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|parents=[[Dalinar]], [[Evi]]
|siblings=[[Renarin]]
|relatives=[[
|spouse=[[Shallan]]
|born={{Rosharan date|1150|3|8|3}}{{book ref|sa1|12}}{{wob ref|15905}}
|titles=Prince of [[
|'residence={{tag|Kholinar|cat=Residents of Kholinar}} <small>(formerly)</small>, {{tag|Shattered_Plains#Warcamps|text=The Alethi warcamps|cat=Residents of the Alethi warcamps}} <small>(formerly)</small>, {{tag|Urithiru|cat=Residents of Urithiru}}
|groups={{tag+|army|Kholin}}
|nation=Alethkar
|world=Roshar
|universe=[[Cosmere]]
|
}}
{{update|sa4}}
{{quote
|My father thinks I'm a better man than he is. Unfortunately for you, he's wrong.
|Adolin to Sadeas{{book ref|sa2|89}}
}}
'''Adolin Kholin''' is a [[lighteyed]] [[Alethi]] prince and third in line to the throne of Alethkar.{{book ref|sa2|1}}
== Appearance and Personality ==
=== Appearance ===
{{for|/Gallery|more images}}
Adolin's hair is mostly blond, with streaks of Alethi black running through it;{{book ref|sa1|15}} the blond color comes from [[Evi Kholin|his mother]] and is seen as a sign of his bloodline being impure by some Alethi.{{book ref|sa2|38}} His hair has been described as an unruly mop{{book ref|sa1|28}}{{book ref|sa2|4}} and a stylish mess.{{book ref|sa1|58}} Adolin prefers to remain clean-shaven, but he does grow a beard after throwing himself in jail in protest of Kaladin's imprisonment. His beard was also blond speckled with black.{{book ref|sa2|66}} His eyes are blue{{book ref|sa1|15}} and have an [[Wikipedia:Epicanthic fold|epicanthic fold]].{{wob ref|4079}}
=== Personality ===
Adolin is incredibly loyal to his father, though he doesn't always see eye-to-eye with Dalinar and is unafraid to voice his opinions.{{book ref|sa1|24}} His skepticism surrounding the Codes eventually changes and Adolin begins to understand their purpose. He grows to become a better leader as a result and at the same time, he grows further away from the people he once considered to be friends.{{book ref|sa1|58}}
He
He is impulsive, often having to be held back by Renarin or rebuked by his father.{{book ref|sa2|12}}{{book ref|sa1|15}} Sadeas even refers to him as a "firebrand".{{book ref|sa1|15}} This impulsiveness of his has led to him throwing Kaladin across the practice grounds while sparring,{{book ref|sa2|18}} accidentally allowing Relis Ruthar to set him up in a one-on-four duel{{book ref|sa2|53}} and contributed in some part to his snapping and murdering Sadeas.{{book ref|sa2|89}} His impulsive behavior is often also beneficial, as seen in his rescue of Notum{{book ref|sa4|25}} and how his offer to stand trial gets the envoy into Lasting Integrity.{{book ref|sa4|36}}
Adolin has a strong sense of right and wrong, instilled in him by his mother.{{wob ref|2102}} In his first encounter with Kaladin, he saves a prostitute from being beaten by one of Sadeas's officers.{{book ref|sa1|46}} He also throws himself in jail as a show of solidarity with Kaladin.{{book ref|sa2|66}} He is willing to kill those that he considers morally wrong and a threat to those he loves, such as Sadeas. This arises from a mixture of his strong sense of morality, justice, and his hotheaded nature.{{book ref|sa2|89}}{{wob ref|659}}{{wob ref|12704}}{{wob ref|13551}} He is also willing to hide evidence of his involvement in a crime if he feels justified in his actions.{{book ref|sa2|89}}
He is shown to be very confident, charismatic and friendly, being on good terms with both [[lighteyes]] and [[darkeyes]].{{book ref|sa2|68}} While Adolin likes to be familiar with a large number of people, calling them friends and acquaintances, he is not close with many of them.{{book ref|sa1|58}} Before he marries [[Shallan Davar]], he's also infamous for his numerous, short-lived courtships.{{book ref|sa1|22}} Adolin admits to Kaladin that while he knows how to get women, he is unsure of how to keep them.{{book ref|sa2|68}}
Adolin is observant, which has led to him being suspicious of those he does not trust. He absolutely does not trust Sadeas, even when his father asks him to, and is eventually proven right at the [[Battle of the Tower]].{{book ref|sa1|65}} He is suspicious of Kaladin for a long time, being the only one to notice that the arm Szeth cut with his [[Honorblade]] miraculously healed itself.{{book ref|sa2|33}} He is the first person outside of [[Bridge Four]] to believe Kaladin's claims about [[Amaram]], stating that he always felt the man was hiding something.{{book ref|sa2|66}}
He doesn't seem to be particularly religious, something Dalinar points out.{{book ref|sa1|24}}
With the rise of the Radiants and the fall of [[Alethkar]], the young highprince is struggling to find his place in the world. He feels that others are often better placed to meet the challenges and that without access to surgebinding he doesn't have much to contribute to the leading of the Alethi or the coalition.{{book ref|sa4|29}} His conversation with [[Azure]] in Shadesmar on royalty and duty{{book ref|sa3|101}} helps evaluate his own roles and skills. Later it leads him to decline the Alethi crown after Elhokar's death.{{book ref|sa3|122}} He continues to struggle when he takes on the mantle of highprince. His desire to prove himself makes him very determined to succeed in his diplomatic mission to the honorspren, as he doesn't want to let his father down, and he is motivated by his desire to show he is still good for something.{{book ref|sa4|34}}
Adolin is also a very caring friend to those around him. He sees it when his friends need support, and he is always there for them. An example is when he takes Kaladin out when the Windrunner is depressed after his retirement. During the conversation, Adolin explained how he was looking for ways to help Kaladin and Shallan with their mental struggles.{{book ref|sa4|12}}
== Attributes and Abilities ==
=== Ryshadium ===
{{for|Sureblood}}
He had a white stallion, a [[Ryshadium]] horse named [[Sureblood]],{{book ref|sa1|26}} one of only a dozen Ryshadium in all the Alethi warcamps on the [[Shattered Plains]]. Adolin believed there was an undefinable bond between him and Sureblood, that he could read the Ryshadium's emotions, though it was more delicate than the bond between a man and a sword.{{book ref|sa3|10}}
Sureblood died during the Battle of Narak.{{book ref|sa2|81}} Adolin felt regret for not having spent more time with the Ryshadium due to being distracted by the duels and courting Shallan.{{book ref|sa3|10}}
{{for|Gallant}}
Later around 1175, Adolin started to visit and take care of Dalinar's Rhyshadium, [[Gallant]], as his father had less time for this.{{book ref|sa3|10}} Later it chose Adolin as his second rider.{{book ref|sa4|21}} Over time their bond deepened, and Gallant helped by carrying Maya on the expedition to Shadesmar.{{book ref|sa4|32}} When Adolin ran to save Notum, Gallant came running to his aid without being summoned.{{book ref|sa4|35}}
=== Shardbearer ===
Adolin
==== Shardplate ====
Adolin inherited his [[Shardplate]] from his mother's side of the family on his
==== Mayalaran ====
{{for|Mayalaran}}
Adolin won a then unnamed [[Shardblade]] from [[Tinalar]] in a duel during his youth. From the age of five Adolin had insisted on winning his own.{{book ref|sa3|52}}
Adolin
Adolin
===
{{quote
|This might be our last fight together [
|Adolin to his Shardblade, Maya
}}
Adolin's [[Calling]] is
Adolin has a series of traditions he performs before any duel he fights. While in the preparation room, which is used primarily for meditation, he talks to his unnamed Blade before continuing on to the staging room where his armorers help him into his Shardplate. [[Navani]] normally paints a glyphward for him, though by his final duel he has
Adolin has employed various Shardblade Stances in his duels, though he relies most heavily on [[Windstance]] and diverse tactics. In the duel against [[Resi]], which is disguised as a friendly match, Adolin implements the defensive and offensive forms of Windstance, his style described as dancing.{{book ref|sa1|58}}
In the final duel against Elit, [[Relis Ruthar]], [[Abrobadar]] and [[Jakamav]] Adolin relies most heavily on Windstance, as it is the most effective against multiple opponents. At one point he backs himself up against a wall to protect his back.
It can be argued that Adolin is actually the most skilled
=== Tactician ===
Adolin has been trained in battlefield tactics since a young age{{book ref|sa3|66}} and has employed these skills during the [[Battle of Narak]], the Battle of Kholinar and the Battle of Thaylen City.
