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 3001 – 3200 of 4719 Newer› Newest»Zafira: Alright, give me the wine...
Heimdall: Go up by Frigga and the twins, you know she has control over Loki.
Me? No, of course I'm not. Well maybe, probably. I don't know.
... It matters to me..
(Brb got to walk my dog)
*hands Zaf the second glass*
*sips her own*
I should probably apologise to you. I haven't exactly been the best friend.
*She nodded and turned, her face still in her hands as she walked forward. She pulled her hands away from her tear-streaked face as she entered the castle. She hoped that Loki wasn't nearby. He would be able to hear her sobs.
She knocked on Frigga's chamber door and waited, trying to get her tears under control*
Leri just leave it. The moments gone. The words are lost. Go back to Ash and enjoy he ball.
*the world reverses back in time and brings me to the present next to Ed*
Wow.
Almost everyone, if not everyone is drunk.
Good thing I can't have alcohol because, that's bad.
(not forgetting the fact that it's haraam)
How can you not know?
*feels a headache coming*
You are very confusing. Maybe I'm confusing, maybe you've said nothing this whole time and in fact I'm drunk.
*peers at the orange juice*
Do I seem drunk to you?
*frowns*
I haven't been drinking, how can I be drunk. You've confused me now Ed.
(*Casually tosses ded rights into the air*)
*catches ded rights*
I dedicate this page to Marina Senorans Garcia, because if I dont, then i will lose part of me.
... The words might lost... But I still want to know...
Frigga: *opens the door, not surprised* Come in. You're trying to hide your state from Loki.
Zafira: *takes a sip* Nor was I, granted I did a Ravel and killed my best friend....I didn't stab you in the back with a knife though.
Just drop it Leri. Maybe I'll tell you some other time. Maybe I won't. Go back to her.
... Please, Silente?
*moves away from the table*
*puts the juice down and picks up a glass of water*
*makes her way to the balcony to find her shoes*
*picks them up and puts them on*
*check the time*
*sees everyone deep in conversation. mingling and drinking*
*casually makes her way to the door before quietly slipping out*
*she shifts and flies to a tree near by*
(GOODNIGHT GUYS. enjoy the ball. Also, don't get so drunk you don't remember any of this. Safe drinking.)
No. No knife at least.
*sips again, swilling the liquid around slightly in its glass*
You had reason though.
*She didn't reply. She only threw her arms around Frogga and started to sob into her shoulder*
No Leri. Drop it.
(Goodnight, Rave!)
Back
*Frigga
... I thought maybe you'd have changed... Okay...
*goes back to Ashlea, hugging her tightly*
Ahh man, the ball became a rp.
people are talking about ravelling and serums and putting stuff in drinks and man....
Ashlea: *hugs Leri back* no use?
Zafira: True that. *takes another sip of wine, the effects startinf to kick in, Zaf may have been born in Irish, but she never could hold her liquor for that long*
Frigga: *hugs Rose tightly* What happened that made you so upset? *The twins are wide awake, both too busy whacking each other with stuffed animals to notice their mother is hysterical*
Hello egg
even though i started one whole plot with ed, i dont think the ball is a rping time.
hey dude. i hear everyone is drunk apart from me.
nice mutated monkeysharkbutler though
Your right egg . Drink? *offers glass*
No, i dont drink.
It's haraam you see.
*smiles at Zaf's reply*
So yeah. Sorry for whatever the hell I did to piss you off so much. I'd say it won't happen again but I don't make promises I might not keep.
Thank you egg, it is a good butler.
*points at myself*
Muslim.:3
Stupid drinks... I get happy... Then really depressed... And I... I told Raven a-about my history...
*She held onto Frigga tightly, her body shaking with sobs*
Oh, I'm sorry.
Nah, its okay.
... She wouldn't tell me...
So, how long have you used time magic?
Ashlea: that's okay...she might tell you at some point...
Frigga: Ah. That can usually do you in. Your history is who you are, and sometimes it tends to be a horrible past, but what matters is who you are today.
