
Trip you have any whiskey left? I need one
Bye Trip
Uh yeah, just get it from the cellar.
#ChaseForBook9
Awh, well that's just no fun. *lies down with a book* I'll wait here
I've never been fond of classics, but Niccolò was. That became his favorite poem once we started stealing names.
I know Adra is interrogating but this my child you have. Is it possible to release her without you doing it willingly? I want my child back Alastair
(Actually brb dinnertime
*puts the book down*
Good lord, you make it sound like you're the Caped Crusader and Robin...
*shrugs* There's no real way to put it simply without giving the wrong impression.
It gave the wrong impression before you even started.
*touches another symbol on the wall*
So anyway, how does one not care? About people, that is? To lose compassion for humanity
I could ask you the reverse. Human beings are made of atrocities, and live in a constant state of denial. How is it that you care about them?
Because of balance, I suppose. I've always admired humankind. And although they are constantly flawed, that's what helps make them good. Of course, every tree has a few rotten apples, but humans strive to be better than they are. I have friends, and they help me, so I help them. Equivalency.
Alistair. When you can do what I do, every time you use your power you are faced with the choice to do away with your own humanity, your feelings. Because of this, you get very deep on the subject of feeling, so that when a time comes where it would be easier to switch off your feelings, you don't. It keeps you human. We care about each other because of the wonderful things each and every one of us is capable of. Sure, we all do bad things, but unlike you, we balance it out with good. We care /because/ we are human. You may be biologically human, but mentally... You're something else entirely.
#ChaseForBook9
Hey guys...
#ChaseForBook9
(Hi Fabi!)
Apologies for the double-post.
#ChaseForBook9
Hi Adra. How's the interrogation going?
#ChaseForBook9
Zaffy waiting for ice cream truck
It's going ok.
(Ooh, ice cream! :-)
I had ice cream for breakfast. :-P We had to clear out the hotel refridgerator and freezer.)
#ChaseForBook9
Cool! Waiting paitently for the truck
Hey Adra, have you given how you're going to get /out/ any thought?
#ChaseForBook9
...Not yet. But I have food and drinks. Hollah. And books, of course.
I have....tree dynamite tree
*hangs from tree*
Hmm im laughing hysterically still anyone notice the mirror in my tree?
Alright
*bundles dynamite*
What are you doing?
Bundling my dynamite why? I have a few saved to shove up Alastair's....well never mind
*sings quietly*
There's a beast at the door and he's wild and free but we wont let him cause we don't want to see what is lurking right behind the facade
Right, okay. Well, don't blow yourself up.
[Raises eyebrow]
#ChaseForBook9
I wont i promise! My dynamite tree reproduced to make *gesturws to forest* dynamite forest! This my special tree though *you see bundles labled 'Ireland' 'Derek' Emerald' 'Alastair' 'For Battle'*
Ooh
Ooooh
OH look! She got first again. (What a surprise)
You know, Alastair never really answered back, the lazy shit.
(Sorry kids, it had to be said)
YAY!!!!
I dedicate this page to ice cream trucks. I wish the one by me would show up! I think it got lost
To Derek for absolutly no reason
To Alastair: I pity you sir. You are a sad tormented soul
I thought you hated him and he was a coward.
WAY TO STEAL MY SPEECH, ZAF, GOSH.
:/
Please understand that that was a joke.
But not really.
but yeah really
Okay...sorry Zaffy sad ice cream trucky got lost!
Why did you just begin talking like a child.
Because i am a complete lunatic Adra I have no sanity left I LEFT THE SANE TRAIN LONG AGO!!!
*accidently blows up Derek*
CRAP!!!
sometimes people wonder why
why i am afraid to fly
they dare ask to me when
they know full well
the reason is them
i cry myself to sleep at night
when i sleep i wake up in fright
nightmares
nightmares
i fall
i crash
i die
i'm gone
nobody notices
nobody cares
nobody talks
because nobody dares
#ChaseForBook9
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