== History ==
=== Early Life (1150-1167)===
==== Childhood ====
Adolin was born earlier than expected, on {{Rosharan date|1150|3|8|3}}{{book ref|sa1|12}}{{wob ref|15905}}, with a full head of blonde and black hair. Dalinar, joyous of having been given a son, named him, using the components "Adoda", meaning "light", and the suffix "lin", meaning "born unto". He hoped that Adolin would have his father's strength and his mother's compassion.{{book ref|sa3|42}} On the same day Gavilar informed Dalinar that he would be put to use in the border skirmishes. Dalinar proceeded to spend much of Adolin's childhood away from Kholinar and his family.{{book ref|sa3|42}}
Adolin's early sense of morality was instilled in him by his mother.{{wob ref|2102}} Evi was fond of hugs and physical affection and this translated to Adolin easily reacquainting himself with personal displays of affection while betrothed to Shallan later in life.{{book ref|sa3|77}}
At age 5, Adolin visited Dalinar on the battlefront with his mother and a very young Renarin. Dalinar had last seen Adolin a little over a year before. Already Adolin was showing an energetic personality, playing with wooden swords, crafting armor from [[rockbud]] shells and string, and terrorizing the chulls. When presented to his father he saluted him but quickly shied away afterwards, and had to have confirmed Dalinar was his father. He told Dalinar that he and his mother offered prayers for him every night so that he would be safe. Adolin showed a desire to please his father even at such a young age. He told his father he didn't want Dalinar to give him a shardblade, he wanted to win one himself.{{book ref|sa3|52}}
Adolin started training with the sword at the age of six. Renarin mentioned that this made him different in some way, but there is no elaboration.{{book ref|sa2|26}}
==== Adolescence ====
{{image|Trained by Master by Ari Ibarra.jpg|side=right|width=200px|Training with [[Zahel]]}}
He eventually started training with [[Zahel]] after stubbornly refusing to at first{{book ref|sa2|18}} some number of years before the present.{{book ref|sa2|35}}
Adolin
Dalinar
=== War of Reckoning (1167-1174) ===
==== The Chasmfiend Hunt ====
Adolin and his brother Renarin
{{image|Highprince and Sons by Marie Seeberger.jpg|side=left|width=300px|Adolin with his family on the hunt}}
When the [[chasmfiend]] appeared on the wrong plateau, threatening unarmed attendants, guests, and scribes, Adolin helped his father and Elhokar kill it. During the fight, Adolin was momentarily awed by seeing his father display the prowess that earned him the title of [[Blackthorn]].{{book ref|sa1|13}} Afterwards Adolin oversaw the cleanup, happy to be doing something, while the other lighteyes on the trip relaxed leisurely. When Sadeas insulted his father, Adolin was quick to defend him, though his manner in doing so was brash and led to a rebuke from his father and a gentle restraint from Renarin. Sadeas then turned his attention to his brother, and Adolin nearly summoned his Shardblade but stopped when he was ordered to by Dalinar.{{book ref|sa1|15}}
Later, Dalinar took Adolin aside to inspect the king's saddle as Elhokar had requested of them. Adolin quickly realized that Elhokar believed the girth was cut deliberately and, annoyed, pointed out his cousin's worsening paranoia and that he and his father seemed to have become Elhokar's bodyguards. Despite their misgivings, both he and Dalinar agreed that if the girth was cut there may have been a plot to kill the king, as Alethi lighteyes were fond of their overly complicated plots. Dalinar assigned Adolin the task of investigating this further. Adolin wondered if Sadeas may have been behind it, but Dalinar shut down the suggestion. He explained to Adolin that they and Sadeas both had a vested interest and desire to keep Elhokar safe and would work together to manipulate other highprinces for the King's benefit. Dalinar then revealed [[Gavilar]]'s final words. Adolin connected this to his father's presumed delusions and assumed they were a product of guilt over Gavilar's death. Dalinar hoped Adolin would learn to see the importance of the Codes. He then asked Adolin to at least respect Sadeas. Adolin reluctantly agreed and at his insistence Dalinar agreed to consider that Sadeas might be playing them.{{book ref|sa1|15}}
Elhokar later queried them about their opinions on the strap. When Dalinar told him that while it may have been cut there was no definitive proof, the king insisted that there was a plot to kill him and that perhaps someone on the hunt had planned it. Adolin caught the king giving them a suspicious look, and when Elhokar left he asked his father if he had seen it too. Dalinar cut him off and told Adolin he would talk to Elhokar about it later. When the bridges finally arrived, Adolin resumed control of the army, directing its movements back towards the camps.{{book ref|sa1|15}}
==== The Investigation ====
Adolin
Two days later Adolin informed his father of his findings. Dalinar and Adolin agreed that the best action would be for Dalinar to tell Elhokar that they had found nothing. Adolin brought up the visions, but Dalinar ended the conversation as they arrived at one of the king's feasts. Before they parted ways, Dalinar ordered Adolin and Renarin to restrict their drinking.{{book ref|sa1|22}}
During the feast, Adolin found his father once more and informed him that he had dueled three different men who had accused both Dalinar and House Kholin of being cowards and of asking the king to abandon the [[Vengeance Pact]]. Dalinar told Adolin to ignore what others said or thought. He added that the rumors were true. Dalinar had told the king in confidence they needed to end the war and return to [[Alethkar]]. Dalinar asked for Adolin's trust and promised to talk later, but Adolin replied he was worried that the visions may be delusions. His father then acknowledged Adolin was right to be worried about their House's reputation. Dalinar thought that Elhokar would keep quiet about their conversation. He explained to Adolin he had suggested winning the war by striking the Parshendi directly.{{book ref|sa1|18}} Once the Vengeance Pact was fulfilled they would be able to go back home and stabilize Alethkar.{{book ref|sa1|22}} Adolin agreed with his father's plan without objection, to Dalinar's surprise. Adolin explained he could support a strike, but that they would need a solid plan to get everyone on board with it. They planned to slowly get the highprinces to start working together with them to build trust. As far as responding to the gossip, they disagreed when Adolin wanted to defend the house's honor. Dalinar countered by saying that dueling others wouldn't change how they thought about the Kholins. He would publish an official refutation, which Adolin admitted was better than nothing.{{book ref|sa1|22}}
Just as Adolin was about to leave, his father spotted his aunt [[Navani]] and Adolin hugged her affectionately. She asked him how his courting was going, which Dalinar likened to a fast dance with changing partners. She told Adolin that it was only old people who should have to be boring. Adolin thanked her and then left to tell Renarin that their aunt had returned. Later that evening Elhokar announced that he had named Sadeas as [[Highprince of Information]] and the investigation was no longer in House Kholin's hands.{{book ref|sa1|22}}
==== A House Divided ====
{{sidequote
|
|Adolin to Dalinar{{book ref|sa1|25}}
|side=right|size=300px
}}
Days later, Adolin went to see his father at the [[Gallery of Maps]]. Adolin revealed that he was now courting [[Malasha Seveks]]. They discussed Dalinar's meeting with Highprince [[Roion]], who declined to work together. So, Dalinar planned to approach the others. Adolin brought up that Sadeas asked permission to enter their warcamp for his investigation. Adolin was worried about Sadeas' motives, but Dalinar pointed out that denying Sadeas's authority would undermine the king's as well besides making the Kholins look guilty.
To Adolin's dismay,
{{sidequote
|
|Adolin to Dalinar{{book ref|sa1|25}}
|side=left|size=300px
}}
Dalinar and Adolin spoke to one another some days later when Dalinar called for the army to mobilize for a plateau skirmish. Adolin apologized for where and how he said his grievances to his father, though he was not sorry for voicing them. Just as they were about to set off, Sadeas demanded admittance to the war camp. Dalinar allowed him to accompany the plateau run to conduct the investigation, while Adolin was very suspicious of Sadeas' intent.{{book ref|sa1|26}} Adolin, along with Dalinar, led the charge against the Parshendi. During the battle, when the [[Thrill]] left Dalinar, Adolin was quick to help and protect his father. When the battle was won, Adolin harvested the [[gemheart]].{{book ref|sa1|26}}
Later, Adolin and his father inspected the army while discussing several topics like the purpose of Plate, the Thrill, the faith of the war camps, and the gemheart economy. During the conversation, Adolin was worried about his father's state of mind. At some point, he got distracted and thought about Malasha and the new woman he was interested in, [[Danlan Morakotha]]. Dalinar made Adolin inspect the Fifth Battalion for him, and afterwards his father praised him for his leadership. They went on to interview the men that were investigated by Sadeas. The men directly made it clear they were loyal to Kholin and hadn't told anything to Sadeas. Adolin noted that if they had acted this way around Sadeas, it would have seemed incriminating.{{book ref|sa1|28}}
After the interview, Adolin confronted Dalinar about how he had been pushing him into a leadership position during the day. In response, Dalinar reminded Adolin of his comments earlier pertaining to his mental health. Moreover, Dalinar told him he had a difficult decision to make. At that moment, they were informed that Highprince [[Thanadal]], who was the last one Dalinar had to approach except Sadeas, had canceled their meeting. Thanadal had no intention of running a joint plateau assault, from which Dalinar inferred the other Highprinces had never liked his influence over the king. They would rather wait and see Dalinar fall, than let him regain his footing. Dalinar then left the rest of the inspections for Adolin to complete.{{book ref|sa1|28}}
In the evening, before their talk with [[Jasnah]], Adolin tried to talk to his father, but Dalinar wasn't ready to discuss things. Adolin then introduced Dalinar and Navani to Danlan, whom he had helped get a position as one of Dalinar's clerks. Dalinar expressed incredulity that Adolin had a new woman calling on him even though she had only been in camp for a day. Jasnah asked Dalinar about his dealings with the Parshendi and inquired if they had ever mentioned the [[Voidbringers]], which Dalinar denied. In response, Jasnah got [[Shallan]] to draw the picture they found in the [[Palanaeum]], which Adolin identified as a chasmfiend or someone's attempt at drawing one. Jasnah noted that she did not believe the chasmfiends and the Voidbringers were the same thing and whomever made the picture probably drew the most terrifying thing they could think of. Dalinar asked for her to return, and hinted that there would be an upheaval soon in their family, but Jasnah could not promise when she would arrive. With the conversation finished, Dalinar dismissed his clerks and Adolin. Dalinar then confided to Navani that he was going to abdicate in favor of Adolin.{{book ref|sa1|28}}
==== A Chance Encounter ====
While walking in Sadeas's camp with the [[Cobalt Guard]], Adolin interrupted one of Sadeas's officers as he physically assaulted a prostitute. He had to summon his shardblade before his cronies scattered. He then asked the prostitute what she had done to make the officer so angry. She told him she had insulted the officer's reputation after he gloated to her and refused to pay. Adolin responded by suggesting to ask payment upfront, and to avoid Sadeas's camp. He continued that he would escort her to the border of the camp. When she offered to sleep with him free of charge, Adolin declined and said his father would kill him if he did.{{book ref|sa1|46}}
Adolin then turned to Kaladin, who had been watching and was going to rush to help before Adolin showed up. He called him "bridgeboy" and told him to go to Brightlord [[Reral Makoram]] to inform him that Adolin Kholin would not be attending their planned meeting and would reschedule at a later date. He flipped an emerald chip to Kaladin and left. Kaladin didn't do what he was asked, annoyed with how Adolin had treated him and baffled that a lighteyed man would help someone of a lower rank.{{book ref|sa1|46}}
==== The Pending Abdication ====
While waiting for the coming highstorm, Renarin, Adolin
During another feast, Dalinar
==== A Change of Heart ====
The Kholin Army's next plateau
{{sidequote
|Maybe the Codes weren't just about protecting against the Parshendi. Maybe they were about something more—about giving the men commanders they could respect and rely on.
