Book 3: Chapter 13: Failed Divinations
Inside of the Grand Hall of the Garden of Blood
Ava Carter otherwise known as the Bloody Valkyrie stands just meters in front of the center of the Grand Hall as the most powerful seer of the Garden performs a divination. And she cant help but tap her foot in anticipation of the result, because she needs to get the child Scarlet Asger on her side.
Highest capabilities known to man, powerful blood magic skills, and a temperament honed and directed towards battle. She would be an absolutely perfect fit in the Garden.
It was the only reason she bothered to lower her head to make a request to the Class IV Guardian currently in charge of the girls Association. Something she would never do otherwise.
Ava recognizes that she has a big ego. That her pride often gets the best of her. But this time she didnt let it. And still, it didnt work. The man rejected her without a second thought.
Her fist clenches at that understanding before she relaxes again and looks around the Grand Hall to find dozens of women of all types. Most of whom are beautiful, but some those being the few Class Is in the Association who havent ascended yet arent.
All of them regardless of appearance, however, are powerful. The one thing the Garden of Blood requires as an absolute. Besides that the Association members be female, a stipulation made by the Valkyrie due to her troubled past with men.
Ava doesnt dislike men as a whole, she simply doesnt feel comfortable around them. A significant improvement from when she felt terrified just being in their presence. And no one thinks less of her due to that, despite it being public knowledge. Even the Guardians in her Association respect her enough to not allow any men on the floating Garden of Blood.
The woman lets out a sigh before smiling a little at the women around the Grand Hall, each of whom appears rather excited at the thought of a new member joining their tight-knit Association. After all, its not a very common occurrence.
Even Ava admits that her requirements for joining may be a little strict.
But if I were anything other than strict, then the Garden wouldnt have anywhere near as much respect from the world at large. And it certainly wouldnt be one of the most powerful Associations in the world as it is now.
Avas thoughts are interrupted when a flash of white light shines from the woman sitting cross-legged in the center of the hall wearing a simple robe. But then the light suddenly fades, making Ava and the other women around the hall frown.
Scarlet
Before I walk through the doors of the buildings entry way into the cold outdoors, I shift around rather awkwardly to take off my coat, leaving me in just my short sleeved shirt. Then I cover Aria with my coat, still awkwardly shifting her around until I have her bundled up, the girl somehow having slept through all that movement as I begin moving outside of the building. All while ignoring the glances coming our way by both students and faculty, along with the shuttering sounds of a couple photos being taken. Something Ive grown used to at this point.
Although I think this might be one of the few pictures outside of the annoying modeling pictures I had to take that Im actually not covering up my arms with long sleeves.
Fortunately, the cold from being outside doesnt really bother me at all even without my coat. Not since I became Class II at least. Before that it may have bothered me a little bit. But it goes to show the benefits of ascending are more than just the visible benefits.
I briefly look around outside for Arias butler, only to feel my terminal buzz, so I raise it to find a message from him stating that he wont be able to pick her up. It also asks me if I can look after her for a bit, so I answer in the positive before lowering my terminal and beginning the trek back to my suite.
Out of nowhere though, I feel a strange tingling sensation in the back of my head. Something Ive felt quite a few times since reaching Class II. Almost like someone is trying to look at me from far away but fails.
An odd feeling.
Tar mentioned that it was probably a failed divination when I first felt it, but why are there so many failed divinations on me? Its like theres been at least two a week
Whoevers doing the divining must be a terrible seer if theyre failing that badly.
I cant help but wonder who it is though?
My first guess is probably my grandfather on my fathers side that Tar mentioned cares about me and has no idea where I am. But I could be wrong.
Also, this time the sensation felt a little weaker. As if it were someone else doing it. A weaker person.
Either way, I continue walking through the snow with Aria in my arms, heading towards my suite to go play some more Hunter XI and put Aria to bed.