Welcome to the Madison Hotel!

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Welcome to the Madison Hotel!

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By Odin's beard...” Astrid muttered.
Astrid Arvidsson
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With her head slightly tilted back, the blonde admired the hotel building. Despite her status as a federation star, she still lived in a tiny studio apartment. As she had said more than once, the Spartans didn't need comfort. And although she had visited good hotels in her life, none of them could be compared to the majestic Madison Hotel. It just so happened, but Astrid wasn't in the habit of spending money despite having a relatively good bank account. But when she received an invitation to spend the weekend at this place, she just couldn't believe her luck.

Once inside, the Norwegian woman felt goosebumps running down her back. The inside of this place was even more unusual than the outside. She, of course, knew some details about this place, that for example the interior is made in the American style of the twenties of the last century. But she definitely didn't expect it to look so impressive.

For some unknown reason, many believed that Astrid was used to luxury and other similar things. However, this was not the case. The status of the champion had almost no effect on what kind of person she is, so the blonde remained as simple as before. And being in this place was something supernatural for her. She has never tried to use her champion status to gain any special privileges. However, when she was offered to spend the weekend here and promised to provide her with a penthouse suite with the best possible service, she simply could not refuse.

Continuing to stare around in fascination, the Norwegian woman headed for the reception. She was already anticipating the benefits that this place could provide for her. For sure there is a cozy bar, for sure there is a sauna and a jacuzzi. Damn, she hadn't been to a spa in ages. It was hard for her to believe that she finally had the opportunity to just relax away from the ring. It was with such thoughts that she went to the reception, where she was met by a petite receptionist who smiled broadly at the blonde who arrived.

Welcome to the Madison Hotel!” She greeted the guest. “How can I help you?”

Hey there!" Astrid said, finally letting go of her suitcase. “I'm a member of LAW federation and I was invited here to spend the weekend, my name is...”

Astrid Arvidsson!” The receptionist's eyes seemed to light up. “Of course, of course, I was warned about you, we are always glad to see the current openweight champion, welcome again, we hope that you will like our service!”

Oh... well...” red spots began to appear on Astrid's cheeks, enough time has passed since she became a champion, but she still couldn't get used to the fact that she is now a full-fledged celebrity. “Thank you, your hotel looks great." She replied, a little embarrassed. “I was promised a penthouse suite, so...”

Of course, one moment please!”

While the receptionist was checking something on the computer, Astrid took another look around. She remembered that when she was talking to Victoria, the manager was smiling very maliciously for some reason, as if she knew something that Astrid did not know. However, the blonde did not focus on this. She didn't even care much about the reasons why the hotel owner decided to arrange such a promotion. Maybe it was just an advertisement or something like that. In any case, Astrid was fine with it.

Oh...” the receptionist said.

Oh?" Astrid asked. “It doesn't sound very good...”

I don't understand, maybe there's a mistake,” the receptionist said, slightly confused. “The system said that the penthouse suite is reserved for both you and someone else...” noticing that Astrid raised her left eyebrow, she hurried to find at least some additional information. “There is a note here that the room is provided to you for free, but another person wanted to pay for it on their own...”

Ammm...” she drawled, Astrid wasn't sure how she should react to this since she hadn't been in such a situation yet. “Well, since that person isn't here...”
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Re: Welcome to the Madison Hotel!

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Entering the hotel was a young blonde who seemed to draw quite a few eyes towards her, dressed in a rather fancy pin-stripped blouse and pencil skirt, with a jacket draped over her shoulders as a bellhop was tending to carrying her bag as she made her way through the lobby. Isabella Brandt had arrived, a woman who had been making quite a buzz in LAW since her debut, though she hadn't been around for very long so far, it was expected that great things were to come.

Isabella's eyes shifted to the decor and the people, seeing the early 1900's American style and finding it to suit her outfit rather well. She was dressed in a rather fancy manner, partially because she was spending a weekend at this luxurious hotel and well, the other reason was because it was simply in her nature to doll herself up a bit when going out. A trait she had gotten thanks to her mother being a rather famous designer...

