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|books=[[The Stormlight Archive]]
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{{update|sa4}}
{{quote
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 deeply cares about his family, and one of the few times Adolin admits to being frightened is seeing his father looking fragile and worn down.{{book ref|sa1|28}} Adolin even allows the four-on-one duel to continue when [[Relis Ruthar]] threatens to have [[Abrobadar]] "accidentally" kill [[Renarin]].{{book ref|sa2|56}} He is also quick to defend Renarin when [[Torol Sadeas|Sadeas]] insults his younger brother.{{book ref|sa1|15}} Adolin seems to have had a good relationship with his deceased mother as well, carrying a chain that once belonged to her for good luck during duels.{{book ref|sa2|14}}
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
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 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
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
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}}
{{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
=== Shardbearer ===
Adolin is proficient with Blade commands, a set of mental commands that allow him to keep the Blade summoned even after letting go of it.{{book ref|sa2|35}} This allows him to perform such feats as using his Blade as a foothold on a sheer surface.{{book ref|sa2|26}} After Szeth's first attempt on Dalinar's life, he practices being able to throw his Shardblade into a target.{{book ref|sa2|35}} This appears to be a rather extraordinary feat given [[Hrdalm]]'s amazement upon being saved by the technique.{{book ref|sa3|120}}
Adolin now knows [[Mayalaran]]'s name and can summon her in seven heartbeats rather than the typical ten heartbeats required of a dead Shardblade. He is even able to sense her resigned agreement at being loaned to another Shardbearer,{{book ref|sa3|120}} hinting at a stronger bond between a human and the bonded [[deadeye]] spren than usual. During his second trip in
=== Dueling ===
{{quote
|This might be our last fight together [...] I appreciate what you've done for me. I know you'd do it for anyone who held you, but I still appreciate it.
|Adolin to his Shardblade, Maya
}}
Adolin's [[Calling]] is dueling and he frequently resorts to challenging other lighteyes to settle disputes. Since arriving at the [[Shattered Plains]], he has been unable to duel as much as he had previously due to his father's insistence that he follow the [[Alethi Codes of War]], which state that needless duels should be avoided during times of war so that commanding officers are not wounded.{{book ref|sa1|18}} Once Dalinar becomes [[Highprince of War]], he uses Adolin and his dueling as a key part in his plan to discipline the Highprinces by taking away their Shards in duels.
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 changed to having [[Shallan]] paint them for him. Finally, [[Renarin]] will check to make sure Adolin has eaten chicken at some point before the duel and that he has their mother's chain on his person.
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}} Against [[Salinor Eved]] he switches to using [[Ironstance]] as well as employing elements of hand to hand combat for a rather brutal display, much to the ire of Highjudge [[Istow]].
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 duelist on the Shattered Plains, given that he is both capable of winning a fight while hiding his true level of skill and being an even match against two men. Sadeas remarks that Adolin is growing into the Blackthorn, a man who conquered Alethkar with his skill and power, and that thought terrifies him.
=== Tactician ===
A week after the plateau assault, Adolin went to a wineshop in the [[Outer Market]] with Danlan, [[Jakamav]], [[Inkima]], [[Toral]] and [[Eshava]]. Adolin complained about how he hated being proven wrong and wondered why Sadeas, who was in a position of strength, never used it to take out House Kholin. The group discussed Sadeas's motives and the Kholin reputation, which made Adolin uncomfortable. After Danlan suggested it, Adolin told them he had tried and failed to get his father to relax the restrictions from the Codes on the camp. He then excused himself as he had a duel against Resi, who had been vocally insulting his father, to prepare for .{{book ref|sa1|58}}
As he moved through the Outer Market to the dueling grounds, he noticed the differences in behaviour, and attitude about their jobs, between the Kholin officers and those of other highprinces. Adolin found himself annoyed with the others, and was asking internally if they knew there was a war going on. He then had a revelation about why his father enforced the restrictions.
