Old And New

[Highfly]

"I am flattered to hear that especially from someone as good as you with your family wrestling pedigree." Alaina said with a smile as she watched Astrid show off her impressive figure. Alaina's smile disappeared and a new focused expression took root. "To go through you? Since you beat me in the gym I especially want to face you again but I promise you that the outcome in that ring in front of that crowd will be entirely different." Alaina said. The old veteran had found what seemed like an impressive, young, immovable obstacle. That of course kindled the competitive fire in Alaina and she was eager to face Astrid again in any capacity.

[CaptainL]

Another nod was issued to Alaina from Astrid, as the Norwegian smiled to her warmly. "Thank you, again," she said. "It's my greatest hope to live up to their legacy, and I'm glad you think that I can do it. You would know better than anyone," she added, acknowledging Alaina's prior involvement with her father. Apart from this, though, the conversation had turned to the possibility of a match between the two of them, and now things were starting to get interesting.

Astrid's smile grew further as she heard what Alaina had to say, tilting her head closer as she folded her arms. "A rematch, you say? I would be happy to. And if you say that you have been training and improving since our last meeting...I must say, I'm excited. You were a worthy foe last time. I can only imagine how much better you will be now!"

[Highfly]

Alaina saw the look on Astrids face as she brightened up a bit. She couldn't help but smile even if she were trying to be competitive. "Yeah, thanks. I have to be better, and I need to try to regain my old touch completely if I am going to get a belt in this place. I don't just want some little title run either. Once I get gold I am keeping it for a good long while." Alaina said to Astrid. "I need to get a few wins under my belt and establish a nice store again before I get a shot at you or a title though. I need to earn both of those shots before I get them." Alaina added as she looked Astrid over.

Astrid was the present and future of a solid womens wrestling promotion. Alaina knew as good as she was she was considered the past. She still had some work to do to change that perception of herself. She knew she was up for the task though, she had to be in order to validate her decision to come out of retirement back in May of 2017.

[CaptainL]

Astrid nodded again to Alaina. Even if there was no doubt that, if Astrid's strive for the hold proved successful, they would be competing over it some day, she couldn't have any hard feelings toward the Amazon. She saw that same drive and determination in her that she did in herself, and Astrid was proud to be speaking with someone who took matters like these so seriously. She had the spirit of a worthy contender in her, and she couldn't deny that.

"Well then," Astrid said with a chuckle, "Based on what I've seen from you already, and knowing you're going to keep up training? I have no doubts that you can carry the championship. You definitely have what it takes, and I can only imagine you'll get better from here. I wish you luck..." Then, though, Astrid added a grin and a knowing wink. "But just know that I'm going for the same belt, and if our paths cross again, I won't go easy on you just because we're friends, okay?"

[Highfly]

"Thanks, I really appreciate it Astrid!" Alaina said with a smile as she continued to listen, nodding as she did. "Oh I know. I wouldn't have it any other way and know that anything less than you absolute best done to perfection will result in an amazon triumph. I am going to do all I can to work my way into being as unstoppable as I was in my prime." Alaina added with a wink. It was part threat, part warning to Astrid however Alaina felt like Astrid already knew that Alaina would bring it.

Alaina also knew facing Astrid in a title match may very well be one of the biggest challenges of any point in her career!

[CaptainL]

"Ah!" Hearing Alaina proclaim her intentions to keep fighting the way she did at her prime of life, Astrid grinned wider, lifting her arm to flex a bicep in a display of strength - though in this case, it wasn't to boast, but to commend what she saw in Alaina. "You say it how it is. I'm always happy to hear it from you." Alaina's unflappable determination had certainly been an inspiration to Astrid, and she saw that the brunette was sticking to her guns. To the Norwegian, that said a lot about her character and her refusal to compromise what she believed in. "I'm sure that if you stick to your training, you'll prove to live up well to your past achievements!"

It was then that another thought came to Astrid, however. "You know, if you're ever looking for anyone to train with, I'm around. But, at the same time..." Astrid thought back to how she had set off to become a wrestler, and how her father had refused to train her, citing that his attachment to Astrid as his daughter would cause him to hold back on her and prevent her from getting the sort of experience she needed. Astrid needed to face opponents who wouldn't go easy on her if she was to perfect her skills, and he knew he couldn't give that to her. The last thing Astrid wanted was to hamper Alaina's progress in the same way. "I don't know if we want to be that friendly with each other. The closer we get, the more likely we might be to hold back on each other. And if you want to reclaim your past glories, surely you mustn't have anything but the most daunting of challenges to prepare yourself!"

[Highfly]

Alaina was quiet for a moment as she thought of what Astrid had said. It was all true, and it was a point that impressed Alaina. usually younger competitors overlooked things like that but Astrid hadn't. Her in-ring ability was up there with the best Alaina had seen but what separated her from other talented young wrestlers was her mind. She had ring smarts and plenty of it! "You are right and I agree whole heartedly. I am sure we will be seeing each other soon enough though." Alaina said with a wink in response to Astrid.

Indeed if Alaina had her way there would be a battle between the two soon enough, the more at stake in the match the better. Alaina knew Astrid was the type to perform better with something important on the line. She had to do the same if she were to emerge victorious.

[CaptainL]

Proud as always to be standing in the presence of such a well-respected veteran of the ring like Alaina, Astrid bowed her head to her with a smile. She saw that they were in agreement, and that meant that Alaina had the same beliefs that Astrid did - which was always a reassuring thought. "Of course," she said, offering her hand for Alaina to shake. "I'm glad we could agree. And either way, I can't wait to see what you're capable of the next time we face one another."

Astrid would then look around the room, noting that everything seemed to be said and done now. "Well, I don't mean to keep you too long. But it was a pleasure to see you again."

[Highfly]

Alaina shook Astrid's hand and smiled. "I look forward to facing you again too. It will be quite the match won't it?" Alaina said as she looked up at the taller, younger woman. "I will see you soon and I really look forward to it being in between the ropes kid. Now go and get that title." Alaina added with a grin before she turned to head back into the arena halls, curious as to what would be on the line when the two women did eventually meet up in the ring for an official match.

[CaptainL]

Even when Alaina had shaken her hand, Astrid somehow thought the gesture needed more to it. Having received praise like this from one of her idols, the Norwegian was grinning ear to ear, and she could hardly hold back the pride that came from being deemed worthy of such attention from her - let alone having her put her confidence in her for the title! So she clasped her other hand over the hand Alaina held, shaking it even more strongly and firmly. She did, perhaps, let her exuberance take the better of her.

"Thank you!" Astrid exclaimed. "I can't wait to face you either - and I promise I won't let you down!" After Alaina parted ways, Astrid was left there for a moment, staring off down the hall with a proud look on her face. She would go back to work soon after - but it was worth the extra few seconds to stand there in witness to a chance meeting between her, and the star she one day hoped to be on the level of. She couldn't wait for the day they would face off.