|Chapter 58{{book ref|sa1|58}}
|side=right|size=300px
}}
A week after the plateau assault, Adolin
As he
After his victory in the duel with Resi,{{book ref|sa1|58}}
==== The Battle of the Tower ====
{{for|Battle of the Tower}}
As they
Part way through the battle, a second Parshendi army
{{sidequote
|We walked right into this […] We let him take away our bridges. We let him get us onto the plateau before the second wave of Parshendi arrived. We let him control the scouts. We even suggested the attack pattern that would leave us surrounded if he didn't support us!
|side=right|size=300px
}}
As the battle
When Kaladin
{{image|Adolin Undressed Shuravf.jpg|side=left|height=300px|Recovering from a duel}}
==== Disarming the Shardbearers ====
After a highstorm, glyphs mysteriously
Before his duel against [[Salinor Eved]], Adolin went through his pre-dueling rituals. Alone in the meditation room, he talked with his Shardblade, where he confided that he wasn't as confident as he made it out to everyone else and thanked the Shardblade for all it had done for him. After Renarin made sure everything was in place, he headed out while Navani burned a prayer for Adolin. Adolin revealed he was worried about how late Jasnah was and the possibility of not meeting Shallan. He also mentioned that he was the one who had broken off the relationship with Danlan, citing that it had not been his fault and that she had said some things to her friends that had turned him off from their courting.{{book ref|sa2|14}}
During the duel, Adolin employed [[Ironstance]] in a brutal display, treating Salinor like a new recruit. He felt the Thrill during the duel, something that he hadn't felt before. He drew the ire of Highjudge [[Istow]] for using hand-to-hand combat techniques to break Salinor's helm and breastplate. He countered her by saying he had broken no rules. The Thrill faded from him after he wrapped his hand around Salinor's neck. After the duel, he gave the Shardblade to Renarin as a present. Navani speculated that he went for such a brutal and unskilled method as a way of masking his true skill, and Adolin allowed her to believe this.{{book ref|sa2|14}}
{{sidequote
|I owe you my life [...] That's the only reason I haven't yet thrown you through a window.
|Adolin to Kaladin{{book ref|sa2|16}}
|side=
}}
{{image|Adolin and Kaladin by ShiroXIX.jpg|side=right|width=200px|Adolin asking Kaladin what he would do if attacked by two Shardbearers.}}
At the training grounds, Adolin and Kaladin's dislike for one another only grew. Adolin told Kaladin he didn't trust him and that even though Kaladin's job was to keep him alive, he could take care of himself. He felt Kaladin should instead spend his time keeping Renarin safe. Adolin had brought Renarin to the training grounds to petition Zahel to train him.{{book ref|sa2|16}} When Zahel tested Kaladin's ability to protect Renarin, Adolin joined in, deliberately provoking Kaladin. The two fought and, in the end, after Adolin threw Kaladin off him, Zahel chewed him out for fighting an unarmed sparring partner with such force.{{book ref|sa2|18}}
During a highstorm, Kaladin found Adolin looking at a fashion magazine and questioned why, as all Adolin wore was uniforms. Adolin, annoyed, asked Kaladin if he really needed to be there. When Kaladin explained, Adolin asked that he at least would leave him and Renarin out of it. Then Dalinar, Adolin, and Kaladin discussed the plan to duel the Shardbearers. Adolin had expected other Shardbearers would want to challenge him after Salinor, but they were stalling. Amaram was the only Shardbearer in Sadeas's camp, but they wanted to leave him alone, as Dalinar thought he could be brought over to their side. Adolin explained he planned to challenge other half Shardbearers in the hope that that would make him look like a challenge to others. When Kaladin pointed out the flaws of this, Dalinar agreed with him and told Adolin he didn't have to win every Shard in the Warcamps--they simply had to undermine Sadeas and kill him in a duel if they could.{{book ref|sa2|23}}
While the bridgemen
As part of the second phase of Dalinar's plan, Adolin
In his
==== The Return of the Assassin in White ====
After Eshonai's messenger's arrival and confirmation of the meeting place, Kaladin
At the meeting of the Highprinces, Adolin
Adolin and Shallan
While at the training grounds, Adolin and Kaladin
==== Courting Shallan Davar ====
For their first date, Adolin took Shallan to one of the trendy winehouses that allowed viewings of oncoming highstorms. Shallan asked him about plateau runs. He started telling the story he had told many times until she asked him how he pooped if he was in Shardplate. Though embarrassed, Adolin revealed that he has defecated in his Shardplate three times, all on purpose. From that point on, their interaction became more genuine. They moved on to discussing chasmfiends, gemhearts and sustainability of the chasmfiend population. Adolin feigned ignorance for a while, saying he wasn't good at anything that didn't involve stabbing, but eventually said he was not as dense as he was pretending. Shallan suggested raising and harvesting chasmfiends as a solution to their dwindling population. Adolin, surprising Shallan, asked her what she would need to make it happen. She asked to be taken out onto the Shattered Plains to see an uncut chrysalis for herself. Adolin was hesitant about this, but Shallan told him she knew he'd protect her. Adolin revealed his father's visions and Sadeas's betrayal to Shallan. In turn, Shallan revealed Jasnah's suspicions of the [[Parshmen]] being related to the return of the [[Voidbringers]]. Adolin told Shallan he'd talk to his aunt and try to smooth things over for her so Shallan could talk to Navani about Jasnah's research. Afterwards, they watched the approaching highstorm and were the last remaining spectators until Adolin had to drag Shallan indoors before the storm hit. Before they went to the gender segregated sitting rooms, Adolin promised to try and get her out onto the Plains.{{book ref|sa2|49}}
While waiting out the highstorm, Adolin encountered Sadeas. Sadeas tried to engage Adolin in conversation about fashion, and Adolin thought about how much he wanted to kill the highprince, though he knew that would only lead to his own execution or exile. Sadeas revealed that he had renounced the title of [[Highprince of Information]]. Adolin interpreted this as a rejection of the King's authority. Sadeas went on to say that he was glad Adolin had survived the Tower and that he would make a fine highprince in the upcoming months. He predicted that in ten years he and Adolin would have a fine alliance. Adolin countered by saying he'd have killed Sadeas by then. When Adolin returned to his father's bunker, he found the bridgemen grouped around another mysterious message on the wall. Adolin had them summon Navani. Dalinar believed he might have made the markings during one of his fits, because they were made with his knife. Adolin pointed out anyone could have taken the knife to do that, but Dalinar and Navani were of a different opinion.{{book ref|sa2|50}}
The next day, Adolin took Dalinar's place at the meeting with [[Eshonai]]. He pretended to be Dalinar by wearing Renarin's Shardplate. When he met Eshonai, she told him that the Parshendi had changed the rules of the conflict, that peace would be achieved when one of them was dead, and that the gemhearts no longer mattered. When Adolin reiterated the desire for peace, Eshonai replied that the Alethi would have to destroy the Parshendi. When asked why they had killed Gavilar, she told him that Gavilar had explained his plans to them and thought they'd delight in the return of their gods. When Adolin returned to the camps, he found Dalinar and his generals formulating a plan to take the fight to the Parshendi directly.{{book ref|sa2|51}}
Adolin continued with his father's plan of winning Shardblades and finally dueled [[Elit Ruthar|Elit]]. During the duel, Elit made several moves to either injure or kill Adolin. Adolin won the duel by completely draining Elit's plate of stormlight. Shallan visited Adolin after his duel and told him that she had discovered a way to help him with his duels, but it required he do something truly amazing. When Relis arrived, as Adolin suspected he would, he managed to convince Relis to duel him by saying he would fight Relis and whomever else he would bring. When they left, Shallan asked Adolin if he could beat two Shardbearers; Adolin said he wasn't sure but he hoped it would be spectacular enough for her plan.{{book ref|sa2|53}}
While taking Shallan on a date, Adolin was accompanied by Kaladin, much to his chagrin. He was further annoyed by Kaladin insisting he had to be in the carriage with them. While travelling to the menagerie, Shallan told Adolin and the listening Kaladin the account of Sadeas's duel with Highprince [[Yenev]] eighteen years prior. Sadeas had won the chance to duel and had killed Yenev through the [[Right of Challenge]] and the [[King's Boon]]. Kaladin didn't think Sadeas would agree to the Right of Challenge, but Adolin and Shallan told him that Sadeas must obey it. They also explained to him that this was all about destroying reputation and image; Sadeas had formed a coalition against the king, thus implying he was stronger than the king. Everyone, including Sadeas, was playing by the rules of a game, so defeating him within those parameters was possible. When there was a commotion at the gates of the menagerie, Adolin stayed with Shallan while Kaladin went to check things out. Dalinar had arrived with Amaram in tow, announcing that the Knights Radiant had been reestablished with Amaram as their leader.{{book ref|sa2|55}}
{{image|Renarin and Adolin by Jessica Liu.jpg|side=left|height=300px|Speaking to Renarin before the Duel}}
==== The Duel ====
{{quote
|Welcome to the party.
