Owyn's death still affects Thom and he dosen't want that to happen to anyone else he cares about. its his reason for helping Rand and Mat in the early days.

plus in that chapter you get told about baby Lan and Malkier.

those are the most important issues to those two. past issues that effect their futures.

Min should become a psychiatrist, she'd make money hand over fist. *hears weeping in the background* "its just an expression Rand, i thought you were over that already?"