A/N: another favourite and intriguing part of this time of Westeros history is the Tourney of Harrenhal. Harrenhal has witnessed some of Westeros most pivotal moments of its history. And this particular event was important for the war to come and sets the scene for two families to come together.
Here we see Rhaegar and Elia in different situations running simultaneously, and Rhaegar coming to face Lyanna afterwards.
Thanks for the likes and comments! Glad people are enjoying the story as much as I am writing it!
Chapter Three: The Tourney of Harrenhal
Varys hand was sore from his many communications, all the people he needed to keep happy around the world to maintain his network. Along with his little birds his friends in high places meant Varys the spider had formed a dense and well connected network to report on important events. He had come to know that knowledge was true power, and danger also. One piece of information had the power to shift a nations course and disrupt peace in major ways also. It was this fact that pushed Varys to finish his scrolls and ensure communications kept people on his side. He heard the door creak open and glanced to see one of his little birds approaching. Varys watched the boy who approached with an unsure look across his face, his birds strictly knew not to disturb him at certain hours.
"You said to come- if it's-important" stuttered the young boy who became red faced and obviously frightened.
"Yes I did say that but it depends on what you think is important and what is important" spoke Varys, silky and smooth with an edge of danger to it.
"There are whispers my Lord, whispers of replacing the King, with his son at the Tourney" the boy spoke sheepishly, almost ashamed of the gem he possessed.
Varys breath caught in his chest, yes the boy was right this was important but he couldn't let the boy know that. Remaining in his mask of serene patience he smiled kindly at the lad and produced a gold coin.
"As promised here is your reward, but remember my Lad-" Varys voice changed from kind to dangerous as he spoke.
"Once the gold touches my fingers I will forget" mumbled the boy, hesitatingly Varys placed the coin gently in his palm.
"Don't do anything to make me regret this young man"
Once his hand was on the coin the boy scurried from the room and Varys sat back to think on this information. What did it mean for the realm? What did it mean for him?
He had never warmed to Rhaegar and the feeling was mutual. What does one do with children anyway? But the years had rolled on and the spider had missed his opportunity to bring the boy under his wing and into his confidence. He was a wild card he didn't know what to do with, and in the end he would most likely send the spider away at the first taste of power he got. Slipping from the room he debated over his next action as he silently padded toward the Kings chambers hoping he was there and not tormenting his sister wife instead. It was the hour Rhaella usually found her unwelcome husband in her bed, and when he forced himself upon her again. As he lifted his arm to knock on the royal apartments he conceded it was best for the realm and the safety of the common people for him to retain his position. Without him who would protect the people from the whims of the nobility?
His hand hovered in front of the door as he quickly conducted calculations of what was the best action. Was warning Aerys the right move? What if he made another move to gain favour with the young Prince? He might have more longevity in his role if he played his game differently. Upon hearing the mad ramblings of the king on the other side of the door Varys slowly lowered his hand. A new plan came to mind, a risky one but a new plan nonetheless that would gain the young Prince a powerful ally should he decide to unseat his father. Slowly Varys slipped away from the kings chambers into the night to send a secret and highly sensitive scroll to an unlikely ally.
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The knights rounded their horses lathered in sweat and eyes rolling madly to clash with each other once again. The beasts muscles twitched under their legs as they prepared to lunge forward into a new joust, each knight with victory on their minds. Aiming their spear they lunged forward to attack, the pounding of the hooves on the sand filled the arena and nobility from all over Westeros looked on. The sickening crunch of impact echoed through the whole arena and the ladies mostly all looked away. Rhaegar sat with Elia distracted as he watched the heats unfold in front of him, soon it was his turn to join the jousting. His mind was far away though trying to piece together the dreams that had recently become recurrent. As impact crunched sickeningly around the arena he jolted back to reality and looked around. He noted the ladies of nobility looking away and feigning worry but he knew in their hearts they wanted to see blood just like their husbands. He saw with interest one noble woman did not look away, his eyes raked over her as he watched her eyes glued to the proceedings. Suddenly her eyes dark grey and hypnotising turned to his and they locked eyes in a charged moment across the tourney. Elias touch pulled him from her gaze as she whispered into Rhaegars ear. Her words sounded muffled and blurry like he was under water still entranced by the woman's gaze. He tried to find her again but when he looked she was gone.
