There was a southern maiden 

Everytime she dipped her foot in the well of love she drowned

Brick by brick she built a wall

High as the skies where nothing but clouds floated by

Where none may enter

Stout oaken door

Iron key forged

Heart shaped lock

Retreating from the world outside the door

She dreamed her dreams waiting on love

She would have her desire or none at all

She dreamed of a knight stout of heart

Tattered standard on a field of withered flowers

Raven kept the key

Guarding what was precious

A maiden's heart

Moon waxed and waned

Seasons came and went

Years turned

She dreamed

Raven kept its perch

Eyes watchful

Hopeful

Many knocked

Many sent away bearing the ravens mark

To win the maiden one must woo the raven

Like a midnight breeze sudden and unseen

Silent as the snow he showed

Quiet and solemn in his demeanor

Standing before her

Eyes locked

In a instant she saw his battles fought

Friends lost

A criss cross patch of broken scars

Tears on grizzled cheeks

His heart

At her feet he laid his tattered standard

field of roses faded and faint

A broken shield

A stained sword

A white feather

A blood red rose

He stood naked and unbound in her presence

Proud

Defiant

Undaunted

Hand on his chest covering the scar that was his heart

One word from his lips

Forever

One word

One deed

One scar

One rose

Showed his worth

His truth was seen

She turned the key

Faint sigh as a dream awoke

Soft whisper as forever was born