Cosmere Characters React to Shallan's Childhood
As requested by anon256. :)
[THIS POST CONTAINS MAJOR WAT SPOILERS!]
Cosmere characters have just gotten the full download of Shallan's backstory! Here is how I think that would go.
1. Kaladin
Kaladin: I knew...most of this already. Kaladin: It's the sort of story that you almost need to hear while clinging to each other for warmth in a tiny handmade crevice during a high storm while bleeding to death and listening to the haunting song of mysterious enemies above. Kaladin: You know, for the atmosphere. Adolin: ...Wait, why am I jealous?
2. Jasnah
Jasnah: It seems as though Shallan was already practiced in killing for the sake of the greater good. Jasnah: Perhaps she didn't even need my philosophy lesson. Jasnah: Now I feel a little bad. Shallan: NOW you feel bad??
3. Notum
Notum [arms folded]: This is exactly why I do not understand Cryptics. Notum: Imagine bonding someone who had already killed one of your kind. Notum: Not even in a "no humans can be trusted with a bond" sort of way. Notum: In a "literally this very human killed its last spren recently" sort of way. Pattern: Hmmm... Humans would call it optimism? Notum: I would call it something else.
4. Dalinar
Dalinar: Killing a family member and then forcibly repressing the memory is not what I expected to have in common with my daughter-in-law, but... Dalinar: I suppose a connection can be forged from anything. Shallan: A-Are you sure you don't want to take up drawing or something? Dalinar: No, I think this works fine.
5. Renarin
Renarin: I think...that I appreciate how, even though she was in so much pain and fear and regret, she was still trying to help her family. Rlain: Very "finding wine for her alcoholic father so he'd be in less pain" of her. Renarin: Very much so. Shallan: ...I think it's a compliment?
6. Raboniel
Raboniel: That...small human child...killed a Herald? Raboniel: ... Raboniel: Navani, can we add her to our lab? Navani: ...
7. Navani
Navani: With Jasnah, I never really got to be a mother. Navani: And Shallan never really had a mother. Navani: ... Navani: Maybe this relationship will be healing for both of us. Rushu (absently): She did kill her last mother, though. Navani: I think it was a one-time thing.
8. Adolin
Adolin: When I hear the full story, all I can think is... Adolin: You were so strong. Adolin: And you shouldn't have had to be. Adolin: And I love you. Shallan: ... Shallan: I love you too.