"Rhaegar? Are you listening to me?" said the silky accent of Elia.
"What? No, sorry I just..."
Elia followed his gaze and smiled slightly with knowing, her mind flashing to the prophecy she saw in the visions of blue roses edged with ice.
Gently she turned Rhaegar to face her, a smile across her face and her hands under his chin. They shared a charged moment of looking into each other's eyes.
"I'm sorry, my mind-wandered. What is it?"
"Your Fathers Hand just arrived in the camp and is preparing his lodgings. It is your duty as Prince to welcome him"
He heard between the lines of what Elia was saying but he felt his energy being pulled in the direction of the woman he saw moments before.
"Rhaegar, go to Tywin. Everything else must wait," said Elia with a harder edge to her tone. Rhaegar looked back to the proceedings of the clashing knights and scanned the crowd for those eyes again. She was gone.
He looked back to Elia, "I didn't expect Tywin to be here"
"Nobody did, maybe something has changed" returned Elia returning to watch the proceedings as another sickening crunch sounded and a rider fell from their horse. The crowd was shocked and shouting in consternation as the opponent wheeled around for celebration.
Rhaegar tore his gaze away and brushed down his clothes as he swept away from the stands to meet the former Hand of the King.
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Elia watched Rhaegar leave the stands from the corner of her eye as she fixed her face firmly on the tourney. But her mind wandered, to those haunting eyes that caught Rhaegar's attention. Moments after Rhaegar disappeared Elia gathered her skirts and edged out of the stands mumbling greetings to people as she went, smiling and shaking hands with the people she knew were planning rebellion. How did she know this? She couldn't explain it, but when she touched them she heard their inner most thoughts and opinions. It took every fibre in her to ignore this information and sweep out onto something of greater importance. Elia wandered through the hundreds of tents proudly showing the banners of their House and their liege Lord until she came to the one she sought out. The Wolf Banner. It flapped loudly in the wind, the proud wolf rolling around the banner as it flew at the mercy of the breeze. Elia became almost entranced by the flag and felt herself being pulled into a vision, but she was snapped back to reality by the sound of clashing swords. In an instant she knew where to find the person she was seeking.
It didn't take long to find her, Elia followed the wind that seemed to push her along until she came across the woman from the stands. Lyanna Stark.
Elia had never met this woman and yet their lives had suddenly become entwined, something Lyanna was yet to learn. This was the woman the prophecy spoke of, Elia watched her for a time how she moved and the fighting spirit within her and understood why it had to be her. It was highly unorthodox she was allowed to have a sword and to fight openly being of noble birth, this intrigued her. Elia made no effort to hide herself as she enjoyed watching the strikes and sound of the clashing metal, it reminded her of watching her brothers fighting. In a short space of time Elia was impressed with Lyanna's fighting prowess. Many thoughts flicked through her mind, Dorne was known to be more liberal than Westeros and mistresses were allowed. Yet this prophecy outlined more than being a mere mistress, it threatened Elia and her children's position in the Royal family. Which Elia knew was a bad decision to support given her schooling on the Westerosi political climate, yet even she found herself being drawn to Lyanna. Most of all Elia trusted Rhaegar's promise to keep them safe, her newly awakened powers had given her the gift of some sight although it came in patches and was unpredictable. At the end of the sparring session Lyanna rounded to face Elia and the women locked eyes. Lyanna blushed and sheathed her sword, caught off guard the future Queen was gazing at her. Slick with sweat from training Lyanna approached Elia and appeared nervous which Elia could tell was not a familiar sensation for this she-wolf.
"You are quite the fighter" said Elia simply in an attempt to break the ice.
"Thank you my Lady-"
"Please call me Elia, I'm not the Queen"
Lyanna blushed again and went to speak but her words caught in her mouth. Elia smiled and stepped forward slightly to bridge the gap between them.