|Adolin to Kaladin{{book ref|sa2|57}}
}}
Before the duel, Adolin went through his rituals, burning the prayer Shallan had written for him and praying himself. Navani expressed her worry, particularly over the terms that the duel would end with surrender rather than breaking the Shardplate. When Renarin checked that Adolin had followed his routine, they discovered that Adolin's mother's chain was missing. This momentarily threw Adolin off balance, though he started to recover as they put on his Plate. When his opponents entered the ring, there were four of them rather than the two that Adolin had assumed. Instead of forfeiting, Adolin signaled for the duel to commence. He recognized the three Shardbearers Relis had brought with him: [[Elit Ruthar|Elit]], [[Abrobadar]] and [[Jakamav]].{{book ref|sa2|56}}
Adolin attacked, trying to minimize any attempt they had to assess and respond. He did alright for a while but eventually became overwhelmed. When he attempted to yield, the Shardbearers stopped him, and Highjudge Istow didn't, or had chosen not to, hear him. Adolin realized that if he left the duel alive he'd be doing so as a cripple. Renarin joined the duel with just his Shardblade; Adolin tried to convince him to leave, but Renarin refused. Relis told him that so long as Adolin did not surrender or make his cousin end the duel, Abrobadar would not hurt Renarin; if Adolin did attempt any of those things, Renarin would die.{{book ref|sa2|56}}
{{image|The Duel by Ari Ibarra.jpeg|side=right|height=350px|Adolin and [[Kaladin]] during the duel}}
Kaladin
Relis
Adolin
Though he
==== The Expedition ====
Adolin
When Shallan
When Adolin
Setting out for the Parshendi's settlement, Adolin
==== The Battle of Narak ====
{{image|Narak Charge by EccoS.jpg|side=left|width=300px|Charging into battle astride [[Sureblood]]}}
{{for|Battle of Narak}}
Before the battle, Adolin
The Parshendi
Adolin and a thousand men
Fighting Eshonai, Adolin
While jogging across the bridge to find out what was going on with the rest of the army, Adolin
Szeth
Kaladin
=== The True Desolation (1174-) ===
==== Exploring Urithiru ====
Adolin took charge of the
{{image|Act of Wrath by Ari Ibarra.jpg|width=300px|side=right|Adolin killing [[Torol Sadeas|Sadeas]]}}
While exploring, Adolin reflected on his relationship with Shallan and how it had changed with the revelation that she was a Radiant, which had shaken his sense of self. Getting too far ahead of the rest of his party, Adolin investigated some voices he heard and stumbled across Sadeas with a scouting party of his own. Adolin remained hidden until the others left and tried to sneak away, but his boot scraped the floor, drawing Sadeas's attention. As the two talked, Sadeas revealed his plan to undermine Dalinar by saying the Kholins had contacted the Parshendi and the two had put on a convincing show at Narak. Sadeas didn't believe this, but it was the lie he would tell others.
Adolin asked Sadeas why he was the way he was, and Sadeas told Adolin that an army
Adolin supervised the workforce that was unloading goods at Urithiru. They used a huge room, four stories high, to become the new
The Kholin cavalry
A little time later, Adolin visited Shallan in her room, bringing food. She was still in her underwear and had her safehand uncovered, as she was recovering from her 'scouting' party and had slept in. After some commotion, Shallan let Adolin into her room and formally introduced Pattern to him. They had a lengthy and flirty talk while Pattern acted as chaperone.{{book ref|sa3|13}} They discussed the murders Adolin was set to investigate, and Adolin offered
At his next visit to Shallan, Adolin waited outside until he could enter. He quickly noticed the jug of Horneater white and wondered what Shallan had been up to. While they walked to
Adolin attended a big conference with Dalinar, Kaladin,
==== The Midnight Mother ====
When Shallan discovered where [[Re-Shephir]] was hiding in Urithiru, she had Pattern find Adolin to accompany her. Adolin gathered a group of Bridge Four soldiers, including his brother Renarin, and led them down into the tower. When they came to a locked metal door, Adolin used his Shardblade to cut the lock and
{{image|Attack on Roshar by Connor Chamberlain.jpg|side=left|width=250px|Adolin seeing a [[thunderclast]] attack [[Kholinar]]}}
==== Siege of Kholinar ====
{{for|Siege of Kholinar}}
Kaladin flew the small expedition
After all their reconnaissance, the group decided their only option
==== Trip through Shadesmar ====
Adolin, Shallan, Kaladin, Azure, Syl, Pattern, and the deadeye representing Adolin's sword found themselves in Shadesmar.{{book ref|sa3|87}} Shallan used a lot of Stormlight to create makeshift platforms in the bead ocean to get the group to the land representing the river near Kholinar in the [[Physical Realm]]. Adolin felt useless, as he had no skills to help the group.{{book ref|sa3|89}} The next morning, Adolin woke up and started a morning kata, which Kaladin and Azure both joined.{{book ref|sa3|93}} They followed the peninsula to the lighthouse at the end, from where they caught a ship sailed by [[Reachers]] to [[Celebrant]].{{book ref|sa3|97}} Just before disembarking in Celebrant, Adolin had a conversation with Azure about duty, royalty, and Azure's view that sometimes the best way to do your duty is to let someone else carry it.{{book ref|sa3|101}}
The group split in Celebrant; Adolin went with Kaladin and Syl to change money and buy supplies. The group soon discovered that the city was under the control of the Fused. They narrowly escaped when Syl surrendered herself to a ship of honorspren.{{book ref|sa3|102}} The honorspren sailed
The group attacked the Oathgate in an attempt to get back to the Physical Realm.{{book ref|sa3|115}} Adolin lead Pattern, Syl, Maya, and twenty of Shallan's illusions to distract two of the guarding Fused. He acted randomly to blend in with the illusions, but one of the Fused spotted him anyway. Adolin fought the Fused and got rammed through by a lance to the stomach. He only survived because Maya suddenly attacked the Fused, allowing Adolin to flee.{{book ref|sa3|117}} Dalinar then opened [[Honor's Perpendicularity]], allowing Adolin, along with Shallan and Kaladin, to return to the Physical Realm.{{book ref|sa3|119}}
{{image|Renarin helping Adolin.jpg|side=right|width=250px|[[Renarin]] helping Adolin during the battle}}
==== Battle of Thaylen Field and Aftermath ====
{{quote
|Adolin hearing [[Maya]] for the first time{{book ref|sa3|120}}
}}
After
Soon after the battle, Dalinar approached Adolin about becoming king of [[Alethkar]], with Gavinor named as his heir. He refused and admitted to Sadeas' murder, though he did agree to become the new Kholin highprince. Adolin and Shallan decided to quickly get married, which they
Seven months after the Battle of Thaylen Field, Adolin fights in northern [[Jah Keved]], where he throws Mayalaran and resummons her in less than ten heartbeats. [[Khen]] remarks that his Shardblade responds to him as if he were a [[Knight Radiant]]. And [[Vyre]] says that he must have been able to change the balance of the Shardblade to allow for that maneuver.{{book ref|sa4|i|4}}
==== Infiltrating the Sons of Honor ====
Shallan and Adolin led the campaign to infiltrate the [[Sons of Honor]]. While Shallan pretended to be a merchant and let herself be kidnapped by the Sons, Adolin headed a small group of soldiers to follow them and protect his wife.{{book ref|sa4|2}} They had arranged that Pattern would alert Adolin if Shallan needed help.{{book ref|sa4|4}} Adolin had to sneak into the warcamps to be able to spend time with Shallan. When the Sons of Honor replaced the sack over Shallan's head, Adolin led the soldiers to attack.{{book ref|sa4|5}}
He found Shallan at Ialai's hideout right when Shallan was taking her prisoner. Shallan removed his illusion and they discussed what happened. Adolin hoped Ialai's armies would now stand down. Adolin frowned and Shallan asked if he was thinking about killing Ialai. He answered that perhaps they should not go down that road. They agreed to quickly search the hideout, when they heard commotion outside and found the highprincess dead.{{book ref|sa4|7}}
The pair was confused to what happened. When Adolin ordered his soldiers to search the rooms, Shallan stopped them saying she needed to search them herself.{{book ref|sa4|7}} She made him drink some wine, which he recognized as [[Shin]] wine.{{book ref|sa4|8}}
After delivering their prisoners, Adolin and Shallan rode a carriage from the warcamps to the Oathgate at Narak. Adolin tried to sooth Shallan's worries about Dalinar's response to Ialai's death. They talked about Shallan having secrets, and how Adolin had the patience to let her tell them when she's ready. When Veil took over, He sat further away from her. She tells that Ialai was murdered, but denies doing it herself. When suggesting it would not be so bad if she had, Adolin reacted with horror. A bit later, Shallan tells Adolin about the [[Sons of Honor]] and their relation to the [[Ghostbloods]].{{Book ref|sa4|9}}
==== Socializing with the Knights Radiant ====
{{sidequote
|You don't have to smile. You don't have to talk. But if you're going to be miserable, you might as well do it with friends.
|Adolin to Kaladin{{book ref|sa4|12}}
|side=left|size=350px
}}
When Kaladin got back to Urithiru after having been removed from duty by Dalinar, Syl came to get Adolin. Adolin found Kaladin sitting in his room, depressed and miserable. While Kal wanted to be alone, Adolin was having none of it and insisted that his friend joined him for a drink at [[Jez's Duty]]. It was Adolin's regular winehouse where a booth was permanently reserved for him. When they entered, the crowd cheered in greeting for the highprince. After talking with several groups, Adolin joined Kaladin and Veil at his booth. Adolin and Veil talked about a wedding party going on, and joked how Kaladin didn't notice such things. They then started to discuss who to setup Kaladin with, who didn't want that at all. The discussion slowly moved into Adolin's earlier courtship with [[Dakhnah]] and Veil seemed jealous of her curves. Kaladin remarked how Veil and Adolin had the strangest relationship. Veil left to get another drink, after which Adolin and Kaladin shortly discussed the mission in the warcamps and then sat in silence.{{book ref|sa4|12}}
{{sidequote
|Adolin dear, swing a Herdazian in a crowded room, and you'll hit six women you courted
|Veil to Adolin while discussing women for Kal to court{{book ref|sa4|12}}
|side=right|size=300px
}}
After a while, Adolin started prodding Kaladin about how he was feeling. Kaladin told him about how he had been removed of active duty and how it was right. Adolin was silent for a while, then said his father could be wrong. The highprince admitted he wanted to help Kaladin, but had no idea how. He hoped that if he found a way to help Kaladin, he might be able to help Shallan also. He continued, that he feared Shallan was hurting and her state digressing slowly. Pattern suggested that he should talk to the ardents, and Kal suggested perhaps Wit could help. Adolin pressed Kal for any suggestions on how to help Shallan from his surgeon training. This helped Kaladin realize that what he was recommending was exactly what Adolin was doing for him right now. Kal then suggested they needed to get Adolin a spren, and that it would help if he dropped his Shardblade. Adolin rejected 'getting rid' of Maya. When [[Jor]] came over to introduce his bride [[Kryst]], Adolin pulled out a gift for the pair. Later in the evening, when Rock appeared, Adolin left so Kal and the Horneater could speak alone.{{book ref|sa4|12}}
In his spare time, Adolin liked to spend time with the Ryshadium,{{book ref|sa4|13}} helped Kaladin train with the sword.{{book ref|sa4|15}} At some point, he helped little [[Gavinor]] ride on a horse for the first time. Adolin and Shallan spend time entertaining the Mink and showed him around the tower. The two escorted him to the meeting with Dalinar, Navani, Jasnah and Wit.{{book ref|sa4|16}} After the meeting Jasnah, asked them to escort the Mink to the military briefing chambers and give him all the information he required.{{book ref|sa4|17}} Later at a meeting of the coalition, a mission to the honorspren was put together. Shallan volunteered to lead it with Adolin, who agreed and thought it might be fun.{{book ref|sa4|19}}
=== Expedition to Lasting Integrity ===
==== Leave-takings ====
{{sidequote
|You're Alethkar's most eligible bachelor. Shardbearer, Radiant, Landed, and single?
|Adolin to Kaladin when visiting the latter in the surgery{{book ref|sa4|21}}
|side=left|size=300px
}}
Adolin and Shallan decided to only take a few attendants each, to keep the expedition small.{{book ref|sa4|20}} When he was getting ready, Adolin had trouble deciding what to wear. Shallan teased him about it and gave him an hour to meet the others. Adolin quickly decided and used the time to stop by Kaladin and call him [[Alethkar]]'s most eligible bachelor. Adolin then reassured Kaladin that it was okay to step away from the front line, and take the time he needed.When leaving, Syl advised to be careful as the honorspren could be hard to persuade with logic if they feel something is right or not.{{book ref|sa4|21}}
After the stop, Adolin left the tower and met the expedition at the Oathgate for the [[Shattered Plains]]. He oversaw the workers packing the last of his armor and weapons on [[Gallant]], who would serve him on the trip. Adolin had to talk to the Ryshadium and give him some [[palafruit]] before Gallant allowed the workers to load him. When [[Godeke]] asked how many swords Adolin needed, he explained you couldn't have enough as different situations required different swords. He then proceeded to show off every sword he had. After Godeke hiked off, [[Zu (Roshar)|Zu]] joked that Adolin almost liked not being able to use a Shardblade, and showed off hers.{{book ref|sa4|21}}
After finishing with his equipment, Adolin checked on his men, all chosen for their levelheadedness. The [[Stump]] was the last of the Radiants to arrive, and Adolin walked up to the people seeing off the expedition. He watched as Jasnah supervised a last soulcasting exercise by the Lightweavers. When ready, Dalinar gave a short speech wishing the expedition a good trip into Shadesmar, followed by words from Jasnah and Taravangian. The group entered the Oathgate building. Adolin lingered last to have a conversation with his father.{{book ref|sa4|21}}
{{sidequote
|Maybe there are more than ''two'' choices in life.[...] Maybe I'm my own brand of wrong.
|Adolin to Dalinar when saying goodbye before the mission.{{book ref|sa4|21}}
|side=right|size=300px
}}
Dalinar started by thanking Adolin for taking care of Gallant. Their talk took a turn when they disagreed on whether Dalinar was disappointed in Adolin or not. Dalinar wanted his son to become the best man he could be, while Adolin would rather be his own person without being defined by his father. When Dalinar hinted at Adolin's murder of Sadeas, Adolin thought of the death of [[Evi]]. This made him realize that it was his mother's fate that was the cause of his feelings for his father, whom he couldn't forgive. Despite their diverging views on morality, Dalinar expressed his confidence that Adolin would succeed. The highprince then entered the control building, where Shallan moved them to Shadesmar.{{book ref|sa4|21}}
==== Voyage to Nameless ====
When the party arrived in Shadesmar, nobody panicked as they had practiced this before. They found themselves on a huge pillar with steps spiraling down around it to "sea" level. Adolin surveyed the group, and stared a bit too long at [[Arshqqam]]'s [[mistspren]], who reacted offended. Shallan pointed him to the downward ramp where the highprince found Maya. He took her hand and guided her to the others to be introduced. Shallan watch over the deadeye, while he checked Gallant and repacked his luggage, as his Shardplate had not made the transfer. When they started moving, he talked with Shallan about his actions regarding Maya. The rest of the hike, the highprince used to get to know the expedition members. With Godeke, he spoke about theology and how recent events effected the various religious attitudes. Finally they reached the bottom where a barge was waiting for them and the party boarded it for the two week sailing to [[Nameless]]. When Shallan opened her trunk, Adolin noticed the looked shocked, but she told him it was just some spilled paint. He then went to brush down Gallant and noticed Maya watching him. She wanted to help, so he showed her how to, to the surprise of the nearby peakspren.{{book ref|sa4|22}}
During the second day of the voyage, Adolin found Shallan sketching on deck. They ate together, and had a quite conversation. After a bit, when Shallan admitted she left her homeland intending to rob Jasnah, Adolin responded with laughter. He found the whole notion ridiculous, and they exchanged a few jokes and chatted happily for a while longer.{{book ref|sa4|24}}
{{sidequote
|Words like 'eternal' and 'forever' aren't as definitive as you all pretend.
|Adolin to Zu's spren Ua'pam about Maya's perculiarities{{book ref|sa4|29}}
|side=left|size=300px
}}
After the voyage, land was sighted by the watch to the relief of Adolin and Gallant. Adolin decided to send disguised lightweavers into town first while the rest of the humans stayed in hiding. He was surprised that Shallan was hungover as she could have healed using stormlight the night before. While waiting, the highprince and Godeke looked at their dwindling stormlight reserves and planned to trade it for supplies at the town. Adolin then went to check on Maya and he wondered if she would join him in a new kata, not the usual morning ritual one. He started it and after two tries she joined and performed it perfectly. When the others returned, [[Ua'pam]] expressed surprise and asked how Adolin had trained her. Not believing the prince's denial that he had not trained her, the spren said deadeyes where lost forever, to which Adolin added that perhaps eternal was not as definitive as the spren thought.{{book ref|sa4|29}}
When the scouts came telling the town was safe, Adolin and the others headed out. He took Maya into town, while he continued to worry about the mission and how to convince the honorspren. They wandered over the market, and suddenly Adolin came out of his brooding when he noticed Maya had stopped and was staring at a deadeye. It was a Cryptic standing near a shop. The shopowner told Adolin his business partner had left ten years ago and he had found her as deadeye only last year. He accused Adolin that killing spren is what humans did, to the highprince's horror.{{book ref|sa4|29}} Godeke came to alert Adolin they had found a human caravan just outside town. They went to check it out, and found an unwelcoming caravan with people looking Tukari. On approach the people looked shed in shadows, and they were sent away in broken Alethi. On return to their barge, Adolin noticed a familiar figure standing nearby: Notum the honorspren captain of his last trip through Shadesmar.{{book ref|sa4|30}}
{{sidequote
|Besides, if she's so precious, maybe you all could '''listen''' to her once in a while.
