StormlightFan23

Alright, my first topic I started and not beating around the bush here with the title! I am really surprised that no one has brought up that Shallan and Adolin likely have a baby! I feel like after the last book, that was seen as basically inevitable (recently married, young couple, as in love as the two of them are! You can guess what happens ) But, I actually think that there IS a baby, and it's one of the "time skip" reveals that Mr. Sanderson is holding back for later in the book... I think this is the main reason that we haven't seen Adolin "on screen", because I think if they were together then they would definitely discuss the baby, and it would spoil the surprise for readers. I also have a theory that the reason Pattern is NOWHERE to be seen (which I normally would see as a big warning sign) is because he actually plays a nanny role for the baby. (Kind of a fun twist on how he was the chaperone in Shallan and Adolin's courtship, which was one of the cutest parts on the last book ) I know Shallan mentions that Pattern is "watching to warn Adolin", but Adolin is basically right there in the last few chapters, so why isn't Pattern with Shallan?? It makes no sense unless he has to be off doing something more important... hence nanny role! I do think Shallan has a lot of growing to do (Mr. Sanderson said she is in a "downward spiral"), and I think having Adolin as a husband and also her baby will be two elements that really help pull her out of that spiral. And Pattern will be the cutest nanny. I'm hoping we get a Pattern interlude like we're getting for Syl which is him "bonding" with the baby... I'm looking forward to reading all of this so much! November can't come soon enough!

Ok, I'll do my post on what I think they're hiding (which I can't believe no one else has brought up given how everyone saw this as inevitable after the last book!)

I just want to remind everyone that (as someone pointed out in another thread) Mr. Sanderson said recently that Shallan was in a "downward spiral", so I don't think what we see here is where things will stay. I also as a reader would find it boring if what happened in the time skip was progress for Shallan that we didn't get to see! I think that Adolin is an amazing influence on her, but that's a story we really need to read, and not have just skipped in between books! So Calderis, I'm on the same page as you that Shallan has all the set up through Adolin to really end up in a stable place, but based on what the author himself said, it doesn't sound like she's there yet. And I'm glad about that, as I can't wait to read how their relationship develops

I'm disappointed we haven't seen any direct Shallan and Adolin interactions, but I think that's saving up for the biggest reveal of all...

I know this is an older topic, but I think Adolin going makes complete sense when combined with the Maya storyline. Adolin can show that a "dead" spren isn't really dead, and can be revived by the right person (And this lines up so well with how Adolin is going to "revive" Shallan... will be such a lovely arc for Adolin this book after a rough Oathbringer and feeling like he doesn't have a place in this new world order )

I think Laral + Kaladin will be at least soundly explored. There is no way to avoid it when they are both in Urithiru! I am not thinking it will be the end all for Kaladin, but I can see romantic feelings, and flirting, and also I think she can help him get past Tien, because don't forget she was friends with Tien too. (She wasn't the one who sent Tien to die, and she had no choice in marrying Roshone. I think she is help unfairly accountable for that.) I also think Adolin and Laral would get along well, and I would love to see some of the brotherly Kaladin and Adolin bromance with some Laral sass thrown in! And in all seriousness, I think Shallan and Laral could be good friends... Shallan could use a girlfriend. Ok, now I'm convincing myself the happily off into the sunset carriage ride WILL happen

Wow that's a definitive statement from Mr. Sanderson! Now we know we are going to see a cratering of Shallan in this book, but I think there will be outside forces (Adolin... and what they've done together in the time skip ) that pull her back from the brink. I think this only sets up a way for her marriage to be stronger for having gone through these rough times. Not to go too Jane Austen, but I can just see an end of Pride & Prejudice scene at the epilogue of Book 5 with Adolin and Shallan, and Kaladin and Laral, in a carriage pulled by their Rhyshadium and driven by Hoid with him telling a story about how the four of them together averted the end of Roshar! Ok, that's probably a little far-fetched (because Kaladin and Laral probably isn't going to be more than a cute fling this book), but a girl can dream!

Ok, since this has already been spoiled, I really feel we are being set up for Laral and Kaladin to have a rekindling. I think part of why he and Lyn combusted is because she noticed his interest in Laral during visits to Hearthstone. Now that the path has cleared, I see major bonding happening. (Also with the Syl interlude, we know Kaladin will be spending more time at Urithiru, which means more time for Laral romancing :)) I think their relationship has progressed in the time skip and something which will be teased out. Not that Kaladin would EVER cheat on someone, but a bond like they have isn't something that disappears

I really liked the Renarin bits in this chapter! I think that's the first time we've seen him on page? Already looking forward to him book, have forever to wait. Also it's interesting that like *everyone* is on the Fourth Bridge. I wouldn't be surprised if Jasnah just pops up LOL.

Hi - New to the forums here. I followed along some of the Oathbringer discussion, but couldn't avoid joining now! I think the time skip is so there are mysteries that we get to uncover... like the airship, but also personal mysteries, what characters have been up to, that will be "reveals" as we go along. I have some theories of my own! I will get oriented and then summon the courage to post my own thread LOL.