"I came to invite you to join me for the afternoon in the Royal lodgings. I'm aware that relations between the North and the South have always been somewhat frosty shall we say. I'm hoping that as women we can move past that, and start to make amends" Elia spoke calmly and coolly in her thick Dornish accent, as if she were already Queen. Despite her size she exuded great strength in the moment which made Lyanna feel some respect towards her.
Unsure of how else to respond and understanding it was not a request but an order Lyanna simply nodded and with an awkward curtsey replied, "It would be an honour Elia"
After the servants scurried around the tent at the last minute arrangements and brought food and drinks for the noble ladies Elia had Lyanna alone. A long awkward moment ensued as Lyanna stirred her drink awkwardly which showed Elia she was as nervous as her.
"Do i make you uncomfortable Lyanna?" questioned Elia as she sipped her tea and reached for her favourite Dornish dessert.
Lyanna looked down rather sheepishly and replied, "I have to say I'm rather caught off guard by your invitation-"
"Yes I know. Especially considering I saw the look you exchanged today at the tourney with my husband"
Lyanna's eyes shot up as she realised Elia had noticed, "Elia I'm really s-"
Elia held up her hand and Lyanna's apology died away.
"Lyanna please. Remember my heritage, the Dornish do not discriminate or judge extramarital relations. I saw you both today, I know the attraction is there. The complication comes with who we are in this world. If you have an affair with my husband does that put my children's succession to the throne in jeopardy?"
Lyanna raised her eyebrows, "What makes you think I would have an affair with your husband when I'm promised to someone already?"
Elia smirked, she didn't want to give too much away in case she scared her off entirely.
"I know because it's all you thought about when you were sparring" her voice was silky smooth but with an edge to it.
Lyanna raised her head as a sign of self defence heat rising in her cheeks, "You couldn't know that for sure"
Elia sighed, "I didn't bring you here for an interrogation Lyanna. I do genuinely want to heal relations with the North. But I can't deny what I saw at the tourney today"
"I can assure you whatever you saw today is not what you think Elia"
Elia clicked her tongue and smiled, "Dont lie to me Lyanna. Trust isn't built on a bed of lies"
Lyanna sat back and said nothing, she didn't know what to say and if what she said would be misconstrued. In her heart she couldn't deny the feeling she felt when Rhaegar looked at her, she had never felt that way about Robert or anyone else.
"See?" said Elia, "You can't deny it. I know you might find this unusual but where I'm from this is not frowned upon like here. My only request is you don't stand in the way of my children and the throne"
Lyanna's face contorted in confusion, "Are you saying what I think you are?"
Elia finished her tea and signalled for a servant, she whispered instructions and the woman scurried off and returned with a large bottle of liquor. Elia uncorked it and poured two glasses, sliding one across the table to Lyanna as she sipped her own glass. As Elia sipped the strong liquor she spoke,
"I know my husband, he is a good but intense man. When he sees something he wants he goes after it. I simply wanted to reach out to you and form a friendship because I see value in us being friends, politically it will help to have some kind of warmth between the Crown and the North. Plus in this world being a woman holds no value, you're always just a pretty thing on some powerful mans arm. You have to be smarter than they think you are and measure every situation in front of you for what it is. Fighting each other is a lose lose situation for both of us, I lose my husband, their children lose their father and Dorne goes to war. You lose your betrothal and cause scandal and war for your house. That doesn't end well for anyone, does it?"
Elia smiled and drank deeply of her drink, the liquor burning as it went down but giving way to a delightful sweet aftertaste. Lyanna followed her and drank deeply looking in surprise at the glass when she tasted the sweet aftertaste.
"What is this drink?" she asked in surprise.
Elia smiled and signalled for her to pass her glass over, "This is very special, it is only made in Dorne and is the only liquor I enjoy. We call it Water of Life, although if you drink too much you will feel quite dead the following day"
She laughed as she downed her glass in one action grimacing until the sweetness returned, Lyanna followed and felt the liquor making her feel light headed and euphoric.
"I thought the Dornish only made wine?" questioned Lyanna as her face grimaced at the burning after swallowing.