Zafira: Yup! I figured, least you know I would kill you...*laughs*
... Hopefully...
... Hopefully...
Yeah. Least I know that. I know to look out for that now.
*smiles at her laughter*
And, just so you know, if you DO try kill me again I won't be as cool about it.
Ashlea: *hugs* anyway...dance?
I... I don't want to be who I was in the past... Or who I am now... I know Loki loves me like this, but I'm pathetic!! I want to be someone better... Better for him... Better for the twins... Better for everyone...
(If I vanish, I've fallen asleep...)
Well ed, the three time sorcerers get the discipline at the same time and i got mine just before the surge.
You see, i practiced a lot of stuff before the surge and i liked them all so... time sorcerer. The crystal gathering, however took half a year.
(Msd.)
*hugs back* ... Sure.
since you were in a different dimension however, the time was like, yknow different due to space and time. Technically it was the same but meh.
Oh, I wonder who the third time sorcerer is. The crystal will be very useful thank you.
Ashlea: *takes her hand and takes her onto the dance floor* *starts dancing with her*
Well in my dimension one hunted down the other two. Hes still out there you know.
Think nothing of it. Just please, know this. If you do get your true name and nye figures out how to unlock them, i will have to kill myself. That means you and the third dies with me.
(ed, there are three in the entire multiverse, throughout every dimension. anywhere he could be. so i presume the hunter is you
Well, the truth is even I don't know where Nye actually is. We only speak through hologram.
((I understand completely-Zaf
Frigga: For him, you are perfect. If Loki is happy, then that is a good sign. You're what he wants, and believe me, he is hard to please.
Zafira: I know. Thanks for the wine! *giggles* I swear I feel like my parents lied when I was little, Ravel is fine with wine but I'm not...
(so do you wanna change that plot)
(or you could say those three time shifters were the last three and they all died)
(I shall, ignore that plot then)
*raises an eyebrow*
Whoops. Didn't know you couldn't handle your drink. Maybe I should get Ravel...
(Yeah, that works. They were the last three)
So.. do you like anyone you've seen here so far?
(Thanks Zaf!)
*She pulled away slightly so she could look at Frigga's face, searching for any hint of a lie*
But I always manage to screw it up... No matter what... It's always me getting myself hurt or killed or something... He'd be happier with someone else...
What about Sif? Why doesn't he and Sif have a trial?
Zafira: I'm fine! Believe me, Ravel will already assume I'm tipsy...He'll eventually find me.
*dances with Ashlea*
Sophia: *sighs, drinking whisky*
*dances with Ashlea*
Sophia: *sighs, drinking whisky*
Okay. Eventually huh? Hmmm..
*smiles*
Nothing, nothing.
*mutters that people from somewhere outside of earth cannot take hints*
Ashlea: *smiles and rests her head on Leri's shoulder*
Manuel: *walks over to Sophia* hello.
Frigga: Sif would end up killing him, plus Sif is a lot happier as a warrior. Rose, perhaps you need someone exactly like Loki. You and him have a dark past, and you both are crazy. I know my son is insane, I know what he did, but Loki will always be my son. You should be happy he likes you, he had children with you. (Granted he had a six legged horse...) You're very fortunate.
I accidentally put a crocodile in the toilets.
*holds Ashlea close*
Sophia: Hello Manuel.
*holds Ashlea close*
Sophia: Hello Manuel.
Oh..
wow you're that drunk?
Manuel: how are you Sophia? How is your plan going?
Ashlea: *wraps her arms around Leri's waist*
Zafira: Hehe...*plays with a shadow absently* Shadow!
And I won't mention the zebra on the ceiling
*is trying to work out if she's faking it or not*
*she has a plan, but it wont work if Zaf isn't drunk*
Yep. Shadow.
Sophia: Pretty well, thanks. How are you?
*puts her helmet on Ashlea's shoulder*
Manuel: I'm fine. How are you?
Ashlea: *smiles* love you...
Ok, you need help.