|Adolin to Notum about Syl's choice to bond Kaladin{{book ref|sa4|30}}
|side=right|size=300px
}}
Adolin went on to greet Notum, and discovered the honorspren had punished and exiled him for the help he had rendered the Radiants in their earlier voyage. When Adolin told him of his mission, Notum was shocked and tried to discourage him as he deemed it a futile effort. Notum explained you didn't normalize relations with a thief, and the humans had stolen Syl. Adolin countered it was her free choice, and if they cared so much about her they should perhaps have listened to her. Maya reacted to this with a growl. While he looked at Maya, Notum predicted that the envoy would be turned away instantly when reaching Lasting Integrity because of what humans did to the spren. The highprince countered that they had done nothing to them and it was thousands of years ago, to which Notum remarked that was not even a lifetime for many spren. Notum asked Adolin if they had managed to save the bondsmith. He couldn't lie and so admitted it was the bondsmith who had saved them.{{book ref|sa4|30}}
{{image|Starspren Connor Chamberlain.jpg|side=left|width=300px|Watching the [[starspren]] with [[Shallan]]}}
==== Caravanning to Lasting Integrity ====
Several weeks onto the road, Adolin and Zu looked back from an outcropping towards the Tukari caravan that had been following them at a distance of a few hours. The followers had not turned away at the last crossroads, to Adolin's frustration. Zu suggested to attack them using their last stormlight as it was running out anyway, but Adolin did not like that. At the same time, Notum's patrol was a bit ahead of Adolin's group. Back at the camp he inspected the breaking up, and set the caravan moving before going to Shallan. He told Veil about his worries that the honorspren would not even receive them or take their letters. They and Radiant discussed various alternatives, each worse than the last. He feared the arguments from the letters were the ones the honorspren were expecting and prepared for. He then realized they had had thousands of years and so must be prepared for any argument he could possibly make. He asked for Shallan, but Radiant said she needed rest. When Adolin said he has been worried about Shallan for some time now, Radiant told him something was going on with her. Veil explained some of the coping mechanisms of Shallan and that his wive worried Adolin would leave her if he'd found out about her secrets. The highprince was insistent he didn't care what Shallan had done and he was there for her.{{book ref|sa4|32}}
Later around a campfire, Adolin, the Radiants, and their spren discussed the plans for approaching the honorspren. The Stump disliked them all, though she and her spren agreed the letters would do little good. She added they couldn't guilt the spren into agreeing, to which Godeke concurred. Adolin decided to work on the ideas some more, and Arshqqam suggested to consider appealing to their honor. After they had breakfast Adolin asked the Three out for a walk, as they had hardly spent any time together. Just out of camp, Notum met them on his mount and bade them farewell as he could not approach Lasting Integrity any closer. While they continued, Adolin asked Veil if she had any luck bringing Shallan out, but she hadn't. They walked onwards, and Adolin noticed Shallan in there. He expressed his worries and that he would never leave her. When Shallan said she was weak, he countered that she was strong enough to save her brothers. At the end of a ridge they reached a beautiful view and Shallan noticed a [[starspren]] above. This brought out Shallan who needed to sketch it. They then talked about their relationship and love for each other. It led to Adolin telling an embarrassing anecdote from one of his first girlfriends who wanted to see him wield his sword. They ended their conversation with Dalinar, and how Adolin struggled with his father's expectations of him.{{book ref|sa4|34}}
{{image|Adolin and Maya Ride by Gerva Perez.jpg|side=right|height=300px}}
When they returned to the caravan, Adolin sought out Gallant and commented how nice it must be not to worry about politics or relations. [[Malli]] brought Maya over and Adolin helped her on the Ryshadium. They started marching and he mulled over his problems, but got nowhere. Just after midday, Felt came to tell him the Tukari had stopped following and turned southwards. They looked with spyglasses from a rise and when Adolin was returning to the front of the caravan he suddenly realized the Tukari hadn't been following the envoy but had been following Notum all this time. He ran back to the outcropping, had another look, and ordered the others to follow him as fast as they could. The highprince started running towards the Tukari. Soon Gallant came galloping after him, and he jumped into the saddle as soon as he was able to.{{book ref|sa4|35}}
{{sidequote
|Never underestimate the worth of being willing to hold. Your. GROUND.
|Adolin's thought during the fight to defend Notum.{{book ref|sa4|35}}
|side=left|size=250px
}}
When the galloping Ryshadium approached the Tukari, Adolin ordered the mount to stay out of the fight. He found around twenty Tukari surrounding Notum, who was on the ground and being hit and stabbed. Adolin looked for help, and spotted his companions but they were minutes away. So the prince unmounted and told Maya that he would distract the men, and she should go free Notum. He told her to stay out of the fight as it would be dangerous. He went to attract the assailants attention and then charged, on his first strike decapitating the first rogue. The highprince quickly got in a protracted battle where he had to be careful not to get surrounded by the large number of opponents.The enemy fought without coordination and Adolin took out one after the other. They started to circle him and he retreated close to Notum, when one man with a shield started to shout orders. During a more coordinated attack Adolin got hit by a spear in his right side. The fight continued and became more and more of a struggle for the highprince. Then suddenly he found Maya standing behind him, back to back with him and wielding his shortsword. Adolin had her start the morning kata to be more impressive. After fending off another attack, the last assailants flew. Soon after, Felt and the others arrived and found Adolin helping Notum surrounded by corpses.{{book ref|sa4|35}}
In the aftermath of the fight, Notum was dumbfounded why humans would attack spren. When Adolin said they would need to take the honorspren to Lasting Integrity, he declined as was exiled. The highprince was not accepting that, despite what it would do for their reception. They left the scene to continue their journey, and Shallan came over to check on the highprince. He told her it had felt good to have been able to do something useful for once. After they met up with their spren, Notum asked Adolin how he had trained Maya to fight with him like that. He answered he hadn't trained her and it was her choice to help, which Notum didn't believe. Back at the camp they had a break to pack up their belongings, before proceeding.{{book ref|sa4|36}}
==== Reaching Lasting Integrity ====
When the group approached the fortress of Lasting Integrity they were met by three honorspren. They asked Adolin if he was Adolin Kholin, which he confirmed. He stated their purpose, but was told the fortress was not accepting any visitors, and that they should leave. When Adolin offered the letters from the monarchs, one of the spren took them and shredded them on the spot. They refused to read them as there existed no argument that could change their mind. When Adolin persisted, the spren just repeated that they needed to leave and that they rejected any offers or bonds. Desperate, Adolin made a last plea, offering to face judgment. He told that if the spren wished to condemn the current humans for what their ancestors did, they would have to prove it. The spren were baffled but agreed to a trial and let Adolin, Shallan, Maya and Pattern into the city.{{book ref|sa4|36}}
Several weeks into his incarceration in Lasting Integrity, Adolin climbed to the top of the walls. For a moment he enjoyed the view of Shadesmar, before checking on the camp of the others. He could also see a large group of hundreds of deadeyes gathering on the nearby coast.The honorspren had taken some in but had no more space. Maya was with the other deadeyes, although they did allow Adolin to visit her each morning for their exercises. The highprince asked his [[Vaiu|jailer]] why the deadeyes came here, but no one knew.{{book ref|sa4|75}}
Afterwards, it was time for his next tutor session on honorspren law and trial procedure. For weeks, Adolin had been getting instruction from the inkspren [[Blended]]. She informed him the trial would commence in three days, and that he was not ready for it. They discussed that the law was too complex for him to learn in the allotted time, and so the honorspren would use the procedures against him. Blended suggested his best change would be to ask for a trial by witness, a format that is simple although weighted against him. Adolin agreed as any alternative required more skill in the law than he had. She warned him that his sense of honor might not be that of the honorspren. After the session Blended let Adolin to one of the officials but stopped halfway as she noticed a disturbance at the gates. The high judge, they had been waiting for, had arrived and he was human.{{book ref|sa4|78}}
Adolin approached the judge, who turned out to be [[Kelek]]. The [[Herald]] asked what the human was doing here. The situation was explained to him, and Adolin petitioned the judge to make it a trial by witness. The judge accepted this and set the start day for two days later and in the forum so a big audience could attend. From the way the Herald said this, Adolin concluded the judge was biased against him.{{book ref|sa4|82}}
==== The Trial ====
The amphitheater was packed with honorspren, when Adolin arrived for his trial. He noticed Shallan and Pattern in the audience and then reached the High Judge, Kelek told him to stand on the podium until the show was done and they could execute him. An honorspren objected saying they would imprison him, not execute him. Sekeir opened the trial by stating that since none denied the [[Recreance]] happened, the spren only had to prove it was wise to stay away from humans. Adolin clarified he agreed to be tried for himself and that the spren where acting dishonorably by ignoring the current humans for something in the past. The first witness against the highprince was Amuna who cared for the deadeyes in Lasting Integrity. She argued the humans would turn all spren into new deadeyes, and all their wars showed they lusted for blood and slaughter. She asked what would happen if Dalinar were to kill the Stormfather, adding that no one knows but they feared what might happen. Adolin could only counter that it was the Stormfather's own choice to accept the bond.{{book ref|sa4|87}}
To Adolin's shock, the second witness was Blended, as to allow the other spren to weigh in as well. She lived during the Recreance and argued men would always betray their bonds. Moreover, it was unnatural for spren and men to bond as humans were not from Roshar. When she suggested joining the enemy, Adolin countered that odium was evil. In the end, she asked Adolin whether he could promise absolutely that no men would ever kill a spren again. He could not, and she closed her argument with saying no bond meant no betrayal.{{book ref|sa4|87}}
{{sidequote
|Honor is not dead so long as he lives in the hearts of men!
