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

[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.

[trickntreats]

Got a few names already, babe. I can collect more.

[neutralcollector]

Then you shouldn't have a problem telling me one of them.

[trickntreats]

Oh, fine. Call me Mr Trickster, then.

[neutralcollector]

A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. Trickster. I can see you're the type to enjoy instigating, but without participating yourself. Unfortunately, this means we have more in common than I'd really like for us to have.

[trickntreats]

Do tell! I love having friends. And rivals. Enemies. People to prod.

[neutralcollector]

And you've just illustrated my point quite succinctly. Thank you.

[trickntreats]

Hey, no problem. Popcorn?

[Offering that now.]

Wanna go instigate something without participating?

[neutralcollector]

No. [A beat.] Thank you.

Well, that depends on what you intend to start, and what the rewards might be. I do try to stay neutral, especially without a very good reason to do otherwise.

[trickntreats]

I'm open for suggestions, BUT there's a really repressed and judgemental idiot over on Tenth who do with a little livening up, if you catch my drift.

We should go fill his place with hookers.

[neutralcollector]

While I can't deny the entertainment value, I'm afraid I still don't see how that would benefit me.

[trickntreats]

Uh, because it'd be fun.

[The 'duh' is almost obvious. Entertainment value is a benefit, man!]

[neutralcollector]

I see.

I was wrong. We don't have as much in common as I feared. I do, however, wish you the best of luck.

[trickntreats]

Trickster. C'mon, c'mon, c'mon! I'll even give you a couch and some popcorn!

[neutralcollector]

Who is this 'idiot?' Why are you so intent on punishing him simply for being judgemental? It's a fault everyone shares, to a greater or lesser degree.

[trickntreats]

Yeah, and this guy's for the greater. When you start a smear campaign against folks for having too much sex you start to earn a major ass-whopping. I mean, really, complaining about sex? Guy needs to loosen up and let things hang. Or not, as the case may be.

Besides, just desserts are kiiiiiiind of my thing.

[neutralcollector]

You sound like you lead an interesting life. I prefer to live and let live. What a wonderful world we would live in if everyone could do the same.

[trickntreats]

[At that, Gabriel's smirk because so edged with sarcasm that it's cutting.]

Boring world, more like it. Besides, what are the odds? Someone's always gonna be looking out for number one, and I don't mean an Almighty.