♫ Playing for the high one, dancing with the devil,
Going with the flow, it's all the game to me,
Seven or Eleven, snake eyes watching you,
Double up or quit, double stake or split,
The Ace Of Spades, The Ace Of Spades

You know I'm born to lose, and gambling's for fools
But that's the way I like it baby,
I don't wanna live for ever
And don't forget the joker! ♫

Motörhead - Ace of Spades -1980

"Fifty-two weeks, thirteen [lunar] months, and four seasons are what rule over us day after day. We're all just part of one big poker game called life played by the gods of fate. But assure you, there is very little left to chance. Everything happens for a reason and you might even be that reason. You're not safe from harm though. When the stakes get higher, be sure that I'll be there to throw you a new hand every time in which you will be playing with your own life on the line. And I'll be there to watch that happen."

I haven't drawn Valentina in a long time so I decided this was necessary. After all, she is relevant to the story in being the brutal judge who watches over the living. And my [current] icon should reference to me posting something card-themed to my gallery. Speaking of which, this was pretty hard to plan out because of the complexity of it all. Just take a look for yourself. The falling cards had to be scattered realistically and individually detailed all their own. And I think this picture used more red than anything I've ever drawn before. I kind of suck at drawing blood stains, but it was worth a try.

One more thing, the Ace of Spades card she is holding is heavily referenced from this one I took from a pack of cards I had with me at the time, as the design looked pretty dark and evil.

Valentina Kaz © SpetsnazKaz