Legacy Of Altherion

A few hours passed since BU's graduation ceremony ended, and many graduates were off celebrating the end of their university days. There were many parties and after parties happening around Bracken that evening, the vast majority were in celebration and honour of the graduates, thus they had a plethora of options to choose from.

Conversely, there were a few private parties taking place, catering only to a select few who made the guest list. Such was the case for Sam's party, only a handful of students were invited to spend the evening in a family friend's barn.

Bradley managed to secure an invitation to Sam's party, however, she only agreed under certain restrictions. He sat at the bar enjoying an ice cold beer, one of only six that he would be allowed for the entire evening. He had the feeling that Nathan may have influenced her in that regard, however, he concluded that it was a fair trade, given the exclusivity of the guest list.

He observed the crowd intently, looking for potential prospects for the evening.

"It's difficult to approach when you're sober right?" Logan said behind the bar.

Bradley cleared his throat. "What ever man, I'd like to see you try.” he said.

Logan chuckled. "I'm working.”

"Yeah, yeah." Bradley said. "Anyway, have you seen Nathan around?"

Logan nodded. "He and Sam went off somewhere a while ago."

Bradley displayed a mischievous smile. "Is that right?"

"Not for the reasons you think, they went to get snacks for the party.”

Bradley sighed. "He has to make a move tonight, I don't know why he is hesitating.”

"Well, I'm sure he has his reasons.”

"What reason could he possibly have not to hook up with such a gorgeous woman?"

Logan shrugged. "Don't ask me, besides, shouldn't you be focusing on your own situation right now?"

Bradley cleared his throat again. "I need another beer.”

"Are you sure about that? The night is still young."

"Just give it here." Bradley said, motioning him with his hand.

Later that evening, Logan leaned against the barn, enjoying the night air. He stood a few meters away from the party, gazing at the stars in deep thought. Nathan approached, slugging him on the shoulder.

"Yo!" he said.

"Hey, what's up?" Logan said.

"Looks like we had the same idea.”

Logan nodded. "It's quite a...unique crowd in there.”

"Yes, the guest list surprised me too, however, they appear to be a good group.” Nathan said. "Hey, thanks again for agreeing to help out tonight, I really appreciate it.”

"Don't mention it. You needed a wingman, so I'm simply doing my part.”

Nathan grinned. "Our idiot friend appears to be struggling on that front.”

"Well, that's what he gets for relying on alcohol for courage.” Logan said. "Oh and well done on the six beer limit, that should prevent him from embarrassing us.”

“It had to be done.”

Logan grinned. “I must admit though, seeing the look on his face each time he realises his supply is nearly depleted is quite entertaining."

Nathan laughed.

"There you are! The party is inside you know!" Sam said walking towards them.

"Hey, we're just getting some fresh air." Nathan said.

Sam smiled. "Logan, I've had a number of my friends ask about you, you're quite popular with the ladies this evening."

Logan raised his brow. "Is that so?"

"Yes, perhaps it's your bartender's charisma that has all of them falling for you."

He smiled sheepishly. "That's interesting.”

Sam raised her brow. "That's all you have to say? Aren't you going to ask which ones are interested in you?"

"Take it easy on him, he has his eye on someone else." Nathan said.

"Is that so, is she here? Do I know her?"

Nathan grinned. "No, she lives...quite far away. Isn't that right, Logan?" he said nudging him with his elbow.

Logan didn't respond, however, he leaked a soft smile.

Sam stared at them with furrowed brows.

Logan cleared his throat. "Enough about me, the two of you should go dance and enjoy the party."

"Well, I'm waiting for a certain someone to ask me to dance, but it appears as though he has lost his courage." Sam said, glancing at Nathan.

He grinned. "Perhaps courage is not the issue.”

Sam raised her brow. "Then what might it be?"

"The opportune moment.”

"Stop flirting and just go!" Logan said.

Both of them chuckled at his outburst.

"Shall we?" Nathan said presenting his hand.

"We shall."

Bradley stood beside the disc jockey's table, enjoying the high tempo music. Upon observation of the dance floor, he smiled mischievously. He approached the disc jockey and whispered into his ear.

"Hey, can you make the next song a slow one?"

"Our lovely host and her special person would like to dance more...intimately." he said pointing towards a certain spot in the crowd. The disc jockey nodded and gave him a thumbs up.

As the up-beat song came to an end, the music changed to that of a more dramatic and slow tempo. Surprised, both Nathan and Sam glanced at the disc jockey's table. Beside him, Bradley smiled at them with his thumbs pointing upwards.

They looked at each other and laughed.

"I think he wants us to slow dance." Nathan said.

"So it seems." she said.

Nathan grasped her hand, squeezing gently as he looked into her eyes. She smiled, manoeuvring her hand so that their fingers intertwine.

She guided his hands to her waist, then placed her arms around his neck, interlocking her fingers.

They started moving slowly, significantly slower than the tempo of the music.

They kept their gazes on each other, as if they were afraid that the other would disappear if they looked away for a second.

Nathan pulled her closer towards his chest, taking her by surprise. She gasped, but quickly regained her composure with a subtle exclamation.

"Mmm.”

Nathan grinned. "Your eyes betrayed you.”

"Shush." she said, resting her head on his shoulder, facing him. She smiled.

