The final book.
The last Skulduggery.
I've been writing these books since 2005, so for me it's been nine years of living with these characters, in this world. I knew saying goodbye was not going to be easy...
But I haven't had to say goodbye yet. Not really. I wrote the book. I edited. I went through it again and again. I decided on covers, on approaches. I approved tour schedules and special events. I prepared. I tweeted. I blogged. I kept busy. I kept looking forward...
But now... now (most of) the preparation is done. I just have to turn up now, and talk, or sign, or talk and sign, and meet people and go places.
It's going to sink in NOW. I can feel it.
No more Skulduggery Pleasant.
I'm going to give my usual "No Spoilers" speech now. So, like, no spoilers, people. The comment section above is for spoilers, not this one.
But even outside of this blog, please be considerate of your fellow Minions. Don't go blasting spoilers on Facebook or Twitter or Tumblr. Be subtle about it, and if you can't be subtle, go LOUD with the spoiler warning.
And when I say spoiler I don't just mean" "Oh my god, I can't believe THIS CHARACTER did THAT to THAT OTHER CHARACTER!"
I also mean spoilers in a more general sense. For example, saying things like: "Derek, I can't believe you did that! I'll never forgive you! How could you?? That was my favourite character!!"
Or: "I'm so delighted! I loved it and the ending was just what I wanted!"
You have friends, Minions, who know your hopes and dreams. They know your favourite characters. They know what you're dreading. So don't confirm any of these things when you comment, even if you make sure not to get too specific. If you love the book, tell me. If you hate the book, tell me that too. But keep in mind that other people will be reading, and if you give away what kind of ending the book has, you've just cheated them out of finding out for themselves.
I love your enthusiasm. Your enthusiasm makes these books what they are. So while you're being considerate of your friends, be sure to revel in your enthusiasm, and your excitement, and your dread, and your horror, and your happiness and your despair.
I hope you like it.
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«Oldest ‹Older 2401 – 2600 of 4719 Newer› Newest»Fine. Confused. Who was it this time?
Thor: Zafira.
Huh. That's a new one.
*gets up and stares at the stain on her dress from the wine*
Hmmm..
*makes a holographic dress over hers, same design only clean*
*nods at Zaf*
Zafira: Shocking, I'm still alive.
Ravel: You'll be fine, unless Darquesse comes.
Zafira: Oh god...
Of course you're still alive. I presume I in some way deserved that. Don't do it again.
*walks over to Manuel*
Zafira: Yeah, you did.
Thor: *sighs, holding Zanida close*
*smiles at Zaf as though she isn't imagining a thousand ways to kill her right now?
I'm sure I did.
(I want to fight but I fear I've missed my chance at violence.... :c)
Zafira: Pretty much. *walks down, towards the rainbow bridge*
((Zaf is probably a dead girl soon...-Zaf
*follows her, the smile dropping*
*Sets her lemonade down, and hugs herself, swaying on the floor*
((I would of been here, but I was rocking out in my bass guitar....
When can I hit someone.))
Zafira: *walks along the bridge, happily*
Fay: *slips in quietly through the front door, Cerulean behind her*
Cerulean: *grins* You're looking nervous.
Fay: *raises an eyebrow* That's because I am. I can't dance.
Cerulean: *the grin spreads wider* Says who?
Fay: *crosses arms defiantly* Says me-
*the door closes with a crash*
Fay: *winces*
Sure, El!
Hey Zaf do you know how to get back without jumping?
Zafira: No.
((bye, Elleni!))
Orpheus: farewell..
You sure?You ssound like you're lieing.
Fay: *watches Elleni leave* Do you think I scared her off with my awkwardness?
*sighs*
*punches the wall*
*frowns* its no fun when they don't hit back
Zafira: I'm positive. *starts walking towards to Palace*
*shrugs and sits on the edge of the rainbow bridge*
*hums quietly to herself*
Fay: *walks over to Snow*
Er, hi. What did that wall do to offend you?
((MINE))
(So.... did the fighting start right after I left, or.....)
(Because if it did, I mean....
I didn't think the music I left playing was that bad)
Zafira: Why did you follow me, vampire?
