As Narcissus approached the group, he towered over them at six feet tall, a striking figure against the backdrop of weary peasants. Most of them barely reached his shoulders, with the tallest among them standing at five foot six. His refined complexion, handsome features, and exquisite robes spoke of nobility, casting him as a lord in their eyes.
The group consisted of women, children, and men, their clothes tattered and faces drawn. They looked at him with a mix of awe and caution, wary of this imposing stranger.
"Greetings, good people," Narcissus called out, his voice resonating with authority and gentleness. "I have lost my coins in a most unfortunate manner." He gestured to his empty pockets, feigning dismay while simultaneously reaching for his hunting bow – a subtle threat that was quickly noticed by the group.
A murmur rippled through the group, and the men stepped forward. But Narcissus held out a hand to stop them "You could throw your lives at me. But I offer you something far greater than any coins. I am bound for Winterfell, and I intend to rule the island of Skagos in the future. Under my reign, your lives will be transformed. You are bound to King's Landing, where most of you will die from hunger, your children facing fates worse than death, and your women sold for a few coins in brothels like those before them. Join me, and I will ensure that you have a place in my new realm."
The men exchanged glances, their apprehension slowly easing. The women clutched their children closer, their expressions shifting from fear to cautious optimism.
Finally, the first of the men grudingly reached into his pocket, pulling out a few copper coins and handing them to him. One by one, the others followed suit, and in the end, Narcissus collected one silver stag. He could have killed them for more, but this would suffice for now.
"Why were you heading to King's Landing? There have to be better places to beg."
The group's faces darkened, but they answered, "It's the Hand's tournament, my lord. A lot of lords will be there."
"The Hand's tournament? What's it about?"
"The King, Robert Baratheon, appointed a new Hand, so there is a tournament in his honor. It will include jousting, melee, and archery. They even say the first-place prize is forty thousand golded dragon."
Narcissus's ears perked up. "Forty thousand, you say? That's a lot of money."
"It is, my lord."
"Change of plans. You are coming with me to King's Landing, then we are taking a ship to Skagos."
The group exchanged glances but followed Narcissus's instructions. Their journey was relatively quick, with no danger along the way. It seemed the lord had lost his supplies as well, and he was disgusted by the thought of eating peasant food. This led to a delay until he finished roasting the stag he had hunted. Fortunately, Narcissus was generous, giving them half of it, and they finally enjoyed some real food.
POV of Garth:
Garth was a simple commoner with a wife and two children in this ragtag group of refugees. They were heading to King's Landing because life in Tumbleton was unbearable. It was one of the most bandit-infested places in all of Westeros; seldom did a day pass without someone getting killed or robbed, or worse. Even Flea Bottom in King's Landing was considered a better place to live. Luckily or unluckily, they met this strange lord while they were being robbed. If they could find safety, it would all be worth it.
Some women tried to win his favor, but he rejected them all. Why shouldn't he? He was prettier than any of them, and he was generous, sharing half a deer. Tomorrow, they would reach King's Landing and find their new home.
POV of Narcissus:
Finally, the gates of King's Landing loomed close, but by Zeus, the smell was overwhelming. Luckily, he would only be there for a week at most before leaving richer than he had ever been.
The beautiful capital city of Westeros, King's Landing, was in front of us. It is filled with polite homeless people who ask for coins. Children are running in the streets, catching pigeons and rats to feed themselves for a day. Lovely women who are offering their warmth for a night, standing on the streets near brothels or not. The reliable guards patroloing around if they are in a mood. Indeed it shows foreigners what the true Westeros is. After a short wait, Narcissus and his ragtag followers were finally inside. and He approached the herald to register.
The herald asked for his name and house name, inquiring about which tournament he intended to enter. "Narcissus, House Olympian," he replied confidently. "I'll enter the archery and melee." He didn't have a horse or armor, and the silver stag he had earned was now spent, leaving the lord of skagos a beggar once more.
Now, all he could do was wait for the joust to end. After what felt like an eternity,The second day of the Hand's tourney was here. It was an archery competition. With a lucrative prize of ten thousand gold coins, many people come to compete, from princes like Jalabhar Xho to small folk who know a bit of bow.