He slid his hands onto her lower back, locking his fingers in place.

He felt a familiar yet strange sensation in his chest. He couldn't quite place it, however, he understood that it only occurred when he was around her.

Although they were in a similar situation before, this time it felt different. Previously he acted on impulse, reacting to her as natural as it would be to breathe. At this moment however, he felt hesitation in his actions, though he didn't fully understand the reason for it. His thoughts strayed, not knowing what to do next.

Sam placed her hand onto the back of his head, caressing it with her fingertips. The sensation brought his thoughts back into focus. He gently stroked her lower back with his thumbs, keeping the rest of his fingers interlocked. She arched her back due to the stimulus, unintentionally thrusting her pelvis against his.

"Mmm." he said.

She lightly tapped his head in response, however, she let a faint giggle slip. Nathan grinned.

They continued their intimate dance; their feet barely moving, focusing only on the sensation of each other's touch.

Sam closed her eyes and whispered, as if it were a wish. "I don't want this night to end."

Nathan turned towards her, tightening his hold.

"It doesn't have to." he said.

Although he said that, he had no indication as to where the evening would lead them. He felt the urge to say something, but he hesitated, much to his frustration.

Sam lifted her head off his shoulder. She looked into his eyes, then gently placed her forehead against his. They closed their eyes simultaneously.

Nathan moved his hand up her back, pulling her tighter against his chest.

In that moment, unlike the time he spent with Princess Canavhri, he truly felt at peace.

They continued their embrace, disregarding everything and everyone around them. The song changed multiple times, however, they were oblivious, existing only in the moment they created.

Sam backed away, removing her right hand from the back of his head. She gazed at him, caressing his cheek with the back of her fingers. She slid her hand down his face, gently pinching his chin.

Nathan smiled sheepishly, recalling that evening in the clearing. He opened his eyes to a longing expression as she gazed above his chin. He too focused intently on her supple lips, subconsciously drawn towards them.

As the atmosphere between them intensified, Sam averted her eyes, looking down.

Nathan gently placed his hand below her chin, lifting her face. "Are you all right?"

"Yes, I just..." she said looking into his eyes.

She glanced at his lips, then back at him.

Unlike that evening in the clearing, her body remained calm. Her eyes however, reflected her desire. He acknowledged her intentions, as well as her hesitation to act on them. He smiled having recognised a similar feeling within him.

‘Are you holding yourself back, as I am?’

He didn't know what her misgivings were, however, he understood that there was no need to rush. He knew with absolute certainty that she was worth waiting for.

He removed his hand from her chin, placing it on her back. He straightened his posture and nodded. She smiled, comprehending his consideration.

She returned her head to his shoulder, then gently kissed his neck before closing her eyes.

Nathan smiled having understood the emotion conveyed through her kiss.

They continued their slow dance until the music stopped, but even then, neither one released the other. They remained in each other's embrace, blissfully, without concern for the whispers and stares from those around them.

At the end of the evening, all of the guests had left, except for Nathan, Sam, Logan and Bradley, who stayed behind for cleaning duty.

"Remind me again why we are doing this now, aren't the people who own this place away for the weekend?" Bradley said.

Nathan sighed. "The sooner we finish this, the sooner we can leave."

"Has the celebration ended? That is a shame." a deep and low voice said approaching the barn.

Everyone turned towards the direction of the voice and dropped the trash bags.

Four very large and intimidating hooded figures stood in front of them. Nathan noted that they appeared to be around four meters in height, also, there was something familiar about them that he couldn't quite place.

"Who are you? This is private property!” Nathan said, walking out of the barn.

"I smell Altherian." one figure said, sniffing the air.

"Yes, this is the one that we have been searching for." another figure said, removing his dark grey hood.

The other figures proceeded to remove their hoods as well, revealing scarred, beast-like faces.

Sam shrieked at the ghastly sight, and hid her face behind Nathan's back.

‘It can't be!...’

"I asked you a question! Who the hell are you, and what do you want?" Nathan said as he held onto Sam.

"Who we are does not matter Altherian, what we want is you." one figure said.

"Dead, that is." another added.

Logan stepped out in front of Nathan immediately. "You'll have to go through me.”

"Take Sam as far away from here as possible." Nathan said, turning to Bradley who stood paralysed with fear.

"W-what are those things?" he said in a trembling voice.

"Bradley! Get yourselves to safety!" Nathan yelled.

Bradley shook his head and grasped Sam by the arm.

"No, Nathan!" she said.

Nathan stood beside Logan; he placed his hand at the back of his head, the next moment, Logan felt a surge flowing from his head down to his spine.

"What was that?" he said.

"The seal, we'll be able to fight now." Nathan said.

"I'll explain later." he said in response to Logan's bewildered expression.

Two of the figures charged at them, moving fast and swiftly on the ground.

"They're fast!" Logan said as he prepared himself.

Nathan and Logan intercepted the beastly beings, punching them on their sternums before they could react. Two loud thuds echoed as their heavy blows sent the beasts hurtling past the remaining two, who quietly watched the events unfold.

Bradley and Sam jolted reflexively at the force of their punches, and gasped when the beasts momentum did not stop after a few meters.

"Run Bradley!" Nathan yelled.