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 3601 – 3800 of 4719 Newer› Newest»Trial? *frowns* but it happened a long time ago... You have changed...
Yes, Sophia. :) You're nicer when you're drunk.
*looks hard at her brain, or her head, which is incasing her brain, in the hope that looking at her brain will make her brain obey me*
*. . .
it made sense before I typed it out . . .*
Try to remember that when you wake up tomorrow. :)
Hey Sophia! I love that dress! I understand you hate it but really, it looks great on you!
Not even I would do THAT.
And it was just one dance?
Ashlea: you are...how can you say you're not?
Orpheus: yes. I am.
The world is in ruins and thousands are dead, you think they would just forget? My trial would lead to my torture.
@Dugglyn: I'm not cool. I'm a bubble. We're AWESOME. It's a different word. :)
. . . with the same meaning, but . . .
*frowns*
*is confused*
*I confused myself*
Um, anyway. Thanks?
*still confused and I don't even know what I'm confused about help*
He was drunk at that point. And it was one...or two...I'm not entirely sure. I had a lot of wine. Then Zaf killed me. But clearly that didn't last.
Sophia: *laughs* I don't know whether to be insulted or not, Star. When I wake up tomorrow, I think I'll be more bothered about the hangover... I've drunk a hell of a lot of whisky.
... I suppose I'm getting used to it, Dugglyn. I'd prefer wearing my armour by a lot, but I don't hate the dress now... Mildly dislike would be probably more appropriate. I just wish it had a back...
... Because I'm not, Ashlea... I'm not... I haven't done anything to be amazing...
Right.
Ok then.
I actually have to leave now...
(I got to go)
Soy sauce! That's what I meant. I meant you calling me cool means a lot coming from you because you're so awesome! And bubbly! Which is almost the same thing cause bubbles are awesome!
Hi dugglyn!
(Runs to her in joy)
(Msd because of charge on ipad)
(Hello egg)
But...*ears droop and tail goes still* you can't ... You feel bad... No... *tear falls down cheek* you're my friend and I just can't sit back and let that happen...
Oh I'm glad!
But not having a back...
That'd be annoying.
I'm wearing my leggings and boots under this big thing. I also have my swords.
I'm always prepared!
Oh..
Well...bye then..
*pulls a smile onto her face*
Ashlea: yes you are. And yes you have.
Orpheus: are you any good at dancing miss Jazz?
(Hey Egg)
@Sophia: Don't be insulted - I didn't mean to insult you. :)
And, yes . . . ouch. :/
@Dugglyn: BUBBLES /ARE/ AWESOME!
THANK YOU!
*Brightens and jumps up*
Egg! Finally!
*hugs him*
I'm so glad you're here!
(Aww, don't Poof!)
*is never prepared*
*maybe she should be*
@Sophia: Next time, maybe you should wear one with a back. Then you might like it. :)
At times I think about handing myself in, I should pay.
... I don't know what then, Ashlea...
Sophia: You think like me, Dugglyn. Underneath the dress I have combat boots and two pistols. And *taps on her stomach* the dress has armour plating.
Orpheus: In which case I dare you to prove yourself.
Ashlea: *hugs Leri tightly*
Don't .. Please ... At least not tonight... It's the ball and I want it to be a happy place
The past is history... And you really feel bad about it... *sobs*
*nods approvingly*
Yeah, me leggings are armored and so is the top of this dress. It's designed so if I need to I can take off the skirt.
I won't.
*hugs her*
No that's a lie I will.
Sophia: That's fine then, Star. As for the back of the dress... I'm sure I wouldn't enjoy wearing a dress with a back, but I might be a little more tempted to be neutral.
*hugs Ashlea tightly, back*
Sophia: This is just a dress... an armoured dress, but still a dress. Well, half a dress.
So now what Egg?
I suppose, I did burn a planet but *jumps off tower dissapearing into door suspended in the air leading back to ball* come along.
*nods at Sophia :)*
(I am terribly sorry if I do poof)
Dance.
*grins*
(It's fine. Don't you have a charger?)
*follows him*
*gets back to the ball*
(I do but they barely ever work)
Sophia: *turns around so Star and Dugglyn can see the back - well, the lack of the back - of her dress*
Look at it. It's just a big hole. Practically inviting someone to stab me.
Oh god...
*laughs*
We can try!
*grabs Egg's hand and walks out on the dance floor*
*looks around uncertain*
Um, now what do we do?