"Yes we are well known for wine but as I said this is special and is only made by and for the Royal family. This is something my family have made for many years, we do not sell this to anyone"
Lyanna was impressed she was able to taste it, "I don't usually drink much, but that I could drink"
Elia signalled for her glass again, "Come we have one more"
Elia and Lyanna laughed and talked for a while longer steadily growing a warmth amongst them which was helped along by the liquor. As the afternoon bore on the shadows lengthened in the ten and suddenly Elias servants entered and requested to speak with her. After some hurried whispers Elia smiled kindly at Lyanna, "My apologies Lady Stark, I have a prior arrangement to meet another House for dinner. I must ready myself now, thank you for spending the afternoon with me I hope it will not be the last time we meet"
Lyanna stood and courtsied but Elia crossed the space between them and hugged her instead. A gesture which is unheard of in Westeros political culture, even the servants looked taken aback.
Before Lyanna pulled away Elia whispered in her ear so none but her heard, "You have my blessing"
And with a quick smile she swept from the room to prepare for dinner and Lyanna was escorted from the Royal suites. Wandering back to her tent she replayed the afternoon in her mind, she didn't expect this at all and didn't quite know what to make of it. Elia spoke as if Rhaegar would run off with her but they'd never even spoken a word to one another. Lyanna didn't even know what his voice sounded like. What kind of person was Rhaegar and how many other women had Elia had to have these talks with? As she walked and was deep in thought she heard a distinctive shout, she also heard the sounds of a scuffle. The powerful Dornish liquor had heightened her senses instead of dulling them like wine normally did. Without a thought she turned towards the sounds and headed into the woods to see what the fuss was all about.
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Rhaegar stormed from the stand and strode with authority through the Lannister tents, part of him on edge about being attacked and the other part assuring him he was safe. He noticed there seemed to be a part of himself guiding him through situations now. A part of himself that was awakened in the ruins of SummerHall that showed him parts of the future, guiding him almost to choose a different path to one he'd been on before. At times he felt like he was at war with these two parts within himself as they both tried to be heard. Stopping outside Tywins tent he noticed the slightest hesitation from the guard and pushed past him into the tent. Tywin was waiting for him, glass of wine in hand and another waiting on the table. Rhaegar hesitated before sitting, Tywin had his cold glare fixed on him the whole time.
"Welcome to the Tourney Lord Hand" said Rhaegar evenly and calmly as he sat across from Tywin as he stared at him calculatingly.
Tywin stared at him wordlessly for what felt like an eternity.
"I got the impression you were expecting me, my Prince" returned Tywin coldly.
Rhaegar smiled slightly, "That is news to me Tywin"
Tywins face did not relax the slightest at the dropping of formal titles, the tension in the air was thick. Both men were dancing around what they wanted to say.
"Please my Prince, join me in a drink"
"Considering how you're behaving Tywin I might expect this wine to be poisoned" replied Rhaegar, feeling more on edge than he let himself reveal.
With a slight sound of annoyance Tywin leaned forward and took a sip from the cup intended for Rhaegar. He swallowed and presented the cup to Rhaegar.
"I can assure you I would never stoop so low as to use poison on anyone of importance. Poison is a woman's choice of murder, and I am no woman"
Rhaegar chuckled slightly as he took a small sip, "I think everyone in the Seven Kingdoms knows you're not a woman"
Tywin stood and filled his own cup and Rhaegar thought it odd that there was no cupbearer present.
"I thought it rather odd that the Spider would suddenly be doing your bidding. I found it equally odd that you sought to have an audience with me in light of the challenges I've had with your Father"
Rhaegar was completely caught off guard, the Spider? The man who made Rhaegars hair bristle when he was present and who he had never been able to fully trust. Rhaegar casually swirled the glass in his hand as he mulled over this new development. It was interesting indeed, the new part of him began to take over conversation.
"So why did you come?" he swallowed the sweet heady wine and let it swirl his mind. His new enhanced version of himself taking control.
"To hear what it is you wanted to talk to me about. And how it will benefit me in times to come"
"You left Kings Landing for a reason. Why is that?"