Stepping up to the counter, Isabella would at first not pay much attention to the blonde customer who seemed to be having some difficulty with the receptions. She'd instead gesture for the attention of another receptionist who quickly came scurrying up to the counter. "I'm here to check-in, my name's Isabella Brandt. Penthouse suite." The blonde said in a determined manner, as if it was second nature to her. It seemed she had stayed in quite a few penthouse suites in different hotels before and knew the routine. She had decided to pay no mind to the other woman, even her visage had been fairly familiar to her, but standing next to her now, Isabella's gaze turned and she saw none other than the Openweight champion, Astrid Arvidsson.

"Well well well, I'm standing next to a celebrity it seems." Isabella mused out-loud as she was now focused on the champion.

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While Astrid was talking to the receptionist, another woman came up to the reception. At first, this did not seem to the Norwegian woman to be something that deserved her attention, but then two things happened at once that made Astrid change her position. First, the other blonde gave her name, which Astrid definitely heard. She had to strain her memory a little, but then she recalled. Isabella Brandt. This name was among the profiles that Victoria told Astrid to pay attention to. This woman had both an impressive record and the right to claim the openweight title.

But Isabella's next words turned out to be much more entertaining, because she told her receptionist that she had booked a penthouse suite. Perhaps it was about another room, but the coincidence was too obvious. Astrid turned to the Italian woman, looking her up and down. Wow. Okay. This woman certainly looked impressive, not to mention her sense of style.

Isabella also noticed Astrid and didn't even hesitate to speak first. Moreover, her words surprised the Norwegian woman to some extent. On the one hand, she complimented Astrid by calling her a celebrity, but on the other hand, almost every word was laced with sarcasm. However, a moment later Astrid came to her senses and answered Isabella in a similar manner.

Yeah, Astrid Arvidsson in the flesh, huh,” she said, pointing at herself with her thumb. “Want a selfie?”

Perhaps this dialogue would have continued, but the receptionist who served Astrid decided to clarify the situation for Isabella so that her colleague would not have to repeat everything that had already been said for Astrid.

Ms. Brandt, there was a mistake in our booking system and somehow the penthouse suite was booked for both you and Ms. Arvidsson,” she said apologetically. “Unfortunately, the number of rooms is limited and we cannot provide the penthouse suite to each of you...” it was obvious from her voice that she did not have a solution that would surely suit everyone, but since she was obliged to somehow solve this situation, she continued. “Our suites are just as good and we are ready to include the same level of service that corresponds to the penthouse suite, could one of you give up the penthouse suite?”

Astrid glanced briefly at the receptionist. It was obvious that this woman was not very happy about the fact that today was her shift. The Norwegian woman wasn't going to blame her for the mistake, because she was just a staff member. But despite this…

Not me.” She said laconically and firmly, returning her gaze to Isabella.
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Re: Welcome to the Madison Hotel!

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While Isabella's words had a bit of sarcasm to them, there wasn't much malice in it. It was more of a jest if anything. She hadn't expected to run into the Openweight Champion herself at the lobby of a hotel. Though perhaps she shouldn't have been so surprised. Still, Astrid's response to her words did bring a light smile to Isabella's lips, as she would straighten up a bit.

"Hmmm, not a bad idea. Though another time. I'd like to get to my room first."
Isabella spoke out as she exchanged words with the Norwegian. If only things could have gone that smoothly though. Isabella soon got to hear from one of the receptionists that there had been a mistake in their booking system and they had double-booked the two blondes.

Clicking her tongue, Isabella knew where this was going. Though she hadn't expected the Champion to pipe-up so quickly for her to not want to give up her room. The Laconic manner in which Astrid answered would be in stark contrast to Isabella's answer. As Astrid gazed on her, Isabella turned to face Astrid fully and stare into those eyes of the champion. " Unfortunately, I don't plan on giving up my suite either. So it seems we are faced with quite the problem, aren't we champ?" Isabella spoke as her eyes remained fixed on the taller blonde.

