Rhaegar.

░▒▌╳▐ s ɪ ʟ ᴠ ᴇ ʀ ᴘ ʀ ɪ ɴ ᴄ ᴇ

      ^{THE JOURNEY south was a long and quite tedious one but it was safe none the less, more so when Elia herself had given the proper directions. After all, only a dornish can navigate their way through the arid desserts of Dorne without getting lost and dying of thirst and hunger in the following days. They are certain to gather enough supplies for the journey while also stocking up whenever possible, be it with fruits or vegetables or some wild animals they would encounter.} 

^{Arthur ( who was also quite familiar with the roads ) and the two other knights accompanying them would oft hurry ahead just to make sure there are no impending dangers down their paths. But Rhaegar would remain by her side always, both as a means to keep her safe and offer his company. There was ADMIRATION in the dragon for what this young wolf maid is doing, to understand his and his wife’s necessity and to BRAVELY take the role offered.} 

^{He was well aware of the likely consequences even though he would HOPE for those fears to be naught, more so for Lyanna’s sake and that of his wife and children rather than his own. After all, if his role is fulfilled even at the cost of DEATH, it would be worthy.}

         ❝ Mayhaps we can acquire some more from traders,
            were we to encounter them. ❞ There was a fond though soft smile
            adorning his features at her words, along with a hint of amusement.
            She was so certain that their child is to be a boy.

         ❝ Then we’ll need to teach him about humility as well,
            for a good leader knows when to be humble and listen rather
            than impose and order. But no, we are yet to discuss names. ❞ 

^{Whether the child is a boy or girl, it would most surely have a valyrian name, like its sister and brother and father and maybe Elia thinks the same as well, for neither of them have even mentioned the subject of names. They would usually wait until the birth takes place. When the Stark mentions halting for a moment, he nods and then turns to the Dayne who explains there’s an approaching area with shade and bushes where they may rest.} 

^{Minutes afterwards, the small party reaches said place and the silver prince helps Lyanna down her saddle ( knowing it may not be necessary but just so he would not risk her being hurt in any way by sudden movements ). After experiencing both of Elia’s pregnancies and how they affected her health so, the man was rather WARY.}

         ❝ We should be just a few more days from the tower and you may
            rest comfortably for as long as you need there.
            Is there enough water in your pouch? ❞

          Lyanna had no _{fear of the desert, though she understood its dangers. So long as they stayed together and maintained their course, she was certain they would be fine. Whether this was a reflection of her exploratory nature or a demonstration of her faith in Rhaegar remained to be seen– although it was likely both. The only fear she held was that they might be caught, that somehow someone would carry her off back to the North, where she would be given to Robert Baratheon. Even the fear of her family’s ire did not scare her so much as the thought that she might be married off the the lord of the Stormlands.} 

          _{But Rhaegar would never let that happen. He would keep her safe, like he promised. No one could refuse the prince’s orders, after all. If he said she would not go to Robert, then she would not. And really, when it came down to it, she could either die quickly of thirst under a sunlit sky with a man she worshiped, or she could die a slow soul death under a stormy sky with the only man she feared. It was not a difficult decision for her to make.} 

          _{The wolf maid smiled when she heard Rhaegar refer to the baby as a ‘he.’ It would seem her confidence was wearing off on the prince. “Humility is important,” she agreed. “Especially in battle.” She imagined the baby would grow to be quite a knight, with armor like dragon scales and a sword with rubies in the pommel. “I’m glad he’ll have Aegon. Nothing keeps you humble like when your brother wrestles you into the dirt.” It stung something in her heart to think of her brothers suddenly; what would they think of her now?} 

          _{Arthur’s words were a relief. Lyanna was lucky that the baby didn’t make her sick, like some women were wont to be during pregnancy, but she found all of her fondness for horses wore thin with a baby in her belly. She gave the creature a grateful pat on the neck before shifting her weight, allowing him to help her down. She didn’t quite need the help yet, but Lyanna loved any opportunity for Rhaegar to touch her. He had the most elegant hands. “That’s so much better. I just need to walk for a moment. Stretch out some.”} 

          _{The water pouch in question hung heavy at her waist. She lifted it, ducking under the leather strap so that she could hand it to him. It felt a bit more than half full– maybe two thirds??  He could be the judge. She lifted her arms skyward in order to lengthen her spine and gave a soft sigh. “They must have lighter dresses in Dorne, otherwise I don’t know how Southron ladies live in this heat.” Even in the shade, she felt like Winterfell’s kitchens– or maybe just the oven.}