Tywins jaw tightened, and he seemed to become enraged within seconds.
"It would be inappropriate of me to disclose what is between me and the King" Tywins voice was furious, strained and barely held in control. Rhaegar noticed.
"Yes but for someone with such a reputation to turn and leave that has gotten people talking and you know how people like to talk" replied Rhaegar with a pointed look at Tywin.
"I can assure you my reasons for returning to Casterly Rock are purely to look after my family" retorted Tywin beginning to lose his patience.
"Are they?" smiled Rhaegar incredulously, "More important than being the man who is actually controlling the country? Everyone knows it's really you who runs the kingdom Tywin"
Tywin looked enraged but did not argue, unable to contain his frustration he took a long sip from his goblet and looked away.
"Explain to me what this has to do with you?" Replied Tywin through gritted teeth.
"In your absence great crimes are being committed against the people, rebellion is in the air. We need a stabilising force in the palace" replied Rhaegar, not breaking his gaze and twirling his wine glass on the table.
"In any case my position as Hand is no longer teneble" replied Tywin abruptly.
"What if there was a new ruler on the Iron Throne? Could I count on you to retain your loyalty to my House?"
"You are talking treason Rhaegar..." returned Tywin with warning in his voice
"It's no secret what my Father is doing, rebellion is coming. I can hear the men talking amongst themselves at the fires, change is desired. War is longed for, why, I have no idea. For some reason they all long to die by the sword and rot in a field"
Tywin remained silent and sipped his glass as he stared unblinkingly at Rhaegar.
"War would be the end of your House young dragon"
"Only if I was to die" said Rhaegar finishing his glass and putting it down on the table between the men with a snap.
Tywin raised his eyebrow in curiosity, "Yes your death would end your line that is true. But Aerys has another son who can be moulded"
"Ah yes you're right. But I'm sure whoever unseats my father will not let him live"
Tywin had no response because Rhaegar was right, if the dragons were usurped their whole house had to die with Aerys. Without question.
"I know you want your vengeance against whatever evil my father has done against you. But I ask you to remember this, no matter what you do your ancestor Loren Lannister swore fealty to my family and that oath still stands. Side with whoever gives you the vengeance you desire Tywin but know this, the dragons will never really be gone"
Before Tywin had a chance to respond beyond his raised eyebrows, Rhaegar stood and began to exit the tent, Tywin was mulling over what he had said.
"Rhaegar wait", spoke Tywin sternly to which Rhaegar turned back slightly, "where is my son?"
"My Father forbid him to come to the Tourney, says he had a dream and he was to stay with him. Father believes you've paid an assassin to kill him while we are away at the Tourney. Ser Jamie has remained behind, for protection"
Tywin stood angrily, "Ser Jamie?"
Rhaegar nodded slightly, "Your son was knighted into the KingsGuard before I left for Harrenhal. Father said you'd been notified by Raven?"
Tywins hand gripped his glass so hard his knuckles turned white, and his eyes were the most furious Rhaegar had ever seen. He imagined this was the look on his face when the Reynes were being dealt with. Tywin strode forward and stood very close to Rhaegar.
"If what you say is true rebellion is closer than you think boy"
"Now I've learnt my father lied I know it's on the horizon. I have to prepare for what is to come"
Tywin looked confused, "You're not going to stop it? Unseat your father and take the throne. You have the power and I will deal with the nobility who-"
"No Tywin. I'm ordering you to not support my moving to the throne"
"Don't be stupid Rhaegar. You were born to be King" hissed Tywin.
"I will be King but I will not slay my Father to get there, living a life of whispers behind my back of kin slayer is not how this is resolved. You have my blessing to support who you want in the war to come"
The two men stared into each other's determined eyes for a long moment. Rhaegar's were firm and determined while Tywins were searching for signs of madness.
"I don't know what you're planning Rhaegar and I don't like the sound of it-"
"One day you'll understand me Tywin, you just don't know what's ahead of you and how that fares for your House. And that's what you don't like"
Tywin exhaled in frustration, he didn't like taking action without knowing the path that lay ahead for him. But he had known Rhaegar since he was a babe, and had no malice towards him. Draining his goblet in two gulps he placed the glass on the table, his mind whirling with possibilities.