The wall did nothing. I just wanted to punch something. And a person would have protested too much.
*shrugs* a wave of violence overtook me.
((xD
I don't know, Snow, I only just came :P))
How quickly you all resort to murder in the midst of your festivities.
(G2g!)
I didn't. I came to the rainbow bridge. Is it my fault you came too? No it is not.
Hello, Alastair. Care for a drink?
Zanida: You're welcome to help the violent angry mob that wants Zafira dead.
Fay: *shrugs* If a person had it coming...
Cerulean: *strolls over, a glass in her hand* Hi!
((:c
Bye, Snow...))
*Continues to hug herself, and resolves to leave the room, finding a smaller room where the music is still heard, but there's a piano*
*Sits, and begins to play a piece of hers*
*Sips her lemonade*
Zafira: Then I can push you otf. *moves closer to Silente* You really think I care at this point? Who is going to possibly try and have me arrested? It's my word against others...
((Alice- if yoy join the now one man mob, no taking Zaf's true name please.-Zaf
No, I would not care for a drink. Or assisting others in murder. Do you lot honestly believe you're at all civil or loyal to each other, as you so often claim to be? *sighs, and takes up leaning against a distant wall without actually putting any weight on it*
*looks at Zaf, not moving from the edge*
You're a violent person when you're drunk. Anyone ever tell you that?
Zafira: I'm not actually drunk, I'm a good actor.
Zanida: Would it be crazy it I asked to dance with you?
Cerulean: *glass still in hand, walks over to Zaf and Silente* Hi, there, I was just wondering what the problem was?
((Is John coming to the ball?-Zaf
In which case has anyone ever told you you're a very violent person?
*raises one eyebrow*
Zafira: They have actually. *shadow-walks back inside*
*watches her leave and looks up at the new person* hi.
*gets up and starts walking back*
Are you asking me, Zanida?
*makes note of the piano in the distance*
Zanida: I am, yes.
Zafira: Good god, Alastair came. I hope John can...
...
*Lays her head down on the keys*
..
*steps inside and sits down somewhere*
*appears near Lady Lazarus* Hello. ((Speaking as Loki unless I specify-Zaf))
Cerulean: *smiles* Hi-
*and then Silente walks away*
Um.
((bbl, hopefully))
((Probably not.))
Then my answer is yes. It would be very, as you said, crazy of you.
*walks away and out of the ballroom, headed for Valencia*
*leans against the wall as her eyelids feel heavy then shakes her head*
*sits up straight and watches the room*
After hours of being here, now you choose to acknowledge me?
*bursts in*
I'M BACK!!!!!!!!!!
Did anything happen while I was gone!?
Nothing much. Zaf killed me but thats fine cause I'm alive again.
((Aww :( please, Alastair? Even for a little bit. I saw him last in January....-Zaf))
Zanida: As you wish...*sighs* Did I insult him?
Thor: Possibly. You did ask politely.
I usually do not seek many people out, but I was more concerned with the killings. How are you?
...
*Turns her back to him, and continues to play, tuning everything out instead*
I told you guys something bad would happen. It always does.
*gets up and stretches, yawning, bones cracking slightly*
*smiles and reinjects herself with serum for safety*
*shrugs* Your piano skills are lovely. If you would like to come inside to dance, you may. *backs out of the room, going back to his sister and Thor*
-_-
*Continues to play*
Blame Zaf. I made a toast to her and everything. Maybe it wasn't very good. I don't know. Saltwater in a drink though...yuck
*walks over to the drinks and grabs a peach Izze*
(For those that don't know, it's a soda with surprisingly, no added sugar or fake sugar. Even though there is no added sweeteners they are amazing.)
*sips it wandering around*
*wonders when/if Egg will be here*
Zafira: I didn't mean to! Okay? I shouldn't have done it...I'm lucky Alastair hasn't tried to kill me. God he'd just...*goes pale, reliving a lot of the torture sessions she's had with Niccolò*
*passes Loki on his way, and enters the piano room, standing quietly inside the door*
*before I did my last comment...*
Oh. Well still, something happened.
I'm gonna get a drink. Want one?