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Re: Welcome to the Madison Hotel!

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A whole series of coincidences led to this moment. Perhaps in another situation Astrid would have been more compliant, but not today, not when she was promised a top-class vacation. She was not in the habit of acting selfishly, but she believed that she deserved this rest because for the past year her only occupation had been defending her title against top-class fighters. Which, by the way, she has coped with quite well so far.

I see,” Astrid's eyes narrowed slightly after Isabella's reply. “However, I don't think it's too big a problem.”

She didn't know much about Isabella other than the fact that she was an outstanding fighter in the middleweight division. However, even her clothes screamed that the other blonde was very rich. In Astrid's experience, such people are not used to giving up the luxury they can pay for. So, for the Norwegian woman, it was not surprising that Isabella was not going to give up the penthouse suite. But perhaps it was even for the best because the champion never looked for easy ways. Taking a step forward, she in a sense hovered over Isabella, while the look in her lavender eyes became much more intimidating.

Because I have a solution...” she said, clenching her fists as if she was ready to start a fight here and now.

I have one too!” A voice that Astrid didn't recognize came somewhere from the side.

For a few more seconds, the blonde did not take her eyes off Isabella, but then she looked away. Another woman came up to them. A long-haired brunette, dressed as elegantly as Isabella, with the only difference that her clothes were more in line with the style of the hotel. Astrid had not met this woman in person, but she knew who she was…

Ladies, let me personally welcome you in the Madison Hotel!” The brunette said in an attractive voice. “My name is Maisilyn Madison, the owner of the place.”

Astrid glanced briefly at Isabella, and then took a step back from the other blonde. She looked at Maisilyn, although this woman was impressive, so far Astrid had no idea how exactly the owner of the hotel was going to solve the situation, given that neither Astrid nor Isabella was going to give up the penthouse suite to each other.

Astrid Arvidsson…” the Norwegian woman briefly introduced herself for the sake of decency.

I'm sorry that the current situation has caused you inconvenience,” Maisilyn said sincerely, then took two envelopes from the inside pocket of her jacket. “I would like to present this to you personally to inform you that you were invited to the Madison Hotel not only for the sake of vacation.”

The brunette handed an envelope each to Astrid and Isabella. The blonde, being intrigued, did not hesitate. Taking the envelope, she immediately unfolded it and her eyes began to run over the lines of the text, which seemed to be handwritten with ink. With each new line, a smile continued to grow on the champion's lips. Now she understood why her manager had smiled so maliciously during their last conversation. They were invited here not only for the sake of recreation, but also for the sake of participating in the Supercard.

Well well, how interesting...” Astrid drawled.

Now it became clear to her what was the benefit for Maisilyn. Inviting the best LAW fighters to your hotel for the weekend is not the most reliable business plan. But inviting the best LAW fighters to your hotel for the weekend to take part in the Supercard is a completely different matter.

Of course you can refuse," the brunette said insinuating. “In this case, I will only have to make a Solomonic decision, namely to refuse both of you to provide you with a penthouse suite, each of you will receive a classic suite, all the attached service, as well as best wishes for a good vacation.”

Astrid raised her left eyebrow, waiting for the one word that was supposed to come out next in this situation.

BUT!” Maisilyn smiled. “If you would kindly agree to take part in the Supercard, then I think I have a suitable match for you both...”

She took two more envelopes from the inside pocket of her jacket, handing them to Astrid and Isabella. This drama slowly but began to annoy the Norwegian woman, who nevertheless took the envelope, opened it and began to read the contents. If the contents of the first envelope did not cause her any special emotions, then this time a slight blush appeared on the blonde's cheeks due to the conditions of the match.

