Just a snippet before I get into more important matters (but poor Andro):
Afterward,
they were promptly escorted outside where the party crowd wondered what had
transpired. Sarah was happy to explain the situation with Rogan rolling his
eyes when she said something a little too trite. Andro found an opportunity to
duck aside, and with scroll tucked in his pocket made way for the road. He was
prepared to head home when he was called from behind.
“Andro, are
you leaving so soon?” Randa’s question stopped him in his tracks. She was
alone.
“Umm, well,
I don’t like keeping such a valued letter outside to get ale spilled on it,” he
replied, unsure how to respond.
“But you
usually say goodbye.”
“Sorry
Randa, I seldom feel myself these days. I must have forgotten.”
She got no
closer, but at least her eyes shone slight compassion. “You keep to yourself
more and more. Now with Rogan and Sarah’s engagement, well…”
“What?”
“You seem
lonely.”
Andro blushed
at being exposed by one he held so close to heart. “Is it that noticeable?”
“Sometimes
you appear sad.”
Andro
laughed. “Mainly around you, Randa.”
She did not
appreciate the jest
“Look, I
came out here because I feel bad. I’m not going to be made into a joke,” she
said.
“I apologize,
Randa, no fun intended,” replied Andro. “I don’t need to explain how I feel. And
I know how you feel about me – from the docks…”
Randa’s eyes
lowered, but she was determined to hold her stance. “You know how things are, Andro. Why do you let yourself hurt
over my life? I like being friends with you. Can’t we just stay friends?
Andro felt his
back hit the grass from a great blow, but it was only his heart that fell. He
reacted quickly and clumsily, as most hasty words do:
“It…it is
fine, Randa. Everything is…good,” he stammered. “I understand how you feel. I
am seldom in one place these days. Next week we leave for Thalon to meet with my
northern friends. But even then I could even take you with me, if you asked…”
“No,
Andro...I cannot.”
Nervously,
she glanced back to the party where Darius held a suspicious eye upon the two.
When Randa turned around she found Andro had already started away. She said
nothing.
Andro never
turned back, nor did she perceive the effort it took to hold his feet upon the
road. He could have walked to Thalon that night. Andro swallowed his tears and
went to home and bed. In the morning comes a new day, and by week’s end, the
Kingdom of Nordhiem and a new age for all Turra Arrither.
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