*Transposes into a different key; a different song*
((I know who you are, Lady Lazarus, but I'm glad you came :) -Zaf
*smiles at Zaf*
Sure you didn't. Cause people accidentally slip saltwater into vampires drinks all the time. And I doubt Alastair cares.
*shrugs*
*shoots Zaf a look*
*turns, seeing Alastair* You can dance with her in the ballroom, three guesses says you like her. Enjoy yourself, I plan to be civil for the time...*smirks, making it appear he goes inside, but really is watching Alastair*
(Does anyone know if Derek Landy's coming?)
Ravel: *takes her hand* Zaf, focus, happy thoughts.
Zafira: Happy....yes....
*wanders around*
*doesn't know what to do*
((Derek tweeted a few hours ago that he can't comment but he's been reading the comments...not sure it he finished in the Spoiler Zone and came to see if we managed to kill each other yet, but hey! I invited him.-Zaf
*wonders if she should return the favour and slip something into Zaf's drink*
*to obvious*
Happy. Happy, happy, happy. Why wouldn't she be happy?
(Ok. Too bad he won't/can't comment.
Thanks for letting me/us know!)
*sighs and sits down on a window sill*
*stares at the rainbow bridge*
Ravel: Enough, Silente. Remember her and I are linked together through our minds. Leave her be, she's having a relapse of memories. Bad ones.
Zafira: *blinks, coming back to reality* I need a drink.
Ravel: You need to relax, you're working too hard and now you don't know how to relax.
Zafira: I'm fine.
((He may still comment when he's back in Ireland, I mean he has an event on Sunday. I did say the Ball was all weekend basically so.,.-Zaf
*is tempted to set off a stink bomb or something so it becomes exciting*
*decides people would probably kill her*
.
Oh boo hoo. So what? Bad memories are a part of living.
*simply stands inside the door, listening*
(Yeah, it makes sense he's busy. He just released the last book! But it would be Awesome if he could make it. But I know he's probably really busy.)
*Stops playing, and then brings the lid down* *Lays her head on her arms*
Something wrong, Lady Lazarus?
Zafira: *grins, sending shadows flying at Silente* Where were you when Mevolent came back? Were you tortured by Niccolò, did you ever have your organs reasranged without being sedated? Did you ever watch your daughter become a doll? Did you ever see your own child taken hostage by Alastair, were you ever inside Alastair's mind c trapped like any other name? Did you ever have your fellow Elder give you to Mevolent? Did you ever lead your country to war because you had to protect the world? DID YOU?! DID YOU EVER HAVE YOUR LOVE OF YOUR LIFE END UP DEAD BECAUSE OF YOUR ACTIONS?!
I live with this each and every day, Silente. Don't you tell me 'boo hoo' because I will make sure I make your head into a LAMP.
(I have to go. Be back later!!)
*dodges the shadows easily and meets Zaf's eyes*
Boo frickin hoo.
*She leans against the wall, sipping from a glass of mineral water and scanning the crowd*
*So this is what a mixed assembly of mages, sorcerers, Asgardians and general weirdoes looks like*
*Huh*
Zafira: Dig a hole and die, vampire. Go play with the fish.
Thor: Hello, Rosalind.
Why should I.
*Blinks, sitting up* No..
Hello.
*she nods politely*
Thor: Hello, Amy.
Manuel: hello Amy.
Hello Rosalind! I don't think we've met before. Nice to meet you!
Hello Thor! Hello Manuel!
I don't often agree with Loki, but you do play very well.
Zanida: I do not believe I met you, Rosalind. Zanida Laufeydottir, Queen of Asgard.
Thor: Thor Odinson, King of Asgard, Protector of the Nine Realms.
*grins, mostly stunned by Alastair actually agreeing with him, and then shows himself* You do, I believe that may have been what drew me over here.
You know Zaf, the bar must've slipped pretty low for you to reach the position you're in.
Thank you, I appreciate it... *Shrugs off the compliment, as per usual*
Hello Alastair!
Hello Lady Lazarus! I don't think I've met you before! Nice to meet you!
Rosalind Amelie Laurel Shawn Huntingdon Hawthorne-Smith Turner.
Or just Rozzy. That's less of a mouthful.
Pleased to meet you as well.