If you agree, then each of you will be provided with a suite, and I guarantee the winner of the match a free penthouse suite until the end of the weekend, as well as the maximum possible service that we are able to provide,” Maisilyn spread her hands to the sides. “And if Miss Arvidsson is ready to put her title on the line, then I think I can provide you with a special service as a thank you for the additional respectability of the match and, accordingly, my hotel.” Maisilyn smiled broadly at Astrid and Isabella. “What do you say, my darlings?”
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Re: Welcome to the Madison Hotel!

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Isabella would keep her eyes on Astrid as she watched the taller blonde face, seeing those eyes narrowing as she responded to the knight. Isabella would keep her eyes fixed on Astrid, she could tell from the posture of the Golden Dragon that she might be in for a fight at any moment. While not ideal, Isabella wasn't the kind to step down from a fight. While she didn't have the same kind of knightly code as her friend Trinette did, Isabella believed in some of the tenets of Chivalric code. One of which was to 'never refuse a challenge'.

The red eyes of Isabella would narrow as she would start to slowly tense up, getting ready for the ensuing violence that would befall this lobby. There was no sharp wit from Isabella following Astrid's words. Though she did not have to answer, the very momentary silence between the two blondes was interrupted by the appearance of Maisilyn Madison the owner of the hotel. Isabella relaxed her own posture a bit as she would turn to face Maisilyn instead "Isabella Brandt, pleasure." She said in a polite yet curt manner. She accepted the letter and would unfold the paper and her eyes began to scan the letter before she would let out a soft sigh.

"So that's your game. Here I was simply assuming you were fishing for a new clientele." Isabella spoke as she would glance over towards Astrid. Her eyes studied the champion's reaction, while she listened to Maisilyn's explanation. It was a rather interesting proposal and well...Isabella wasn't the kind to back down from such a spectacle.

"I see. You may prepare the finest suite for me then. I will accept the participation of this match. Though I suppose that all depends on the champion over here." Isabella gestured to Astrid. " Or perhaps if she backs down then the penthouse suite will be mine by default?" Isabella said with a smug smile on her face as she glanced over towards the Norwegian, quite blatantly trying to goad Astrid into accepting the terms.
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Re: Welcome to the Madison Hotel!

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Isabella was the first to respond to Maisilyn's offer. It seemed that the unusual conditions of the match did not bother her at all. Of course, Astrid has already had to take part in something so unique, her Halloween matches have earned huge praise for their originality. The only point that confused her to some extent was the costumes... she had never had to show herself to people like that before.

Huh?" Astrid chuckled in response to Isabella's words about the penthouse suite. “You wish, rich beauty!”

Astrid folded both envelopes, taking a look at Maisilyn. This woman had a good business acumen. Organizing something like this is not the easiest task. Surely, thanks to her efforts, the popularity of her hotel will increase many times. In this, Maisilyn was similar to Victoria.

But you won't get it, huh,” the blonde pointed at herself with her thumb. “Because unfortunately for you, I never refuse a challenge." Astrid nodded to Maisilyn. “I'll take part in your Supercard.” She said fervently. “With the penthouse suite and the openweight title at stake!”

After that, the brunette's lips stretched into a wide smile. It was obvious that she was trying to hide her emotions, but in this case she couldn't do it. Even though her plans were grandiose, she had just received perhaps the most high-profile match she could have hoped for.

Great!" She said, clapping her hands. “Then I will start preparing for the match immediately." The brunette nodded to the receptionists behind Astrid and Isabella. “You can get the key cards from your suites at the reception, as soon as everything is ready for the match, I will notify you both! Oh, yes, if you need help with costumes, do not hesitate to let me know, but if something like this is already in your luggage... well, I will definitely not condemn you for this...”

Maisilyn smoothly turned around and headed towards the stairs leading to the lower floor, but then she turned over her shoulder and smiled at the two blondes. She seemed really happy about how well the circumstances had turned out for her today. Astrid even thought about one thing for a moment... was the pentahus suite really booked for both her and Isabella by a random mistake?

And of course I wish you a pleasant stay at the Madison Hotel!” She said goodbye.

