Braided in Blood

You braided my hair with trembling hands,

As I buckled steel and made my stand

No tear you shed, no word you spoke,

But in your breath, the mountains broke

Your scent is warpaint on my skin,

A memory stitched beneath my grin

And if I fall where axes scream,

Know I died inside your dream

Kiss me like fire before I go,

Beneath the sky, above the snow

Freyja guards the love we made,

In every scar, your touch will stay

If I return with bloodied hand,

I'll hold you like the northern land

But if I sleep in halls above,

Remember me as battle's love

You gave me thread to bind my blade,

Whispered blessings the wind replayed

The drums may drown out softer cries,

But I still see you in war-born skies

I'll carve your name on shield and tree,

So gods and ghosts remember me

Not as the beast that battle claimed

But the man you kissed and never tamed

Let the winds take what they must,

But never our names, never our trust

Kiss me like fire before I go,

Beneath the sky, above the snow

Freyja guards the love we made,

In every scar, your touch will stay

If I return with bloodied hand,

I'll hold you like the northern land

But if I sleep in halls above,

Remember me as battle's love

In steel and storm... I carry you