Zafira: Oh yes, I'm sure the fact that I was on the Council and Bisahalani's dying request was for me to assume his position, I'm sure that all stooped sooo low. You're nothing more- *stops self*
Ravel: Silente and Zafira, enough. Zafira, you're Grand Mage, calm down. Silente, just stop egging her on to kill you again.
Zanida: It is a pleasure to meet you.
Ricci: Hi, Rozzy! I'm Ricci Thordottir! *stands between her parents*
*smiles at Ravel*
Why of course. Just one last thing.
*looks at Zaf*
I'm nothing more what Zaf? Please, finish.
Zafira: Then a child, pretending she is something more. *pulls out a dagger* I can kill you now or wait until the ball is over, you're simply another little vampire, I never liked your kind anyway. T
I take it you didn't care for the quarrelsome company outside.
(What happened between Zaf and Silente?)
No, it was rather... Ruining the day. I don't quite understand why one isn't allowed to just enjoy themselves.. Because this day won't be back for another year, you know?
*Shrugs again*
*laughs*
Oh wow. That's the best you can do? I was expecting words that would rip me apart emotionally not 'i don't like you' sure Zaf. Scary. I'm so hurt.
Hello there, Ricci Thordottir.
*She takes note of the conflict between Zafira and Silente, but makes no move to get involved. She doesn't know these people.*
I care not either, Lady Lazarus. They'll eventually stop.
Zafira: Silente, lets leave it be until after the ball, okay? The Ball only happens once a year. I dare not find out what the Golden God can write up for the two of us to suffer from....*shrugs and goes to have a piece of cake*
*strolls around Blogland, humming to myself*
Zanida: That is Ricci...*smiles* Join in, have a drink, dance...whatever, and welcome to Asgard.
*rolls her eyes*
(Holy monkeys! Er I should be asleep. Night!)
(Good night, Silente!)
((Sil I emailed you the end of Zaf's speech.-Zaf
((Good night, Sil!!-Zaf
((Hello, Amethyst.))
*shrugs dismissively* Humans are violent creatures by nature. Vampires as well. They don't seem to care all that much about enjoying their experience tonight.
Thank you for you most kind welcome.
*She nods once more, then disappears into the crowd*
Well, I know not what you consider us to be, Alastair, but I noticed the Bloglandians are a violent lot. *pauses* Zanida said the two stopped arguing.
(I don't think I can make it to the Requiem Ball tomorrow night...how long will it last?)
*Makes a small sound, then looks down at her hands* well, I should probably go, anyway.
((All weekend.-Zaf))
As you wish, Lady Lazarus. Your piano skills are lovely as ever, do come by again.
((Really? All weekend? Then I might be able to attend! Yay! :D))
((I have to go now! Good bye!))
Hello! I'm back again!!
How's the ball been?
Oh, goodbye Amy!!
It's been quite lovely so far.
Zanida: I hope everyone is enjoying it.
My farther is cleaning my room so I've retreated to the car outside to be alone xc
@Snow XD
*notices someone she hasn't seen before*
*walks over to Rosalind*
Hi! I'm Dugglyn! I don't think we've met yet, nice to nice you!
(Soy sauce for poofing, ice cream happened!)
(We may watch a movie...
Wbd and Msd.)
((I think I need to go to bed...I just...traumatising day.-Zaf
(Night Zaffy!)
Rosalind Amelie Laurel Shawn Huntingdon Hawthorne-Smith Turner. Lovely to meet you.
Dugglyn Carzainia the wild banshee ninja, commander of all zombie caterpillars, giver of lollipops, and Be The Glue's number one fan!!
Would you like a lollipop?
*holds out a face flavored lollipop. If she doesn't want face it will change*
Oh, I have to go. Bye!
Goodbye, then.
*Examines lollipop, then carefully puts it in a zip-lock baggie*
(someone please make me better...)
((NOOOO NOOOOO NOOOOO NOOOO....-Zaf
(Please. I don't Want to wake up after only 2 hours shaking and crying a retching...)
(i don't know. I'm ill. I've exhausted from lack of sleep. I can't see straight. It's school on Monday and each night I wake up coughing and shaking and retching.)
