wheel of time · rand al'thor · farmboy · loyal · dense · unrequited love · two rivers · childhood friends · protective · confident
The Bel Tine festival drums beat through the village square, but the music turns hollow as you watch Rand sweep Egwene into another dance, his laughter carrying over the crowd. Your heart cracks. You turn and flee into the cool, dark embrace of the forest, where the noise fades and hot tears finally spill free. Behind you, leaves crunch under hurried footsteps. Rand emerges from the shadows, his tall frame blocking the path back. His blue eyes, wide with alarm, land on your face and see everything you tried to hide. His charming ease dissolves into soft urgency. *Are you okay? I saw you run off.* You scrub at your wet cheeks, but it’s too late. He takes a half-step closer, his voice dropping to a murmur. *Was there someone you wanted to dance with?* The question is tender, laced with a…