|Notum to the honorspren{{book ref|sa4|87}}
|side=left|size=350px
}}
The third witness turned out to be Notum who was once again wearing his uniform. Adolin asked if they had bribed him, but Notum stayed silent. The honorspren said he was asked to relate his experiences with the human. He started reading from a piece of paper but trailed off looking at Adolin, who told him to go ahead and tell his side of the story. The prince encouraged him to speak and only wanted honesty from him. The captain lowered his sheet and repeatedly shouted that Honor still lived in the hearts of men. He was quickly removed from the forum, but not before causing unrest among the audience. Therefore, officials cleared the forum. Adolin asked Kelek what it was, and the judge told him his arrival had reopened centuries-old wounds. Adolin said he thought this day had gone well for him. However, the judge started recalling how old he was and the many men he had known.He warned Adolin he was in over his head and that many spren considered joining Odium.{{book ref|sa4|87}}
On the second day of the trial, Adolin got to make his case. He had barely started his speech when he was interrupted with the question whether he knew Dalinar almost killed the Stormfather. He didn't, but he also had to be careful not to ask the audience questions, or they could make speeches. The highprince continued, arguing that although humans are imperfect, they can improve and strive for perfection. A spren interrupted again and was almost ejected by the high judge. The second argument from Adolin was that the human kingdoms had overcome their differences and united to fight Odium. Accidentally while answering, he posed a counter question triggering a discussion on whether Dalinar was a danger to the Stormfather. Another spren brought up Kaladin almost killing Syl, and was send out of the forum for interrupting. When their was another interruption, Adolin changed tactic and decided to confront the audience who clearly were not interested in his words. He told the audience he was glad to find the honorspren were very human with fears. The honorspren then brought in the deadeye cryptic Adolin saw in Nameless. This revelation turned the crowds against Adolin and he knew it, so he left the forum.{{book ref|sa4|90}}
{{sidequote
|... I don't think Shallan is as weak as you say. Weakness doesn't make someone weak, you see. It's the opposite
| Adolin to Formless{{book ref|sa4|93}}
|side=right|size=350px
}}
Some hours later, Adolin and Shallan were resting in their hut. He told her that he loved her and they have a little chat about what they like in each other and how stupid they sometimes were. Shallan promised to break Adolin out of prison if he got convicted. He expressed doubts about his plans and the trial, and that someone else would have done better.{{book ref|sa4|90}} The next morning, Adolin thanked the Three for Shallan's support the night before. He noticed something different about Veil, but she denied it and told him Shallan was to weak at the moment. Adolin answered with questions about what strength is, and that weakness can make someone strong.{{book ref|sa4|93}}
On the last day of the trial, Adolin approached the trial with trepidation. He worried about the trial and Shallan, so it took a moment before he realized Kelek was not at the stage and his place had been taken by Sekeir. Who told Adolin his wife had gone and tried to influence the Herald and they were now both in custody. The new judge gave a lengthy speech, and revealed the final witness. It was Maya, who is clearly uncomfortable with the attention of the audience. Sekeir asked Adolin if he knows her, and he answered Mayalaran was his friend. The judge pressed Adolin that she was his slave, and that humans used the deadeyes to kill and were monsters. Adolin doesn't deny it, said the point was made and asked to let Maya go as she was terrified. Maya is getting more and more anxious while Sekeir gave a speech to the crowds about what humans have done. Adolin objected to the treatment and was restrained, but Sekeir insisted he had to speak for Maya. The situation continued to escalate with Maya starting to growl and cry out. Adolin started to feel her pain and shouted: "LET HER GO!" The judge refused judgment saying Maya's screams were the judgement. Then after a crescendo, Maya felt silent and weak. In that moment, Adolin offered her some of his strength. Then with all her strength she spoke:{{book ref|sa4|94}}
{{quote
|We! CHOSE!
|Maya during the trial by the honorspren{{book ref|sa4|94}}
}}
This shocked the audience, and it became silent. Adolin could pull free and went to support Maya. Sekeir asked what Adolin did to her, and in response Maya pointed at Sekeir, screeched and shouted repeatedly: "You. Cannot. Have. My. SACRIFICE!" At Adolin's nudging, Maya revealed the Radiant and spren decided together to sever their bonds. This revelation made all the honorspren leave until only Blended remained. The highprince accused her of playing both sides, which she conceded. She added it was her suggestion to have Maya be the witness, to see if Adolin was right that they were friends. She concluded a bond between them existed, although Adolin is no radiant. When Adolin says the spren have no longer an excuse to refuse bonds, Blended countered that she was very worried that thousands of spren rather died than continue. When asked, Maya told they didn't know they would die. Then Blended left, saying lot of things needed to be reconsidered. Adolin stood up and when he left in search for Shallan, he felt Maya was not as insensate as before.{{book ref|sa4|94}}
Sometime later, Adolin was in the little chamber he shared with Shallan. Maya, Pattern and Shallan's first spren [[Testament]] were also present. They discussed how the deadeyes were looking better. His wife thanked him for his support and was sorry for all her secrets. He then watched as Shallan got out her [[Seon]], [[Ala]], and contacted [[Mraize]]. She told him she was leaving the Ghostbloods, and thanked him for the seon. Mraize warned her for the costs, but she ignored it and gave him a message from Wit. After the conversation, Adolin reassured Shallan they could handle it.{{book ref|sa4|115}}
== Relationships ==
{{image|Adolin & Shallan - VI. the Lovers .png|side=left|width=200px|Adolin and Shallan}}
=== Womanizing ===
{{quote
|He continues to change partners like he's in a dance that involves particularly quick music.
|Dalinar
}}
Adolin is considered to be a notorious flirt by his family and those in the warcamps, having courted many of the available women. He is somewhat afraid of being good at relationships, which has lead to him unconsciously sabotaging all his courtships.{{wob ref|4892}}
Adolin dated two women between [[Rilla]] and [[Deeli]] and while their names are not mentioned, [[Jenet]] and [[Melali]] are most likely the two women he courted. Other women that he has courted include [[Janala Lustow|Janala]], [[Malasha Seveks|Malasha]], and [[Danlan Morakotha|Danlan]].
==== Janala ====
Janala flirted with Adolin, even while knowing he was courting Rilla, leading to a falling out between them.{{book ref|sa1|12}} Though they had a falling out after he offered to go on a walk alone with her, but only brought her to the temple. Following this, she began to lose interest in him.{{book ref|sa1|18}}{{book ref|sa1|24}}
==== Malasha ====
He began to court Malasha shortly after breaking up with Janala, and liked her enough to listen to readings of [[The Arguments]].{{book ref|sa1|24}} Despite this, she began to grow cold towards him when he refused to take her on a plateau run, eventually leading to their breakup.{{book ref|sa1|26}}{{book ref|sa1|28}}
==== Deeli ====
He courted Deeli, although their relationship did not work out.{{book ref|sa1|12}}
==== Melali ====
He considers Melali to be quite pretty, but at some point he did something that made her utterly despise him (of which he does not remember), leading to their breakup. She continued to despise him as of 1173, insulting him when she sees him.{{book ref|sa2|37}}
=== Shallan ===
Through the machinations of Jasnah and Navani, the first steps towards a betrothal between Adolin and Shallan Davar are taken. Jasnah set it up as a way to help save House Davar for Shallan, as she would need powerful allies. Navani's involvement stems from Adolin having offended every lighteyed lady of rank in the warcamps.{{book ref|sa2|1}} Adolin was causally betrothed to Shallan, though the revelation that she was a Radiant made him wonder about the new dynamics of their relationship.{{book ref|sa2|89}} He still worried about this and was willing to let Shallan go when she showed interest in Kaladin.{{book ref|oathbringer|108}}{{book ref|oathbringer|121}}
Shallan told him
As the war continued, Adolin started to worry about the mental state of his wife. He tells Kaladin that he wants to help her, but doesn't know how.{{book ref|sa4|12}} During the expedition to Shadesmar, he takes Shallan on a date to see a starspren, and it seemed to help Shallan come out of her shell.{{book ref|sa4|34}} After the trial, they bond more about their shared experience of trying to revive a deadeye.{{book ref|sa4|115}}
=== Family ===
Adolin is the first son of [[Dalinar]]{{book ref|sa1|12}} and [[Evi]],{{book ref|sa3|42}} and his younger brother is [[Renarin]].{{book ref|sa1|18}} [[Gavilar]] is his uncle, Dalinar's brother. [[Navani]], Gavilar's widow, is his aunt and step-mother, and Gavilar's children, [[Jasnah]] and King [[Elhokar]], are his cousins.{{book ref|sa1|60}}
==== Dalinar ====
{{quote
|And that '''wasn't the sort of thing you forgave'''.
|Adolin, on the fact that Dalinar killed Evi
}}
Adolin is incredibly loyal to his father, though he doesn't always see eye-to-eye with Dalinar and is unafraid to voice his opinions.{{book ref|sa1|24}} Despite his opposing views he remains steadfastly obedient, listening to his father and following the [[Alethi Codes of War]]{{book ref|sa1|22}} even if he does not necessarily believe in them or wish to obey them. He shows an unwillingness to become the highprince when Dalinar considers stepping aside in favor of him, still intensely loyal to his father.{{book ref|sa1|52}} His skepticism surrounding the Codes eventually changes and Adolin begins to understand their purpose.