*places a finger on his forehead and it glows green*
There. You're not drunk anymore.
*suddenly feels much better* thank you.
You have no idea how that power comes in handy.
Sophia: I'm fine. Intoxicated, but fine.
... I love you, too... *puts her hands on Ashlea's hips*
Zafira: *finishes the drink, definetly drunk* ((Sil this is like her fifth, Zaf's drunk....I think I just signed my death wish...then again when I gave Derek permission to use my name...I needed a will...-Zaf
bye guys! gotta go
Manuel: intoxicated enough to dance?
Ashlea: *smiles* forever and always.
Bye egg
Hey you should probably lay down Zaf...before you fall over that is.
Sophia: ... What the hell. I'm drunk. Sure.
Forever and always...
Back later, bye
Zafira: *finds a pillow and happily lays down, pretty much out of it* Get Ravel for me?
Manuel: *takes Sophias hand and leads her to the dance floor* do you know how to dance?
*takes one of her hands in his, laying his other hand on the small of her back*
Ashlea: *relaxes against her*
Of course...just hold still a minute.
*walks over to Zaf, taking the glass from her*
*dips a hand into her pocket and then lays her hand against Zaf's neck, the ring on her finger slicing into the vein there*
*pulls her hand back quickly and backs up*
Sophia: Of course I know how to dance. I had a life before I became a soldier, you know?
*hugs Ashlea tightly*
Manuel: *starts dancing with her* of course you did. But some people have lives and do not know how to dance.
Ashlea: *hugs Leri back and looks over her shoulder at Sophia* *smiles*
Sophia: I haven't danced in about seven years. *shrugs*
Leri: ... What are you smiling at?
Manuel: that's a long time. But dancing is something most people don't forget.
Ashlea: *whispers* Sophia is dancing with Manuel.
Zafira: *eyes widen, realizing what Silente did* Help....*is frantically trying to heal herself
Sophia: A bit like how to fly a shuttle.
... She is? *looks quickly* ... She somehow looks out of place...
*smiles*
Help? Why? What's wrong?
*she knows what the ring will do*
*it'll drain Zaf of her magic, weaken her, it won't take it all but a sizable amount will be bound*
Problem?
Manuel: Indeed. How is your ship? I heard about when Blake shot it down a bit back. I presume it is fully restored?
Ashlea: that might be cause she's in a dress and dancing as opposed to in armour and shooting.
Zafira: WHAT THE HELL DID YOU DO TO ME?! *calms down after a few moments, the symbols on her body from so long ago kicking in, the ones to keep her magic from ever being bound* Next time you try and bind my magic, think of who my father is. *sits up*
*frowns*
Hmm. That should've worked. Those are interesting sigils. I may have to think up my own. Hmmm..
*moves closer to Zaf, looking interested*
Sophia: The SSV Naseby is fine. Blake only caused minimal damage. I've recently upgraded the armour from ablative to Silaris, and the kinetic barriers from the standard variant to cyclonic barrier technology.
... Maybe... *hugs Ashlea*
Zafira: *summons a fistfull of shadows, slamming them into Silente* I have many friends in high places, vampire.
Manuel: so now its closer to indestructible? Good.
Ashlea: *hugs her back*
*stumbles backwards*
Ow. And I already know that Zaf.
Sophia: Nearly. *shrugs* Do you have a vehicle?
... I love you, Ashlea...
Zafira: *grabs more shadows, whipping them at Silente* You attacked an Elder, this is my last straw....I'm placing you under arrest for assault on an Elder, and your sentence will be death.
((Well done, Silente, you managed to be the first known person Zaf sentenced to death as Grand Mage!-Zaf
Ashlea: I love you too..
Manuel: No. Although if I did i would presumably have a motorbike. Or a helicopter.
(yey!)
*jumps back from the shadows*
I highly doubt that's going to be happening Zaf
Sophia: So how do you travel around?
*holds Ashlea close, leaning against her*
*hears commotion and a shout from upstairs*
That sounded like silente.