"I will not forget the oath my family has sworn to yours Rhaegar, but your Father-"
"Say no more, I just needed to hear you acknowledge the oath still stands. Goodbye Tywin"
Rhaegar smiled mysteriously and swept from the tent leaving Tywin in his wake, confused at what was to come and scrambling to understand what the Prince had planned.
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Rhaegars mind swirled as he walked through the camp, his interest was piqued. The Spider had made a move against his father, totally unexpected and potentially a trap but all the same it had been useful to talk to Tywin. Having House Lannister on their side for the future would be necessary if his plan was to unfold. He knew Varys would be expecting an audience with him on his return and he needed to think what path he was to take. He almost missed the sounds of a scuffle coming from deep in the forest but his new sharpened hearing alerted him to enter the forest. He saw some men flee the forest, holding themselves as if injured. They weren't small men either, he wasn't close to them but they looked like they'd been attacked by some kind of beast. They were heavily bruised and bloodied, worried there might be something sinister planned to unfold at the tourney he pushed deeper into the forest to investigate.
After walking through the forest and seeing no sign of an attacker he almost gave up when he heard the slightest crack of a twig and changed direction to follow the sound.
He saw a dark figure placing a shield in low lying branches of a tree, and when he saw the shield he pushed forward more not caring if he made noise. The shield was a laughing heart tree which had caused countless whispers around fires at the tourney.
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The day had been long and arduous for Elia, so many social engagements were exhausting. The endless drinking and dining, nobility saying one thing but meaning another thing in their minds. It sapped at Elias strength to keep everything she knew under control, combined with the demands of having two young children she felt drained this evening.
It calmed her to sit by the fire and hear the children's rhythmic breathing behind her, it was in these moments the quiet moments she found some solace with who she was and where she was in the world. Unlike other nobility she didn't need their validation and was content to be alone, she remembered the words of her Father.
'Strength lies in silence, watching, learning, growing. Don't feel the need to fill the void with noise Elia you are not weak minded like so many'
Elia smiled as she gazed in the fire and her Fathers words echoed in her mind, he knew she was more than 'sickly and weak' as so many called her. That was her strength, that she was underestimated and she could observe and learn where everyone else was weak.
The fire danced in her eyes and began showing her images and points in time, she sighed as the prophecy unfolded again. She wondered where was she in this prophecy, where did she fit in to all of this? Suddenly the urge came to touch the fire and she reached out gingerly and felt the flames touch her hands, they leapt out to her. Before she knew it she was cradling a ball of fire in her hands and watching her children's lives unfold. She saw the possibilities for them and how different paths led them to different places.
She heard the tent open behind her and turned to see Rhaegar in the night, she extinguished the fire in her hands and watched him approach her.
He sat across from her and didn't say a word but he had a strange look in his eyes.
"What happened with Tywin?" she spoke quietly as she sipped her wine.
Rhaegar laughed slightly, "He will do as I expect and lead the rebellion"
"That's not a good thing for us Rhaegar"
He looked across the fire to his wife, "It's how it's meant to be"
Elia looked down at her hands gripped around her glass and replied, "I spent some time with Lady Stark today"
Rhaegar's glanced up and he raised his eyebrows, "And?"
"Against my best judgement I gave her my blessing. But Rhaegar you have to promise me-"
Rhaegar stood without speaking and came to sit by Elia by the fire wrapping his arm around her and pulling her close, "Oaths are important Elia, just like the oath I reminded Tywin his ancestors made today I also made an oath to you. The day we married in fact, and since then I've made my oath to you known. I will keep it. You will not be set aside and neither will our children"
Elia looked up at him watching the flames dance across his face, she reached up and drew his face to hers in a charged kiss.
