Canon is Skulduggery Pleasant, considering for distantskies...?

[neutralcollector]

I must admit, I'm pleasantly surprised by this. I'd even go so far as to say I'm impressed, as long as you don't let it go to your head. After listening to Skulduggery's experiences, I was dreading what you might have in store for me.

Of course, I don't appreciate not being the one in control. But then, you knew that, didn't you?

[A heavy, and yet still delicate, sigh. Obviously theatrical, for those who know her, but it seems genuine otherwise.]

I suppose I can overlook it just this once. Exploring alternate universes might be interesting. And the opportunities to add to my collection simply cannot be ignored. However, I do have one complaint, if you'll allow me to be so bold. I do not wear my heart on my sleeve - nor, indeed, any part of me - and my soul is no exception. I would very much appreciate it if you would find a way to circumvent that. If you don't...

[Her smile has grown cold. Threats are a last resort, but since her powers of persuasion won't work in this instance...]

... well. I'll leave that up to your imagination, shall I?

Comments

[cuimhne]

Why wouldn't you want a daemon?

[neutralcollector]

Is that what they're called?

You don't see what's wrong with an 'animalistic representation of one's soul?' Perhaps your soul is somewhat brighter than mine, my dear.

[cuimhne]

Is it the animalistic part that's giving you trouble?

[neutralcollector]

My soul is my own. It is not for anyone else to marvel at, and it is not a battle scar to be proudly shown off. It is certainly not for people to poke and prod and wonder about, before finally settling on a predetermined animal form for it to take - an animal form that was, most likely, thought up by someone who has never met me and who I have no interest in.

[cuimhne]

Got a bit of a chip on your shoulder, don't you?

[deshabille]

Best of luck with threats.

[neutralcollector]

Oh, believe me. I don't need luck.

[deshabille]

You might. I think the track record for threats in this context is something like . . . people on their side, a number followed by a lot of zeroes; people on your side . . . just zero.

[neutralcollector]

Speaking from experience? [A smile.] Thank you. I will be sure to keep that statastic in mind.

[bindsthedead]

Your collection?

[neutralcollector]

Yes. A collection of rare artifacts and books, painstakingly put together over centuries. I'm constantly looking for new additions.

[bindsthedead]

That sounds fascinating. I've been learning new things since I began travelling through other worlds with my daemon, and I've found a few interesting objects as well. [Also, a new pet.]

[neutralcollector]

[Oh, she's interested.]

What types of objects would these be?

[squeak_squeaker]

You're really shiny! Uhh, ma'am. [Kronk was very easily distracted by such things.]

[neutralcollector]

Why, thank you. I don't believe anyone has ever called me 'shiny' before.

[squeak_squeaker]

You're welcome! [Big smile.]

...what are you? [Kronk knew that that was a rude question, but he was very curious.]

[neutralcollector]

A mage. A sorcerer, if you prefer. A collector of rare and wonderful things.

[misterbloodred]

Threaten 'em all ya want, Miss Sorrows. It ain't gonna do ya a lick of good. Believe me, I've tried.

[neutralcollector]

Ah, Mr. Sanguine! I'd heard you were dead. [Not that she believed it for a second.] How nice to see you again.

Oh dear, really? I suppose I should be grateful that this looks mildly entertaining, in that case.

[misterbloodred]

Don't patronize me, Missy. If you're glad to see me, I'm a monkey's uncle.

[ He cants his head a bit, quirking a brow ] Mun also wants to know where you've been gettin' your info- namely, which book. She doesn't wanna spoil anythin'.

[neutralcollector]

I wasn't going to comment on the similarity. Thank you for making my job easier.

Yes, I've had this argument with my own quite often now. The last thing I remember is beating back the Faceless Ones and your master dying at Aranmore Farm, but apparently, quite a lot has happened since then. [She pauses.] Book 3, I'm told.

[trickntreats]

Now this I've just gotta see. Go on, take it to 'er! Don't mind me over here.

[Yes, he has popcorn.]

[neutralcollector]

[She doesn't even glance at the popcorn.]

And who might you be?

[trickntreats]

Pick a name. Go on; I love seeing what people come up with. I'm making a list.

[neutralcollector]

You must be so proud of yourself. But where I come from, names are power. I wouldn't dream of assigning you a name that wasn't yours.