(Get a new one, Egg. :) )
Orpheus: dance.
*sits in a corner and watches everyone being happy*
Ashlea: are you tired?
@Sophia: *blinks*
Can't you quickly dash out, get a backed dress and come back?
(Yes it is)
*finds drink*
*before she left....*
Yeah, there really isn't a back.
Well hopefully there will be not more fighting.
Oh, I'm gonna dance with Egg, see ya guys later!
*waves to Sophia and Star*
*follows him and grabs a cider*
Cheers *takes a sip*
(Time and space and whatever beyond, life challenges it's laws and to break them is for sure)
... I am tired, yes...
Sophia: *waves back at Dugglyn*
Star, I'm not the dress kind of person... Other than this, I have several sets of armour and a few military uniforms.
*takes out her hip flask and takes a swig of the double strength vodka*
*puts it away and curls up*
*grins*
Really? We didn't even dance!
We should try! We'll just copy everyone else!
*she watches the other people dancing*
Um I think you put one hand on my head and I'll put one hand on yours and then we hold hands and walk around to the music*
*looks at him*
Let's try it!
(7% charge left! something has to happen or this egg will dissapears)
Sure!
*tries it*
I think I'm getting the hang of it.. Yeah I'm doing it right!
Ashlea: you can go to sleep if you want..I can try find a bed around here? Or a couch?
(No Egg! Try changing it! Or another device?)
... Your knee is comfy...
Orpheus: *laughs*
Doesn't mean I can appreciate them.
*puts her hand on Egg's head*
*grabs his other hand and shuffles around*
I think we got it!
(Can't- this is the only device with me right now.
This wouldn't be happening if It wasn't for different time zones. Curses!)
Cheers, should i turn myself in one day, I work towards redemption but it's never enough.
Ashlea: you can fall asleep here if you like then...
(*laughs at our dancing skills*)
*suddenly spins around in a circle *
WheEeeeeee!
... Is it okay with you?
(Awww, is there another day of the ball?)
I don't want you to go.. But that's me being selfish
I am just tired of people leaving
And I know it's not much , but I forgive you *continues to drink*
*gets up and walks to the drinks table, getting herself a glass of wine and nodding at Ed*
*for once she's glad she can't cry, that way no one notices her*
*takes the wine back to her corner and curls up, sipping it*
It's enough, plus torture doesn't sound very fun. *drinks*
*spins around with him, laughing*
I didn't know dancing was so fun!!!
*trips over her dress and falls into him*
Oof!
Ashlea: its fine with me Ler..if you gotta sleep you gotta sleep and I like being close to you.
Hello silente, are you ok?
(I may have to leave soon)
What? No I don't....
(Yes we do, I'm your author fool)
Aww, but I just started to dance with Dugglyn!
(I know that but events will take place to stop that so just deal with it)
Nooooooo!
(
*smiles* I know torture isn't fun... I'm glad
My opinion has some value
*smiles* I know torture isn't fun... I'm glad
My opinion has some value
*falls back, dugglyn on top of her*
Hahahah! That was fun!
You're fun!
*me not her*
... Okay... Thanks... *starts falling asleep*
*looks at Edward plastering a smile on her face*
Yeah of course.
All opinions have value.
(Dug: noooooooooooo! Not yet Egg!)
(Quick say something cute and adorable before I go as a point to end the conversation)
Ashlea: *wraps her arms around Leri and smiles when she starts falling asleep*
Love you Ler...
Silente, I have travelled all of time, I can tell when someone's lying, what's wrong, I can help
Yes, they do *finishes cider * *hiccups*
*to bartender* another cider please
*quietly* ... I love you, too...
*turns to Sil* what's up?
*laughs*
Soy sauce! But you're a good pillow!
*blushes*
Sorry.....
*stands up and hold out her hand*
need a hand?
Thanks, yeah.
* gets up and looks into her eyes, smiles and disappears*
Purple elephants like cheese!!!
*smiles*
I'm not lying. Look, I'm fine. Just a tad...I'm fine.
In love SHINees song Lucifer XD
Just a tad what? Would a kitten help? Or a shark? Maybe not the shark
*wait no I don't dissapears yet*
You're a nice girl Dugglyn Carzania.
*now disappear*
*her smile drops when Egg disappears*
Egg?
Egg! Where'd you go?
