How cold the crimson was upon my skin.
How loud the crying that came from my mouth.
How bright the colours that came into my eyes.
How warm the blanket wrapped around my body.
How gentle the sway of her loving cradle.
How soothing the sound of her heart's soft beat.
How beautiful the sound of her calm voice.
How rough the feel of his fingers unto me.
How strong the grasp of his arms around me.
How powerful the sound of his voice that spoke to me.
How brave the eyes look upon me.
How judging the gaze that surveyed me.
She gave me food, so that I may grow.
He gave me sword, so that I may protect myself.
She made me healthy, so that I may survive.
He made me strong, so that I may thrive.
She tended my hurts, so that I may heal.
He helped me earn them, so that I may feel.
He struck me hard, so that I may learn.
She held me after, so that I may no longer burn.
I grew tall, I became strong;
I will protect her from all that seek to do her harm.
I grew hard, I became mighty;
In his eyes I shall do all things rightly.
I grew wise, I became just;
Love them both, the dearest of trust.
Born I was, born to bleed.
Blessed with the heart of the warrior;
The tool of a war, the life lived to die.
Will my name be remembered?
Will my sacrifices be forgotten?
For without such glory my living would have been rotten.
For his blood, for his name;
Will forever flow within my veins.
Until my final breath:
She showed me life, and he will show me death.
A Warrior's Song by Ægáldred, reflecting his thoughts upon the life that his brother Meadwine and his sister Meadowyn have chosen.