The brunette left, leaving Astrid and Isabella alone, except for the two receptionists behind them. The Norwegian woman looked at the other blonde. Perhaps she was haunted by some kind of curse. Even when she just wanted to rest, she still managed to find new rivals for herself. Although... Astrid couldn't deny that she was thrilled by this turn of events. Yes, she didn't know much about this woman, but she knew for sure that Isabella was stunningly beautiful and that she was a top-class fighter. That was more than enough for Astrid.

I hope everything I've heard about you is true,” Astrid said. “But you can find out the true essence of a person only in a fight.” A flame ran through the lavender eyes of the Norwegian woman. “So you better get ready, Isabella Brandt, because I'm not going to give you neither the penthouse suite nor my belt!” Astrid took the key card to her suite from the counter and headed to the elevator. “See you in the ring, huh!”
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With her eyes fixed on Astrid, Isabella would wait to see what kind of response she got out of the Champion. While some champions were more careful with their titles, choosing their opponents and matches oh so very carefully. Those weren't the champions Isabella enjoyed dealing with, no she much preferred the headstrong confident types, who wouldn't back down from any challenge. Astrid's rebuttal only served to affirm to Isabella what type of woman she was dealing with, and a small smirk formed on the Flame Tyrant's lips.

"Oh? Not just the penthouse but even the title on the line. My my, Champ... aren't you confident. Would be a shame to see you lose both the belt and your place to stay for the weekend." Isabella mockingly joked as she would then turn her attention to their host. It seemed that for now they would be staying in a suite while things were set up for their match. Isabella would wave off Maisilyn as she left. Now it would be up to Isabella to find out a way to procure the costumes, or if she was going to ask the hotel to provide it. Perhaps she could make a quick call to her mother and see if she could commission someone on short notice.

Isabella's thought process and planning was interrupted though as Astrid addressed her, she would refocus her attention on the Norwegian woman. "That depends on what you've heard, my dear. Though we shall sound find out what each other's mettle is." Isabella said as she would stare down Astrid for a brief moment. Seeing her then go for her key-card and walk towards the elevator. Isabella would wait a second and then collect her own key card before making her own way to the elevators.

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Re: Welcome to the Madison Hotel!

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Astrid wasn't a fan of conspiracy theories, but something was definitely wrong here. There are too many coincidences. She couldn't help but think that the owner of the hotel had indeed taken some part in the fact that the penthouse suite was booked not only for the champion. Apparently, this brunette was not simple and she was ready to do anything in order to increase the popularity of her hotel.

However, it didn't really matter now.

Leaving Isabella behind, the Norwegian woman headed for the elevator. She decided not to respond to the insolent words of the other blonde, they would find out everything in the ring. Victoria was the best manager Astrid could imagine, this woman had a special gift for seeing talents. So the information about Isabella ended up in the champion's head for a reason. She might not know what kind of person Isabella was, but she was definitely a good fighter.

If something like this is already in your luggage...” Astrid muttered Maisilyn's words under her breath as she pressed the elevator button. “Funny...”

While she was waiting for the elevator, she realized one simple thing. There was only one elevator. Well, maybe there was another one somewhere, but definitely not here. And this in turn indicated the fact that soon... yeah, soon Astrid heard footsteps. The blonde turned her head to the left and found Isabella next to her. It seems they met much earlier than the champion expected.

Stalking me, huh?" Astrid asked. “If you really want a selfie that much, then just say, I never refuse my fans.”
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Isabella would move to stand next to Astrid after the champion had called the elevator, her eyes trailed around the space around them as if looking for another elevator but it seemed apparent that there was only one at this time. The shorter blonde would turn her attention to Astrid as she spoke to her, and would respond with a slight chuckle.

" A selfie could be nice, could get one now when you're a champion and one after our match when I'm the champion. No? A before and after, if you will." Isabella jokingly taunted as she would verbally poke the bear. Isabella would turn to look back at the elevator, watching the lights of each floor light up one by one as it finally reached the lobby. As the elevator bell chimed and the doors opened, Isabella would gesture for Astrid to enter first. " After you, my dear."

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