Sophia: *goes to get something to eat*
*stares at Sil* a tad what? You can tell me atleast
After you didn't keep your promise when I lost my humanity ... It's the least you can tell me
*before the last comment..*
*smiles*
Again tomorrow or later today?
I'm fine. Just pondering my life. Thinking about loneliness. That sort of stuff.
*shrugs and downs her wine, grabbing another glass and sipping from that one*
Ashlea: *sighs happily*
(*doesn't protest Egglyn*
But it's not really new....)
(As in the idea of it.)
*curls up more on Ashlea's knee*
Why think about loneliness, your surrounded by friends.
Loneliness is not nice... I know that
*takes a sip of cider*
But if something bothers you, you can trust me, Kay?
Werewolves are loyal to the ones they hold dear
Do you want me to turn into my wolf form?
*sighs and walks around, disappointed Egg didn't stay longer*
Am I?
*takes a loooooong drink*
Or is that a lie?
Ashlea: *smiles and hums softly*
Sophia: *grabs a muffin and then moves towards Inky*
I thought you were going to try and stop drinking.
Of course it's not a lie, there's me, inky , dugglyn, star and everyone else
You're one of my closest friends Sil... *voice goes quiet*
Oh yea... *moves away from the cider*
Therapy is the way to go *smiles*
*quietly* Vampires don't have friends..
*sighs and smiles again*
Hello Sophia. I'll leave you to it.
*walks off and slips out the door quietly*
Vampires don't have friends? That's not true
Well you do... *feels tears emerge*
*walks over to Silente*
*sits beside her*
I always considered you as my friend. Unless I was a friend to you...
*walks after her*
*follows* wait up Sil!
Sophia: I have a feeling Silente doesn't like me. Might be the fact I've shot her a lot.
*takes the cider from Inky*
*walks along the edge of the bridge, swaying slightly, not really being that careful about whether she falls and dies or not*
*sighs and hangs her head*
*lifts her head and broadens her shoulders then keeps walking*
*sighs again and stands up*
*catches up* silentes, wait.
*follows* be careful! What's brought this on all of a sudden?
Yes Ed?
*looks back at him, not bothering to fake the smile*
Orpheus: good bye Miss Jazz.
Tell me how I can help, please.
Bye El!!!!!!
Same Sil! I'm trying not to be nosy, but I'm there for my friends when they need someone
*smiles sadly*
You can't. Sorry.
What's so powerful I can't help? You are surrounded by people who can help
Surely we can ! *tears stream down fce*
Damn, I'm so emotional today
I..I just need to walk..that's all..
Let's walk together
*all three appear in a desert* plenty of space for walking
Dugglyn and Silente, you're tied on the tie-breaker...
...
Shall I flip a coin, or can you just peacefully pick different prizes and have it remain a tie?
(If you're too busy, I can bug you about this later)
*Kestrel and Delila walk in again, talking and laughing quietly*
*Kestrel seems distracted, nervous*
Sophia: Hello Kestrel.
Hello kestrel
*blinks at the scenery change*
Sure. Sand.
*starts walking, kicking of her heels and leaving them behind*
*moves a little in her sleep, but remains curled up on Ashlea's knee*
(Hey Kes)
So.. What's bothering you Sil?
(I dedicate this page to skittles, flying squirrels and toast.)
Hey Kes! :)
Hunter approves of the toast part. :)
(Did we actually tie on the tie breaker?? XD whoops!)
*catches up* are you sure we can't help?
((Dammit, Kes wanted the ded))
Hm? Oh, um, hello everyone.
Delila: *waves* How are you all?
Ashlea: *smiles and holds Leri close*
I'm sure.
*keeps walking, sinking into the sand slightly*
I'm good, thanks, Delila. :)
You?
(Hello Delia)
Well, it's just sand for miles in every direction, plenty of time to talk if you want?
*takes off heels*
Wait up!
You realise you and flick will need water right?
*keeps walking, looking straight ahead*
I can last quite a while
Well, we won't leave till you tell us.
(Omg, I can't believe we tied again!
Sil, you can choose first if you want.. I'm ok with it. As long as we remember we tied and you didn't win!!!!)
*wanders over to Kes and Delila*
Hey guys! Welcome back!
Tell you what? There's nothing to tell.
