[h2]Astrid Tavast, New York City[/h2]

[b]“Excuse me, how much?”[/b] A soft spoken voice inquired to the cute old woman behind a beautiful hand carved wooden counter. Astrid could talk sweet when she so desired but that angelic tone was usually reserved for when she wanted something or someone. 

Right now, her sights were zeroed in on an antique 300 year old grandfather clock. A regular at widow Trudy's extravagant store, Astrid had been visiting this place daily since they added a new time piece up front. Trudging that thing all the way to her condo would be a pain. On the plus side, she wouldn't be the one moving it, although she had the strength to do so without a sweat. Already her mind began thinking of where this rare treasure would sit in her home but reality is such a nuisance...

“Oh yes, that one is quite pretty isn't it? This is a display only. It's over five-hundred-thousand dollars I am afraid but not for sale my dear.” A saddened expression caused creases and winkles to form throughout the senior's time worn face.

[b]“I'll just have to come back when I marry my filthy rich husband and give you an offer you can't refuse then.”[/b] Both Astrid and the lady laughed.

[B]“Well, goodbye.”[/b] A small sigh escaped while bidding the owner farewell. Not getting her way always made the Valkyrie a little depressed but that was life. 

Defeated, the blond haired woman let the shop's heavy doors shut behind her slender frame. Hands were placed in tight jean's pockets not sure where to go next. So many options were available but this day wasn't starting out in her favor. Bummed about not being able to afford a half million piece of history? The loner needed to get some friends, and quick. She was turning into a spinster. This thought made her visibly frown. So what? She liked purchasing similar items found on antique roadshow, did that truly make her dull? 

“Astrid? How have you been?” A familiar deep voice boomed forth from a man rippling with muscles. This gargantuan man introduced Astrid to the night life of battling. His score nearly undefeated and his personality wasn't half bad either. Born part stone golem probably had something to do with all those wins. Many had tried but failed bringing down this monster of a man and Astrid left that scene behind just before challenging him. 

“Haven't seen you at the tunnels lately. Tonight though, here.” Large fingers handed over a pamphlet with a time and a long sequence of numbers. Only those who had already been to the fights or those invited knew about this seedy place. If these papers were dropped on the ground, no one would pay any mind to them as little to no information is printed. Better safe than sorry.   

[b]“Yeah, Seth... I don't fight anymore. There's no competition left.”[/b] Astrid shrugged while half smiling but placed the piece of paper into her leather jacket pocket. Maybe she would pay a visit later, just to observe. A hand was placed upon Seth's vein infused arm as a goodbye gesture. For now, her feet took her along the streets of the shopping district while scanning the crowd of strangers.