"I trust you Rhaegar, don't make me regret it"
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Lyanna ran through the woods branches whipping across her face and body as she ran, the feel of his touch fresh on her skin, her body feeling alive with passion. Her eyes shining bright she had forgotten the immediate events that had led to the appearance of Prince Rhaegar in the forest. She was sure she was to be put on trial for fighting in the tourney but Rhaegar had surprised her when he asked her to spar with him. Lyanna was even more surprised when he slipped an arm around her and they ended up close to one another. The energy between them was unmistakeable, fiesty as ever she leant forward boldly kissing Rhaegar. It was unplanned and surprising, and wouldn't have happened unless Elia had given her blessing. Elias words echoed in her mind as their lips locked, trust can't be built on a bed of lies. The kiss was long and lingered longer than it should have igniting something between them. Rhaegar's hands stroked down her form and her body felt like it was coming alive as if magic streamed from his fingertips. Suddenly Lyanna pulled back exhaling loudly and smiled wildly before taking off into the forest disappearing into the trees. Rhaegar looked after her for the longest time before striding out of the woods.
In the moment neither of them noticed someone hiding in the shadows. Crouched down amongst a pile of fallen trees was a boy who smiled salaciously at what he had seen. This secret would be a valuable one and he knew it, he finally had a way to create chaos in the world. After all chaos is a ladder.
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Rhaegar fought with fervour and passion cutting through all of his opponents easily in the last days of the Tourney. He knew she was watching him, he could feel her eyes boring into him. He felt the stirring of butterflies in his gut but not the nervous ones he felt in the past. This was unfamiliar, something like what he imagined love to feel like it was tinged with guilt though as he didn't feel this level of passion for his actual wife. This new energy fuelled him on to beat everyone and anyone put in front of him. This energy made every strike feel sweet and every crash of an opponent falling a stellar victory.
The crowd cheered in support of their future King and Rhaegar lapped it up but he really only wanted to hear the cheer of one person. Through his visor he searched her out and after a time he found he in the stands clapping graciously. Her cheeks flushed as their eyes met.
During the victory ceremony he knew what he was going to do and what it would cause. He knew this was both necessary for events to unfold but he also just wanted to be close to her. As he approached the dais his wife smiled at him and shook her head slightly as he hesitated not making his wife the Queen of Love and Beauty. Elia clapped graciously as the wreath of blue roses was lowered onto Lyanna in front of the entire Westerosi nobility. All eyes turned on her but she smiled and held her head high projecting her approval to her husbands actions. Despite feeling a sinking in her heart she knew she would always be Rhaegars wife and he vowed to protect their children. In return Rhaegar had her blessing to fulfill what was prophesied in the flames.
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The kingdom was rife with rumours following the Tourney, which had made their way to the King. He had cackled at his sons audacity and praised him for being a dragon and taking what he wanted. The crazed ramblings were focused around being a dragon and seizing what's yours, the burnings had stopped for a time. But the burning in Rhaegars heart and mind remained as strong as ever. One day when he played his harp in the gardens a shy young boy approached Rhaegar. He smiled and put his harp aside and beckoned the boy to come forward, Rhaegar always had time to talk to the children of Kings Landing.
The boy bowed his head awkwardly and stuck his hand out, in it discreetly folded was a note. Covertly glancing around Rhaegar took the note and reached into his pocket and produced a gold coin.
"Go buy your family food for the winter lad" he said kindly to the boy. His face lit up as he ran away into the shadows. Tucking the note into his tunic he picked up his harp and continued to play beautifully in the afternoon. People stopping by periodically to marvel at the beauty of his skill, this was a common occurrence for Rhaegar to attract large crowds of people young and old with his music.
When an adequate amount of time had passed Rhaegar made his way to the safest place he knew in the castle, the Tower of KingsGuard.
In Barristans office he unfolded the letter in the windowsill and read the words carefully noting the characteristic hand writing of a woman.
"It seems we have an ally in the Red Keep, his spies approached me in Winterfell imploring me to write you. If you'd like to spar again sometime then write me and we will meet"
Rhaegars heart hammered in his chest as he read the words multiple times, he knew the only one with a network of spies was Varys. Why was he helping him communicate with Lyanna? Immediately he became suspicious and he decided it was time to pay the Spider a visit