"Nonsense," Skulduggery replied, and tried a smile for the first time. Unbeknown to him, the smile worked mechanically, with the corners of his lips twitching up slightly. But, genuine as it was, the smile didn't quite reach his eyes. "I'm sure you're very interesting to talk to, and you've made an excellent guide already. And you're right," he added with a brief shrug, "I could use the help."

Without waiting for a reply, Skulduggery turned and began walking towards the staircase. His steps were slow, but at least he wasn't in danger of falling flat on his face anymore. Falling flat on his face. Wherever they were headed and whatever they might run into, Skulduggery was fairly sure none of it could compare to suddenly having to worry about bruising his face.

Speaking of his face... With one hand trailing along the wall, Skulduggery glanced back over his shoulder. "I don't suppose there are any mirrors on the way to... wherever it is you'd like to go?" A little quick practice with facial expressions could go a long way.

[To here.]