Definitions

*Petherós = Greek for father-in-law

*Gamprós = Greek for son-in-law

*Pappous, or Pappouli (more sweet way) = Greek for grandpa

*Anipsiós = Greek for nephew

*Anipsiá = Greek for niece

*Megáli anipsiá = Greek for great niece

*Engoni = Greek for grand daughter

*Kouniáda = Greek for sister-in-law *Kouniádos = Greek for brother-in-law *Khu man = Laotian for betrothed

Disclaimer: I don't own Demon Diary, but do own the idea for all OC characters in this fic.

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Chap 21: "Until my final breath"

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"Uncle Chris I wasn't expecting you" Phantasia moved aside to allow the fifty two year old entry into the room. In a matter of moments she magically lifted many weapons from the floor, table and chairs, and returned them to their cases.

In an argument with her uncles two years prior, she gave in to their demands that she and Dromen stay at Castle Raenef, rather than establishing their own home in another land. She opted to reside in her favorite of the halls she and Luna were always forbidden to play in.

"I hope you didn't walk all the way here" she teased. Clad in a green shirt and tunic, she so resembled Erutis, though her golden locks were from her father.

Setting a hand on her shoulder, "I pray daily for you and Dromen."

Sighing she looked toward the stained glass windows. "We get along well enough uncle. You forget, I have lived twenty three years."

"Ah yes, I did not recall that means you know more than I."

Turning to him she smirked, "You should sit."

"I am fine my dear, Rased has not released his hold on me just yet."

"For that I am most grateful." She hugged him tightly.

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Outside, Solaria lay on her stomach watching her grandfather and betrothed spar. With auburn hair in a simple braid to keep it out of her face, she stretched her body, delighting in the cool grass touching her bare neck and arms. Plucking a lily from the ground, she tossed it from her line of view.

She occasionally felt envy for her ten-year-old cousin's skill, though quickly hushed it away. As her mother said, her time would come.

Her eclectic teachings included magic, combat, the ways of Rased, and even menial tasks such as repairing loose table legs, or sewing tears in her clothing. Her upbringing was rich, filling.

When a pair of hands scooped her up she nearly screamed. "Solaria dearest, you know it is unsafe for you to be so close to their sparring" her grandfather the lord said, dark robe fluttering in the breeze. Aged fifty in human years, his demon life appeared forty at most.

In a gust of fiery red hair Dromen was instantly before them. "Pappous, I would never allow my heart to be injured."

He bowed, then asked "May I escort you inside for lunch milady?"

Giggling, the little princess jumped from her grandfather's arms, and into those of her future husband. They soon reached the castle doors, and he set her down to walk inside. He reached a foot higher than she, but it didn't matter to them.

Raenef lifted the fallen flower from the ground.

"Lilium, not Convallaria majalis gamprós", Eclipse assured, knowing his partner worried it was the lily-of-the-valley that nearly caused the early death of his sister.

Breathing again, he nodded "Yes, of course." His mind traveled to memories of days long past.

"Raenef, I'll look over the yard later today."

Mind remaining detached from the situation, "Bring my food to the war room."

They spoke at dawn about a sense the lord felt. Though he was unsure how close the danger felt, something was coming.

"I'll join you after serving Solaria and Dromen."

Picking up the weapons Dromen left, he followed the children inside.

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Lunch was comprised of curried shark, and green vegetables topped with onion and garlic spices.

Dabbing her mouth with a napkin, "Pappous this is delicious."

"It is the shark Dromen slayed this morning." They recently began training in different environments, such as the ocean.

With a wide smile, "How amazing Dromen!"

Red eyes smiled sweetly, "Solaria your praise fills me more than any delicacy."

He devoted much of his time to fierce training, but his heart would ever be loyal to his betrothed.

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In their section of the castle, Phantasia found her brother reading one of his favorite books about the Hangma War. "Look at the cloak I had your aunt make for you."

Accepting the black garment with a smile he said, "Thank you mommy."

Still unable to handle Erutis's death, she slapped him across the face.

"Our mother is gone." Tears fell instantly from green eyes; this spring day their mother would be fifty three.

Saddened more by his sister's tears than his stinging skin, he quickly hugged her.

Memories of her parent's wondrous marriage danced across her mind. They no longer filled her with pride and joy.

Blinking, she recalled better memories, ones that made her happy.

"There once was a master of swords..."

She told her brother the story of a fearsome woman who defeated nearly every foe she fought against- the battle stories their mother shared before succumbing to the accursed illness.

He heard these tales many times before, though never tired of them.

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"Unlike Phantasia, he's not very capable when it comes to using magic, but with hand-to-hand combat he's a beast."

"That is what worries me... sometimes" Luna told her husband. Although as of yet she never felt he would harm Solaria, there still were many years ahead. Following years of numerous successful training sessions against "enemies" comprised of magic, wood, and stone, at merely age ten in human years Dromen easily slaughtered whatever animals he hunted with his idol Eclipse.

In "The Shop" husband and wife worked together on a lavish gown for his sister.

"It has been such a while since we last saw Bethany, and her son."

"Yes, Gavin is twelve this year." Thread fell from his hands.

"Do you think Asher will allow them to-"

He shook his head. They hadn't seen his sister, or nephew since their wedding, though he sometimes received letters from Bethany.

In the letter he received one day ago, his sister requested the gown, and informed she was carrying another child.

"I wish we could perform a ritual of some sort, to ensure that-" he stopped.

"Don't worry my treasure. Bethany, and her children are in Rased's hands. We can pray tonight with Solaria." Though lessons from her upbringing clashed with her husband's beliefs, they sometimes prayed together.

Comforted, he kissed the one he found to be his light.

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Pushing the shark meat around on his plate, Raenef could concentrate only on the terrible sensation that would not cease.

"I want you to re-educate me."

His partner put his cutlery down, "You gained awareness of which creatures plan to attack?"

"I have not. After speaking with Meruhesae, my precautionary notions are reinforced. I want you to train me in methods to counter attacks from each known race and species as though I am a novice."

His lord's hand trembled momentarily as he set a score of old texts onto the oaken desk beside them.

With each life added to his family, Raenef the fifth became increasingly more determined to protect until his final breath.

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End of chap 21

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Hope you liked it, please review.

APPROX AGES

DROMEN: 10

SOLARIA: 4 ½,

LUNA: 26

NATHANIEL: 25

PHANTASIA: 23

CHRIS: 52

RAE: 50

Erutis: 53