G O L D E N E Y E S

Well, let’s see...

Once, Mat was inspired by my cousin emptying a bucket of wet feathers onto my head, so he decided to replicate this wonderful prank and add his own spin to it. I got roped into being the lookout, Rand the one who would distract the unlucky target, while Mat took it upon himself to perch up in the rafters. And this all happened in the Winespring Inn, mind you.

Mat still insists he did not slip, but the next thing we know, Mat and Rand are a tangle of limbs, the cat is yowling at the top of its lungs and scratching them both up, and there’s no way they can hear me trying to warn them that Mistress al’Vere is on her way and looks like a thundercloud.

I have not had much of a chance to read as of late, due to how busy I am, but I do enjoy reading whenever I can spare some free time, usually before bed.

I think my favorite book is The Tales of Jain Farstrider, though, simply because I would read it so often when I was younger, and Mat and Rand and I would often try to act out parts in it.

I imagine we’ll wind up having children eventually. Faile’s mother did want at least six grandchildren… personally, though, I would be fine with at least two, and I can’t imagine Faile is keen on having too many children, either.

Even though Faile and I rule Saldaea — imagine my surprise when I realized I wouldn’t just be a figurehead — I’m still the Steward of the Two Rivers, and visit often to make sure things are running smoothly. Tam has done a fine job while I’m in Saldaea, but he refuses to rule the Two Rivers in any official capacity. He’s put out enough with me naming him a lord, and he’s refused Elayne’s strong suggestions that it is in his right to, because of being Rand’s father. There is also the matter of Elayne’s children, what with them being Rand’s. It’s… a messy politics-riddled discussion that’s still on the table, as far as I’m aware.

Light! I’m probably the last person you should be asking this. I must admit I’m actually not sure if you are asking how I personally deal with heartbreak, or if you are looking for general advice, but...

I’ll start by saying don’t think I deal with heartbreak very well, but… I suppose it would depend on the circumstances surrounding said heartbreak? I can’t help you much as far as losing a loved one to death, or something along those lines, is concerned, other than to tell you to persevere. It’s devastating, to have someone so dear to you, the only one who grants you strength to get up some mornings, be taken from you. I don’t think you can ever get over something like that, not fully.

However, if this heartbreak is in regards to parting ways with someone because you don’t match, or it turns out you do not care for one another the way you originally thought you did, then I think I have some advice to offer. Of course, each situation is different, so this is not foolproof advice, but I will try my best.

If your loved one is the one who ended things with you, be gracious. Appreciate the time you shared together, even if it hurts. Perhaps they thought it was better to be honest with you than to cling to a lie. In that case, it is probably for the best that it’s over. Holding on to someone who does not love you as much as you love them is unfair to both of you. If you have the opportunity, though, don’t let it sour the rest of your relationship. You can still find an invaluable friend, sometimes.

If they ended things with you on a bad note, however, and were being derisive, disrespectful, or anything along those lines, then graciousness is not necessary on your part. Oh, be polite, of course. Don’t stoop to their level --- that satisfies them too much. But there is no reason to keep such a spiteful person in your thoughts, no matter what you felt for them. Better yet, cut off all contact with them. They are not worth your time.

You may still love them, even if they do not, but that’s all right. It’s perfectly understandable to still love someone who hurt you. Love doesn’t disappear overnight. Love takes time to build up, like most things that are built to last, so love will naturally take time to break down. Be patient with yourself.

Sometimes, your love for said person will never fully go away. It will dull with time, of course, and you will finally reach a point when it no longer hurts. But it might leave its permanent mark on you, and that’s all right too. Everyone has marks of some sort, be they marks from scabby knees or marks on their soul that aren’t visible to the naked eye.

Just don’t let these marks define your actions for the rest of your life. There is nothing more dangerous than hiding behind a shield you have put in place to keep yourself safe, keeping everyone at arm’s length, when there are people who are trying to reach out to you.

Give yourself time, be patient and understanding --- nothing gets better overnight --- and then pick yourself up again. Keep walking, even if it hurts. I promise it gets better, even if right now you feel like it won’t.