*panics*
What do i do, what do i do....
*starts searching the rooms*
Manuel: I walk a lot. I can use a portal to get to blogland.
Ashlea: *smiles* *wraps her arms tightly around Leri*
Sophia: Sounds interesting. *continues to dance* *nearly trips over her dress, causing her to stumble a little*
*snuggles against Ashlea*
*hears the sound get louder and he runs to room in that direction*
Manuel: *catches her, balancing her back on her feet* careful.
Ashlea: you're awesome.
*barges through the door and sees the grand mage injured and attacking the vampire*
What the-
Sophia: Thank you. I have had a lot to drink. Probably too much.
... You're amazing...
Zafira: *lunges at Silente, shadows lashing everywhere*
Manuel: yes. You have. It's quite alright.
Ashlea: I try
Sophia: I still hate this dress, though... Well, half a dress. All the alcohol in the world wouldn't get me to like it.
... You succeed... *holds her close*
*steps back and covers her head with her arms to protect it*
Get off me!
*starts backing up towards the door*
Zafira: No. *grabs one of her salt water vials, and grabs's the vampire, attempting to force salt water into her system*
Manuel: the colour suits you. Although you're right about it being half a dress.
Ashlea: *smiles at Leri* thank you...
*clamps her lips shut and punches Zaf in the face*
*walks inbetween them*
WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE?
Zafira: *staggers back, shadow-walking back to the Ball*
Ravel: Zafira....*takes her hand* Sit down, and try to not move.
Zafira: Very well. *sits down*
Ravel: I really wonder with you, I really do.
Zanida: Crazy golden eyed one, want to dance?
Ravel: You...alright. *gets up and slow dances with Zanida, mesmerized by the pretty Asgardian*
*looks at Egg*
Zaf is trying to kill me! She's nutts!
Sophia: *scowls at him*
... You're welcome... *keeps her hands on her hips*
by the look of the bloody ring in your hand and the wound on her neck I dont think so.
Silente, what is going on with you?
*the wound that was on her neck, past tense*
Manuel: forgive me if I have offended you...
Ashlea: *lays her head on Leri's shoulder*
Me?!?! She's the one who put saltwater in my drink!!! The one who attacked me!!!
Ok, fine i dont care who started it but you need to take this somewhere that's NOT the requiem ball.
Sophia: I'm not drunk enough to accept compliments. At all.
*continues to dance with Ashlea*
Tell her that.
*walks out to the main ball room and leans against a wall, watching the dancing*
Manuel: you have to be drunk to accept compliments? Forgive me then. I didn't mean to compliment you.
Ashlea: *dips Leri down before bringing her back up*
*follows her out*
Silente, whats going on with you?
Does this have anything to do with James, or Erica?
Nothing is going on with me. Why does everyone think something is.
*glares at Egg*
Sophia: I have to be drunk before I don't scowl at you for complimenting me. I won't accept them no matter how intoxicated I am.
*nearly trips over her dress again*
*smiles, twirling Ashlea*
Actually yeah! You are right. I wonder why everybody thinks somethings wrong with you - nothing to do with the fact that you're killing your friends though, no.
Manuel: *keeps her balanced again* why ever not?
Ashlea: *grins as she's twirled*
Killing them? Please. None of them are dead yet. Hurt, yes. Dead, no.
Orpheus: *sits next to Zafira* hello. It's a pleasure to meet you Grand Mage.
Silente.. please..
I want you back the way you were and so does everybody else.
Sophia: *shrugs* Because I don't want them. I have no use for them.
*holds Ashlea close again*
Leri certainly doesn't. Not with what it would cost her.
Zafira: Hello. Would I know you?
Manuel: I see. Very well. No compliments for you.
*spins Sophia quickly before bringing her back to him*
Ashlea: *leans against Leri*
Orpheus: I highly doubt it. I'm Orpheus. It's nice to meet someone in a position such as yours.
Sophia: Good.
... I really love you, Ashlea...
And here we are again..
