Stone by stone, stacked with Roman concrete, the wall must be built. If I build it, some part of me will be lost. If I do not, some part of me will be crushed. My own vanity and pride cannot withstand the passing whims of others. If only I could dig a moat around my heart. I feel dramatic, but I will not remain encumbered with this nonsense. I have always longed to be a warrior, to fight, to defend that which I love. But until this day, I failed to love my heart. So I must be a shieldmaiden for it. To protect myself, yet know when to raise the gates. Perhaps I am too immature, I ask for that which only comes with time.