(dad knows I'm not well. Mum and Adam don't. I have been staying up late cause my bodies given up telling me I'm tired until the sun comes up. Just like its quit telling me I need food or liquid.)
(Bye El..)
Hey Sil, even if you don't want water, get a glass and take small sips. Eat broth or soup, something small and not rich. Just lie in your bed with the lights off. Try these. They may help.
Soy sauce but I'm supposed to he asleep and I'm in a room where my dad can see my light. Be back tomorrow!
(Dammit there was fighting after I left.)
(Not so much. Sophia is currently attempting to get herself drunk and Leri (at the time I left) was dancing with Ashlea... :P)
(She really hates the dress. :
http://www.promdressshop.com/ProductViewer.aspx?a=22183&b=
I don't think my characters have met Orpheus.)
(No. A combination of Leri and I picked it.
If I had asked Sophia to pick a dress, she'd have still come in armour. Therefore I made a deal with her to wear a dress, in return for some things like having it armour plated, carrying pistols, being able to come next time in a heavy mech...)
Sophia: *tries to find something stronger than whisky*
Sophia: *can't find anything* This is bullshit. In my time, we had drinks you had to set on fire before drinking them. We had some containing a mild poison. There were some which could knock a human out cold at one glass. What am I stuck with? Bloody whisky.
Sophia: Problem, Elleni?
Sophia: What the hell are you talking about?
Sophia: You think I'll kill everyone?
Sophia: Fine. All I want to do is forget I ever wore this dress.
(Bye Elleni!)
Sophia: I swear to god, if anyone says anything about this bloody dress I'll throw them through a wall.
*drinks whisky*
(I have to go now. Bye!)
(Seems I'm back.)
(Random piece of useless information: The word Typewriter can be spelt only using words on the top row of a Qwerty keyboard.)
This dress
is symbolic of me.
It's symbolic of me and my laziness. XD
(Yes, it's the same picture I used last year.
At least I managed to clean the paint off it. XD XD)
Hi Dragona. :)
PLEASE TELL ME WHY CAN DO PAINTBALLING AGAIN THIS YEAR
or maybe not. Each Ball should be unique and all that . . .
(Lol, Star. :P)
(Hey Star. :)
Yeah, I think every ball should be unique. :P)
@Dragona: Yup. XD
*sits at the side and kicks feet - it makes a squishing sound*
*looks around*
*there's no one here*
*good, she doesn't look antisocial*
*carries on kicking feet*
So what I normally do at this Ball is just fail a lot. XD So what I'm doing at this moment is talking normally and pretending I'm doing it in a ballroom. Well, I am in a ballroom. Lookie.
*points to rainbow bridge*
Yaaaaaay I think I'm finally getting the hang of this . . .
I agree.
Sophia: *drinks her whisky*
Hellooo.....?
(It's like going on holiday and just doing the same thing every year.
It'll get boring after a while.
So you need to go to different places and do different things. :P)
Hello?
(Hey Edward!)
Hey, is the ball still going on?
(I believe so, yes.)
Right *drinks bottle of wine*
Apparently. Though no one's here. XD 52 hours, a day around the world. Thats how long the ball goes for.
Ok
52 hours? Derek said it was 49 . . .
Hey, Snow.
*carries on sitting at the side and kicking her feet*
Hey, Ed.
Hey, Sophia.
Hey star
Derek was here?
Sophia: Hello, Star.
(Just got back from the drive... My God, today was great.)
Hello death
(May have got the times wrong *shrugs*)
Starrrrrrrrrrrr. *huggles*
(I want to point out, Snow will be in the corner writing for most of the ball)
*pats seat next to her* Sit at the side, Snow, you can look out the windows while you write. :)
(Yay, Death. :))
No, not yet, Ed.
Ok snow
So did he say he was coming?
*sits next to Star* so, how are you, bubble?
(Hey)
*sat on the rainbow bridge*
James and Erica: *both sat in a different room to the others*
Ashlea: *squeezes Leri's hand and whispers* i need food..
Orpheus and Manuel: *discussing stuff*
I don't know, Ed.
I am socially out of touch. :P
I'm good, thank you, Snow.
You?
*several dinosaurs appear* some entertainment
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