Dark plumage resembling an ominous raincloud , it descended upon the oak tree.

On a low branch, the Raven perched , blending with the shadows of approaching twilight.

Onyx orbs bespeaking ancient wisdom, lingered on the narrow cobblestone path.

Watching listlessly, as fates contrive yet another soul, into the volition of life or death.

Heedless of the peril awaiting her , beyond the ingress of her own abode.

The youthful lass sauntered through the path , a fruit basket
hanging from her delicate arms.

Her soft footfalls echoed through the hallway, as she wandered into the warmth of her home.

The spell of desolate silence , was broken by a soft melody playing on her lips.

But unknown to her, with an evil glint in his eyes , he lurked in the burgeoning darkness.

The wench had wounded his pride, chosing another man over his worthy self.

And the day has arrived, for him to claim his right and exact revenge.

Afore the unwary maiden could sense any danger, a knife pierced her bosom and she keeled

Her cry of agony was drowned by the howling wind , rattling the windows.

The basket fell, it's contents besprinkled; the colour of those ripe plums matching the blood pouring out of her wound.

As the life force threatened to abandon her, through the sanguine fluid leaving her in rivulets, she willed it to cease with all her might

Even as she lay helpless, there was fire in her eyes, as she looked at the vile caitiff

The face of her beloved, flashed before her eyes and she remembered the unfinished letter.

Her brief encounter with love and happiness was curtailed by the wretched fates

She wanted to live, wanted to dream, wanted to explore the world that beckoned to her.

Yet, when she felt his lecherous hands stroking her arms, a fear greater than the fear of death, gripped her beating heart.

The fear of losing her virtue, to this wretch of a man, was a fate far worse than death itself.

As his sordid grip tightened on her arms, she let her soul escape the confines of her body.

Outside the window the Raven tilted it's head and called out into the cold winter night

"Do not fear, departing soul, for death is not an end, just another path ,to a higher dimension."