*doesn't look back at either of them*
*wonders if she'll get a tan*
*probably not*
Kestrel: *looking around awkwardly*
*she wants to do it*
*she even has the ring and everything*
*but what if she says no?*
Delila: *smiling at Star* I'm pretty good. I've never been to a ball before-Kes didn't want to come, but, well...*looks around* Where is everyone?
Sure... And pigs can fly ...
(thats fine Dug. You can have first pick. Email me what your answers were now Dug! I wanna know 15!)
(Yes, you did tie again. Do you need me to post the prize list?)
(yes please Fabz..)
*Kestrel looks up at Dugglyn, grateful for the distraction*
Oh, hi! Thanks! Apologies for having to leave earlier, work was a mess.
Name art (digital image)
Character art (also a digital image)
Short story about a character of your choice
Certificate of appreciation (as a PDF or digital image)
Poem about your awesomeness
Blogland-themed puzzle of any of the following types: Word search, logic/deduction problem, crossword, cryptogram, code (easy or difficult), and if you have another kind you want, I can try to make it, but no promises
Key to one of Fabi's codes
Email of cute animal pictures
Python translation of one of your favorite songs
((You can both pick the same one, if it's not the name art or the poem. I do have ten prize ideas and eleven winners.))
Msd.
That's ok!
I know Egg had to leave...
Silente ran off and Inky and Ed followed her. I have no idea where...
(Dug you get first pick.)
Sophia: *eats her muffin*
(I'll try Sil, i need to remember.
Email me what you got also!
Thanks Fabi, I need to think...
Did you ask the people ahead of us?)
(Thanks Sil.)
Delila: Oh, is she okay?!
((Hi Fabi! Who won what?))
(Fabi, could I pick the name art?)
(Fabi are you going to the ball? You should!)
*sits down in sand*
(Yes, I did.)
*kneels as she can't sit down because of the length of dress*
Aren't you going after her? *tilts head*
I don't see why, she won't listen to me.
((Guess the Bloglandian.))
((Taia won first place, but I'm giving prizes to the top eleven. Dugglyn and Silente are tied for fourth and fifth))
((Okay, Name art it is, Dugglyn!))
((Probably not... We'll have to see.))
But it's not as if she has anywhere to go...
*sighs* but... What's the point?
Why should we offer help that won't be appreciated?
((Fabi, oooooohhhh. I thought you were talking about BA))
(Who is actually still in the ball like place?)
Thats right inky, she will end up back here the world's only a small circle
(*totally didn't poof* can I have Short story about a character of your choice please Fabz?)
*keeps walking, not actually realising the others aren't following*
*deep in thought*
Sooo... What shall we do in the meanwhile?
Just sit and wait for her to come back?
(Ashlea is Draggie. Manuel is. Orpheus is.James and Erica are.)
*moves slightly in her sleep, but still remains on Ashlea's knee, curled up*
((Oh yeah, I need to work on typing up the announcements for that...))
((Sure, Silente. Which character?))
I don't know, I have never had to wait anywhere, I move time. Do I finally lose to patience?
((Kes and Li are. Kes is being all awkward though bc she's going to propose but she's a weenie))
Ashlea: *wakes up at Leri's movement, only just realising she fell asleep*
*blushes*
(Oh yeah need to chose a character. Is there any limitations on which character it is?)
Hmm... I do t think you have lost yet... You just need to occupy yourself until she comes back somehow
*closes eyes and soaks up the sun*
*sighs*
Sophia: *sees someone who she hasn't met before* *walks up to Orpheus* Hello.
((Um. A character I've heard of. Otherwise, I don't think so...))
Orpheus: *looks at Sophia* hello.
*keeps walking, feet too warm*
*she doesn't mind, the pain is nice sometimes*
Sophia: I haven't seen you before. Who are you?
(So could you do Sil?)
Occupy myself?, I normally just find treasure and end up tied above a volcano or something. *glass appears and drinks*
((I could certainly try.))
Orpheus: I'm Orpheus Waltz. Nice to meet you. Who are you?
Sophia: My name is Commander Sophia Keating.
*to Delila* Do you want to go find a seat?
Delila: Sure
*they go to sit down at a table for two*
Um. Do you want a drink?
Delila: Kes, love, what's wrong?
What do you mean? Nothing's wrong. Do you want a drink?
Delila: Are you sure? *raises eyebrows*
Kestrel: Yes, I'm sure!
Treasure? Tied to a volcano? Sounds awesome!
*slowly starts drifting off*
*lays in the sand*
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