After his victory in the duel with Resi,{{book ref|sa1|58}} Adolin went to his father and told him that he now understood why they followed the Codes and that he absolutely must not abdicate. Dalinar, amused, told Adolin that he had convinced him. This shocked Adolin, who rarely won arguments with his father. Dalinar continued that he would draft an order that gave Adolin the right to depose him if he grew mentally unstable. Adolin was alright with this so long as they did not tell Sadeas. Dalinar asked Adolin to at least try to believe Sadeas could change, even if he didn't trust him. Adolin still believed Sadeas was manipulating his father. Dalinar also asked Adolin to make sure that it was only King's Guard soldiers loyal to him that were guarding Elhokar's rooms, as he believed there was something fishy going on. They entered Dalinar's chambers for the highstorm, where Navani and Renarin were waiting. After the highstorm, Adolin and the rest of the Kholins discovered that Dalinar had been speaking the [[Dawnchant]] during his episodes, which meant the visions were absolutely not delusions.{{book ref|sa1|60}}
==== Disarming the Shardbearers ====
After a highstorm, glyphs mysteriously appeared in Dalinar's rooms; during the inspection that followed, Dalinar noted Adolin's dislike of Kaladin.
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}}
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 ====
}}
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}}▼
{{image|The Impossible Odds by Randy Vargas.jpg|side=right|width=300px|Adolin and [[Kaladin]] during the duel}}▼
▲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, [[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
Kaladin joined the duel as well, keeping the duel still at a disadvantage. He got to Adolin, and the two formed a plan: Kaladin would keep one distracted and keep an eye on Renarin if he could while Adolin took on the other two. Adolin told him that they needed to be prepared if their opponents used Renarin as leverage against them. Two-on-one actually seemed to be an even match for Adolin. Adolin managed to break Elit's breastplate, incapacitating him, and Kaladin forced him to surrender. When Elit surrendered, Abrobadar abandoned Renarin and joined Relis and Jakamav in fighting Adolin. When Kaladin ran to help, Relis and Jakamav abandoned Adolin to take out Kaladin. Adolin used the opportunity this provided to defeat Abrobadar and then jumped on Jakamav from behind. His plate ran out of stormlight and locked, and they both tumbled to the ground.{{book ref|sa2|57}}
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 grant entry to a library filled with decayed books. Adolin ordered his men to retreat when they found Re-Shephir, standing at the front with Renarin to fight her. Initially he tried to convince Shallan to run away, but he trusted her judgement when she claimed to understand the spren and wanted to fight it. Adolin led the charge against Re-Shephir trusting that Shallan could defeat her.{{book ref|sa3|29}} After the battle, Adolin tried to convince Shallan to rest.{{book ref|sa3|32}}
{{image|
==== Siege of Kholinar ====
{{for|Siege of Kholinar}}
==== 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
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}}
==== 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
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}}
|side=left|size=300px
}}
After the voyage, land was sighted by the watch to the
When the scouts came telling the town was
{{sidequote
|side=right|size=300px
}}
Adolin went on to greet Notum, and discovered the honorspren had
{{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}}
▲{{image|Starspren Connor Chamberlain.jpg|side=right|width=300px|watching the [[starspren]] with [[Shallan]]}}
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 fighting with Maya by Egilde Art.jpeg|side=right|height=300px|Fighting the [[Tukar]]i with [[Maya]]}}
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}}
|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=
}}
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
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}}
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}}
=== 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 his insecurities about his place were good for him. She made jokes that he was getting three betrotheds instead of one and he told her he only wanted her which she said she could do with some help from him.{{book ref|oathbringer|121}} They marry soon after.{{book ref|sa3|122}}
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
=== Family ===
==== Dalinar ====
{{quote
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. ▼
|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
==== 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 ===
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}}
▲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 Blacktorn's memoir, including the admission of Dalinar's role in Evi's dead, 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}}
== Development ==
* 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
* Adolin is a better dancer than Shallan or Kaladin.{{wob ref|14873}}
== Notes ==
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