It is undeniably summer (in the northern hemisphere), so here is something in the spirit of it I made as part of a group present in one of my discord groups. But it is also a part of the beach AU that has been present in my brain for a long time. So stay safe and hydrated wherever you are. Some steps of the process: :)

Yup, it's the Pride month special! That I do...sometimes. Once before. Anyway, the following Stormlight characters, who are at Pride this year, are going to explain why!

[This post contains Wind and Truth Spoilers!]

1. Shallan & Adolin

Shallan: 'Cause we both bi, baby! Adolin: Yes, it's us--the straight-passing bi4bi couple that everyone fears! Shallan: [glances at Adolin, who is wearing the handmade rainbow cape he spent weeks on] Shallan: I don't think anyone will read you as straight, honey. Adolin: Yessss!

2. Kaladin

Kaladin: Me? Honestly, Adolin and Shallan just dragged me here. Kaladin: I guess I'm one of those "straight allies." Adolin: [Frantically waving off Syl, who is approaching Kaladin from behind with her arms full of aromantic- and ace-themed goodies] Adolin (mouthing at Syl): He's not ready yet!

3. Veil & Radiant

Veil: I'm hoping to find a hot woman who doesn't mind dating a system. Veil: And who rides a motorcycle. Veil: Maybe head-to-toe leather. Radiant: And I'm here to make sure that Veil does not crash too hard from disappointment. Veil: ... Radiant: I'm just saying.

4. Renarin & Rlain

Renarin: W-Well, since I have a boyfriend now, it felt like a good year to come to Pride. Rlain: This year, we seem to be brave enough to hold hands. Rlain: Next year--head-to-foot fetish gear? Renarin: T-That WAS the rhythm of amusement, right??

5. Szeth

Szeth: I am here because Nightblood wanted to "learn what gender was and get one." Szeth: We're on gender #9 and counting. Nightblood: Oooh! That table has a lot of gender colors! Go there! Szeth: Double digits beckon. Nightblood: I think I LOVE gender!

6. Jasnah

Jasnah: I hate the framing of that question. Jasnah: What, do I need to present a thesis on my identity in order to earn the right to be here? Jasnah: I am here. I won't put myself in a box to stay.

7. Hoid

Hoid: I am today playing the role of Jasnah's cringe-fail boyfriend, yes. Hoid: But also! Hoid: I HAVE to get every single pride flag. Hoid: ... Hoid: I may or may not have a problem.

8. Moash

Moash: I'm here to punch cops. Moash: What? Do I need another reason?

9. Drehy & Dru

Drehy: Honestly? Yeah, I have a husband 'n' all, but mostly I am here to embrace my destiny as Gay Mentor. Dru: His "I Hug Gay Kids" sign has produced a LOT of tears. Drehy: I just need them to know they're loved.

10. Lift

Lift: Men. Lift: Butts. Lift: Leather. Lift: Need I say more? Wyndle: I-I thought you were gonna be genderfluid or something, mistress!

11. Leshwi

Leshwi: Apparently, the fact that I am a femalen in a malen body garnered me an invitation to this event. Leshwi: And nobody else was strong enough to wear the mile-long Pride Cape. Leshwi: ... Leshwi: I think I am some sort of Pride Goddess among the humans now.

12. Dalinar

(Do you mean to tell me Adolin went drinking with all of Bridge Four? 😭)

For idk how long now I've been getting legitimately up in arms whenever there's a part where they're not assigned to the same post/mission together. Like WHOMST separated the husbands? And then cheering whenever they show up in the same place together bc like... I THOUGHT THEY WERE HUSBANDS. When they rescued and returned Gavinor to Uruthiru, that made perfect sense. Who better to care for him than the married couple? "Ah, their adopted son arc; of course."

This was NOT a headcanon; I thought this was legitimate actual canon. I thought the books had them marry a while ago. You know? Revealed whenever it was that Sigzil was talking about forms and it was revealed Drehy was gay. So... Idk how to slot Dru into my worldview now. He doesn't fit.

They're MARRIED. Right? No? What????

I... sigh. I have to reread EVERYTHING bc nothing makes sense if these two suddenly aren't married. They were canon married and now they're not and I'm so confused.

Doylist explanation: Sanderson is giving us information on Alethi culture and norms using a beloved character knowing this interaction won't harm his reputation.

Watsonian explanation: Sure, Kaladin is educated but he's from a small town and he's 20. TWENTY.

drehy loveline in the background: