#raoden

Kaladin brooding like its a competitive sport and Raoden being sunshine incarnate.

In the scene where Sarene first brings food to Elantris, the narrative frames their relationship front and center.

But all the other nobles from Sarene's little group, who were Raoden's most trusted supporters, are also there!!

Ahane and Royal and Eoden and Shuden... They're all there!! Raoden loved them and they him!! So much history and trust and respect among them, and Raoden has to walk and work and speak with them ALL knowing none of them recognize him anymore 😭😭😭

The first time I read this story, my attention followed where the narrative directed it, centering on the bud of romance that had been nipped temporarily.

But... Now I see the TRAGEDY of the rest of it :(. The platonic relationships, the long cameraderie. All sitting there, while your closest mentors and supporters and colleagues see you as a stranger!! And (you believe) you can't/shouldn't tell them!!!

As requested by @mysticat-collecting-hats :)

If Legos came to the Cosmere, here is how that might go.

1. Steris

Steris: Oh, I don't do anything impressive. Steris: I'm one of those boring people who just buys a kit and then follows the instructions. Wax: IS THAT A THREE-FOOT-TALL LEGO VERSION OF KEDRIK SHAW??? Steris: ... Steris: Not the tone I expected.

2. (Baby) Gavinor

Gavinor: [silently builds a Lego tower] Gavinor: [silently knocks it down] Gavnior: [silently builds a Lego tower] Gavinor: [silently knocks it down] Dalinar: Are you pretending to be a Highstorm there, son? Gavinor: [stares silently at Dalinar] Dalinar: A-As long as it’s…fun?

3. Vivenna

Vivenna: Ha ha, we didn’t have Legos in Idris! Way too colorful. Vivenna: We had Graygos. Vivenna: They’re these uniform gray bricks. You can build anything! As long as it’s gray. Denth: Are Idrian children…okay? Vivenna: Why do you ask?

4. Adolin and Shallan

Adolin: I always thought Legos were for girls, but they’re actually pretty fun! Adolin: And my wife is amazing—just look at this amazing castle she’s building! Shallan: You, meanwhile, have been busy matching up knight pieces and horse pieces in the way that “best complements their individual strengths and style.” Adolin: I know where my strengths lie.

5. Raoden

Raoden: Oh, I’m not big on Legos. Raoden: Nobody likes stepping on them, of course, but for someone like me… Raoden: Well, let’s just say there is that moment of sheer, blind panic that perhaps this pain in your foot will last forever. Sarene: Um, Raoden? Do you perhaps have some trauma? Raoden: Now that you mention it…

6. Wyndle

Wyndle: I love Legos! Wyndle: I collect the 3x1 flat green bricks! Lift: Oh, Wyndle... Wyndle (defensively): I'm allowed to have hobbies!

7. Lift

Lift: I play Lego the way nature intended! Lift: By building with whatever haphazard assortment of pieces I happen to have! Lift: Although...for some reason I never seen to have any flat green 3x1 pieces... Wyndle: [looking away, whistling]

8. Yumi

Nikaro: That is a very impressive Lego tower, Yumi! Yumi: Aww, thanks! Nikaro: ... Nikaro: Why are you stacking them smooth side to smooth side though instead...like...locking them together? Yumi: Ha ha! I'm not a child, Nikaro! Nikaro: ... Yumi: What?

9. Ham and Vin

Ham: You know, these Lego bouquets are created by taking a bunch of miscellaneous pieces from other sets - pieces that were not meant to go together — and re-envisioning what they can do. Together. Vin: That is kind of…beautiful. Ham: It is, isn’t it? Vin: Bringing together all these pieces… All of these fiddly, tiny, endless pieces…. Ham: …Are you bored? Do you want to do something el— Vin: (already leaping out the window): YES THANK YOU Ham: [peacefully continuing to build] Expected that.

10. Raboniel and Navani