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?

[deshabille]

Best of luck with threats.

[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]

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

[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?

[neutralcollector]

[This earns a brilliant smile.]

I would rather a chip than some sort of bird.

[bindsthedead]

Your collection?

[neutralcollector]

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

[cuimhne]

Well birds do have a tendency to blather on, but what about something else?

[neutralcollector]

I've been told a canine or feline is the most common. But I have no desire to be followed around by anything that talks, especially if it claims to be a part of me. It would grow so tiresome after a while.

[squeak_squeaker]

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

[cuimhne]

A bit of a loner then?

[neutralcollector]

You could say that. I don't mind company; I simply don't require it all of the time.

[neutralcollector]

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

[cuimhne]

Well, the daemon is supposed to be a reflection of who you are. So, if you don't like a lot of chatty company, maybe your daemon won't be so chatty either?

[neutralcollector]

A fair point, but it does little to comfort me.

[cuimhne]

You don't really seem like the easy type to comfort.

[squeak_squeaker]

You're welcome! [Big smile.]

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

[neutralcollector]

Not with words, no. I find a good book, or a rare addition to my collection, to be immensely comforting.

[neutralcollector]

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

[cuimhne]

Well, you're in luck. There's plenty of books in the library.

[Not that she's spent much time with them.]

[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.]

[squeak_squeaker]

REALLY? [Gasp!] I work for a sorceress!

But I'm no good at that kinda stuff myself.