Later, when Elhokar died, Dalinar wants Adolin to become the new king. Adolin refuses as he doesn't believe he is the right person to take the crown. His father could not understand this, and is furious when Adolin admits to killing Sadeas.{{book ref|sa3|122}} The publishing of the Blackthorn's memoir, including the admission of Dalinar's role in Evi's death, caused a further rift between Adolin and his father. Adolin still loves and respects his father but can not forgive him for killing his mother. The young highprince is slowly realizing he has a different moral code than his father.{{book ref|sa4|21}} Nevertheless, Adolin stays loyal and doesn't want to let his father down by failing the mission to the honorspren.{{book ref|sa4|34}}
==== Renarin ====
Adolin considers Renarin to be his best friend. Whenever Adolin is about to participate in a duel, Renarin makes sure that he followed their duelist's superstitions--eating chicken for breakfast, talking with Maya, and keeping his mother's chain in a pocket.{{expand}}
=== Kaladin ===
{{image|Adolin_Kaladin_by_Shuravf.jpg |side=right|width=500px|Adolin and Kaladin}}
Adolin's relationship with Kaladin gets off to a rocky start, but they eventually grow quite close. Their first interaction is when Adolin asks Kaladin to relay a message to another brightlord; though Kaladin is impressed by how Adolin just rescued a courtesan from a Sadeas soldier, he refuses to do as asked out of general scorn for lighteyes.{{book ref|sa1|46}}
They next meet at the Battle of the Tower, when Kaladin commands Adolin to retreat to save his troops. Although he does so once Kaladin promises to aid Dalinar against [[Eshonai]],{{book ref|sa1|68}} he is bothered by the interaction and doesn't trust Kaladin for a while longer, even after the bridgemen become Dalinar's bodyguards.{{book ref|sa2|4}}{{book ref|sa2|16}} Similarly, Kaladin holds on to his disdain and mentally mocks Adolin's apparent foppishness and arrogance.{{book ref|sa2|5}}{{book ref|sa2|16}} The tensions come to a head on the sparring grounds, when Kaladin loses his temper and attacks Adolin, who in turn carelessly throws Kaladin through the air with the strength of Shardplate.{{book ref|sa2|18}}
After Szeth first attacks Dalinar and Adolin, Kaladin, and Dalinar manage to fight him off,{{book ref|sa2|32}} Adolin begins to respect Kaladin in earnest. Though he remains suspicious of Kaladin's unexplained combat prowess, he keeps his suspicions to himself and refrains from mockery the next time they cross paths on the sparring grounds.{{book ref|sa2|33}}{{book ref|sa2|35}} Their interactions begin to be less openly hostile, if still somewhat awkward.{{book ref|sa2|44}}{{book ref|sa2|55}}
Their relationship really starts to turn around when Kaladin saves Adolin and Renarin in the [[Adolin Kholin#The Duel|disadvantaged duel]].{{book ref|sa2|57}} Adolin realizes that Kaladin has shown himself to be trustworthy no matter what secrets he's keeping, so he voluntarily confines himself to prison for the duration of Kaladin's sentence out of thanks and in protest at Elhokar's unfair treatment, and even makes sure Bridge Four is gathered to meet Kaladin upon his release. Even though Adolin's cell is much nicer, Kaladin is deeply moved by the gesture.{{book ref|sa2|66}} Adolin, for his part, doesn't hold Kaladin accountable for interfering with the plan to duel Sadeas, and he instantly believes Kaladin's accusations about Amaram, contrary to everyone else's skepticism.{{book ref|sa2|66}}
After that, they begin to show real rapport as they work together to plan for Szeth's reappearance; Kaladin maintains a lingering grudge out of habit,{{book ref|sa2|68}} but soon realizes that he truly does like Adolin and think of him as a good man.{{book ref|sa2|71}}{{book ref|sa2|76}} By the time of the [[Siege of Kholinar#Siege|expedition to Kholinar]], they frequently joke around with each other and their mockery has a friendly tone rather than an antagonistic one.{{book ref|sa3|61}}{{book ref|sa3|69}} After Elhokar's death, when Kaladin begins to go into shock, Adolin is the one who makes sure to keep him moving and talking.{{book ref|sa3|84}}{{book ref|sa3|85}}{{book ref|sa3|89}} Kaladin, in his depression, almost slips back into mocking Adolin in his head, but their friendship is strong enough by then that stops himself.{{book ref|sa3|95}}
{{quote
|You don’t have to smile. You don’t have to talk. But if you’re going to be miserable, you might as well do it with friends.
|Adolin{{book ref|sa4|12}}
}}
Adolin continues to watch out for Kaladin's mental health in Urithiru, dragging him out to socialize,{{book ref|sa4|12}} helping plan his love life, and checking on him in Lirin's clinic.{{book ref|sa4|12}}{{book ref|sa4|21}}{{book ref|sa4|38}} In fact, for a long time, practically the only times Kaladin goes out for fun are when Adolin gets him to, and he finds himself missing Adolin and Shallan when they are not with him.{{book ref|sa4|38}} Without Adolin's support after Teft's death, Kaladin almost gives up on everything; only saying the [[Immortal Words|Fourth Ideal]] with Dalinar's help allows him to pull through.{{book ref|sa4|106}}{{book ref|sa4|108}}
=== Mayalaran ===
Adolin wins [[Mayalaran]]'s Shardblade form in a duel well before becoming aware of her nature as a spren. Even without that knowledge, he treats his Blade with reverence and respect, speaking to it before every duel and thinking of himself as only borrowing it.{{book ref|sa2|14}} Like many duelists, he thinks of the Blade as an extension of his soul and sometimes even alive in some sense, though it is not clear whether that is superstition or an instinctual understanding of Shardblades' true nature.{{book ref|sa3|15}}
When he encounters Mayalaran's spren form in Shadesmar after the [[Battle of Kholinar]], he is initially unnerved by her deadeye appearance and behavior,{{book ref|sa3|89}} but he soon overcomes that feeling, calling her a friend and wishing she didn't have to be locked up for her own safety.{{book ref|sa3|101}} During the [[Battle of Thaylen Field]], he can feel her eagerness to fight a thunderclast, she speaks her name directly into his mind, and he is able to summon her in less than the usual ten heartbeats -- signs of the unusual bond they have been forming and Maya's partial revival.{{book ref|sa3|120}} Even though gaining a Nahel bond would give him access to a live Shardblade, he refuses to entertain the idea, since it would require him to stop carrying Maya.{{book ref|sa4|12}}
Their bond develops further during Adolin's next trip to Shadesmar. He takes care of Maya and treats her as a normal spren, despite her muteness and the skepticism of other spren about the point of interacting with a deadeye. She begins to show more and more responsiveness and initiative, such as by brushing Gallant and participating in Adolin's morning katas.{{book ref|sa4|22}}{{book ref|sa4|29}} She eventually even comes to his aid while he is rescuing Notum by performing a kata with a sword to keep the attackers off Adolin's back.{{book ref|sa4|35}}
When the honorspren in Lasting Integrity attempt to use Maya as a sham witness in their trial, she surprises them by speaking up powerfully in defense of Adolin and the ancient Radiants, making it undeniable to all that Adolin's consistent care for Maya has caused something to happen that no one thought was possible -- restoration of a deadeye's consciousness, at least in a partial form. From then on, Maya is able to talk with some coherence, and explains a little about the Recreance to Adolin. Blended confirms that some kind of bond is forming between the two of them, but doesn't seem to know exactly what is happening.{{book ref|sa4|94}}
== Development ==
}}
In the first draft of ''[[The Way of Kings]]'' (known as ''[[The Way of Kings Prime]]''), Adolin
When Brandon began writing ''The Way of Kings'' proper, Aredor was retooled as Adolin. Originally, he did not have any viewpoints; this changed when Brandon shifted Dalinar's doubts about his own sanity to his son. This gave Adolin an internal conflict of what he should do about his father, a man he highly respects and who seems to be going insane, which in turn made both of them stronger characters.{{ref|name=we724}}
* Adolin's name is derived from Alethi words ''adoda'' (light) and ''lin'' (suffix meaning "born unto").{{book ref|sa3|49}}
* Were they to exist on Roshar, he'd prefer onion rings over french fries.{{wob ref|13901}}
*
* Adolin is the best swordsman Brandon has written, with the exception of Lan Mandragoran.{{wob ref|13617}} This does not count immortals like the Heralds or [[Vasher]], since they have an unfair amount of experience.{{wob ref|14110}}
* Adolin is a better dancer than Shallan or Kaladin.{{wob ref|14873}}
== Notes ==
</references>
{{partial}}
{{Stormlight}}
[[category: viewpoint characters]]
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