Manuel: *nods and dances with Sophia* you enjoy your job then?
Ashlea: love you too Ler..more than anything and everything.
James: hello Lazarus.
Why silente? What does Leri have in all this?
Fixing me would change the one she is dancing with. And that would break her heart.
Sophia: It is a good job, yes. What do you do for a living?
... More than anything and everything, too.
Who, this ashlea? Why....is this...?
Manuel: *the corner of his lips twitch up in a slight smile* I help people as best I can. Grieving people...insane people..I help them.
Sophia: So you're a psychiatrist.
Ashlea: you're great.
Because of the link fool. My you lot ARE stupider than I thought.
Manuel: in a way. I suppose you could call me a psychiatrist.
Link, link.. is this to do with.. the clone?
Ashlea IS the clone idiot.
wha.. She's you?
Zafira: Thank you. I hardly meet people who ate glad to meet me, well I do, but you know...I see the crimminals.
Thor: Welcome back Lady Lazarus.
*snuggles closer against Ashlea*
Sophia: I presume you're a magical psychiatrist?
She's a COPY of me yes.
Orpheus: *nods* Criminals..not the best bunch to see on a regular basis.
Manuel: yes. Although I help mortals too.
Ashlea: *smiles and hugs Leri to her*
Sophia: I think I prefer my job. I'm hardly patient when it comes to people.
*cuddles Ashlea*
Manuel: Well that is presumably why you do your job as opposed to mine.
Ashlea: *leans her head on Leri's shoulder, still hugging her close*
Zafira: No, but who else gets to decide their fate? You're American, yes?
Sophia: Spectres are not trained. They're chosen. *shrugs*
*leans her helmet against Ashlea's shoulder*
Orpheus: The accent still remains then? Yes I started out in America. Been around a bit since then
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOztnsBPrAA
Rather terrifying...
*Sits down in a chair facing the corner*
Manuel: chosen? I presume that means you had to prove yourself worthy?
Ashlea: *smiles*
Zafira: Excellent! Someone from my own country! *laughs*
Thor: *goes by Lady Lazarus* Hello.
(for some reason i find the ashlea clone thing hilarious. thats such a good plot twist it made me laugh- imagine it in a sci fi film or something. HAHAHHAH)
Oh my god.
Sophia: Yes. But few are chosen. "Individuals forged in the fire of service and battle —those whose actions elevate them above the rank and file" or something like that.
*continues to dance with Ashlea*
Orpheus: you don't meet many Americans then? Wonder where they're all hiding. You said about punishing criminals? That must take up a lot of time. The paperwork I mean
Manuel: it must be an honour then.
Ashlea: you're good at dancing...
What? You didn't notice? The only difference is her hair.
Zafira: It does....This is a rare treat, being out and about, but someone has the represent America. I meet Americans, but I always meet the ones in a gaol, this time I'm meeting a normal mage. Finally.
Thor: Would you like to join in, with dancing or whatever you would like?
No, my soul burnt up a few days ago, and my vision has been VERY blurry up until i saw you with zafira.
Orpheus: normal? Are any of us normal really? But I'm not a criminal so I suppose that's normal. Had any interesting cases recently? Or are you jot allowed to divulge information?
Yeah, I think so, but everyone's a bit preoccupied for a moment, so.. *Lifts up her phone* I'll just play Temple Run.
Sophia: *shrugs* It was an opportunity.
... You too...
Sounds painful. Bet you had a lovely first clear image.
Zafira: I can't say too much, but I've had an interesting one...tried to get into the Sanctuary to kill me...I nearly died from laughter. He tried to act as a Cleaver...until he tried to move and well....you know how fast Cleavers are...
*laughs*
It wasn't painful no, i just used my sense of direction to see properly.
*move around not see*
Manuel: you sound as though you care little for it.
Ashlea: thanks.
Thor: Ah. An iPhone...? I could dance with you, if you would like.
Orpheus: yes they are very quick. He sounds like a buffoon.
Well done.
You don't seem like the dancing type..
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