Well, half of the competition got out when we were shooting from fifty paces. For me, it was an effortless shot. a thousand years of using the bow if i was a god i would have shot the sun down. Then just release the arrow and let it puncture the target.
"Sorry, Jalabhar, but it is my gold to take," I spoke to the exiled prince.
"You have to win over me first," He replied.
"Which isn't hard considering Im better than you," I responded with a smile.
"Ha, we will see, young lad," Jalabhar told me and left to shoot at the seventy paces range.
Well, even if I joke, it isn't that easy. One mistake, one poorly calculated wind flow, and you are out. With the increase of distance, the probability of hitting the target is going down for them. But for my body, it was natural to hold a bow. Many times I struggled with a sword, but never with a bow.
At a hundred paces, there were only four people left. Jalabhar Xho, ser Balon Swann, Anguy.My arrow flew true, hitting the target.
The only other guy who did the same as I was Anguy. He looked determined to win this, but to me, the winnings were my starting point, so I couldn't let him have it. A hundred and twenty paces was a distance that even Anguy couldn't overcome. I, on the other hand, didn't have any problem with it.
"You have a great skill," I told Anguy.
"Thank you, my lord," He replied. "But it isn't as great as yours."
"Still, great skill is a great skill," I spoke to him. "How about you come work under me? I have gold to pay, so you don't have to worry about it."
"My lord, it would be an honor, but," Anguy began.
"some lords will ask you to join them, but they won't pay you or respect you as well as I do," I interrupted him. "It would be disrespectful to refuse them. You wouldn't want to do it. After all, they are nobles. You won't find a better offer, and don't think anyone would want to take you after you insulteda noble by refusing him."
"It would be an honor, my lord," Anguy agrees with me.
"Don't worry. I will take care of you," I swing my arm around Anguy's shoulder and tell him. "Have you ever been to skagos? Wouldn't you want to go to the there? You heard the stories about it, haven't you?"
Anguy was a petite guy, but he had excellent skills. Someone like him would serve well for me. And it would be nice to have him be my servant, who doesn't have any unique background.
With the archery tournament completed, he prepared for the melee the following day, eager to wrap things up and head to Skagos, where he would finally begin to establish his reign.
his 10,000 golden dragons in hand, it was time to procure some essential gear. According to many, Tobho Mott was the best blacksmith in King's Landing.
Entering the blacksmith shop, Narcissus was greeted by the clang of metal and the heat of the forge.
"My lord, what can I do for you?" Tobho asked, wiping his hands on his apron.
"Tobho Mott," he said, his voice steady. "I need a full set of armor and a spear and shield, along with a sigil drawn upon it."
"Very well, but it will cost you 250 gold dragons," Tobho stated, his voice firm.
Narcissus raised an eyebrow. "A complete set of good steel armor with greaves, gorget, and greathelm will cost you four gold dragons."
Tobho crossed his arms, unflinching. "My work is costly, and I make no apologies for that, my lord. You won't find craftsmanship equal to mine anywhere in the Seven Kingdoms, I promise you. Visit every forge in King's Landing if you like, and compare for yourself. Any village smith can hammer out a shirt of mail; my work is art."
After a moment of contemplation, Narcissus sighed. "Very well, I'll give you 500 gold dragons to have it ready before the melee."
"Consider it done, my lord," Tobho replied, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes as he began planning the masterpiece."Do you have any sigil designs already in mind?"
"A red sun rising above a golden mountain," Narcissus replied, envisioning the emblem that would represent his house.
"An excellent choice my lord," Tobho said."I'll ensure it's etched beautifully."
with that narccius left to wait for tomorow but today there is no sleeping in the streets but in an inn
The next day, Narcissus arrived to see the finished armor, which was a combination of red and gold. A greathelm of Polished steel with a red crest and golden filigree on the visor.
A pauldrons Broad, shaped like a rising sun, with golden rays extending from a red base. Cuirass Layered plates featuring a prominent sigil of a red sun over a golden mountain, edged in gold.
Gauntlets Articulated for dexterity, red with golden accents on the knuckles.Greaves Overlapping plates in red with golden embellishments. SabatonPointed and elegant, red and gold with engraved sigils on the toe caps.
A round shield, vibrant red with a golden sigil at the center, reinforced with a golden trim.
"I hope it's to your liking, my lord," Tobho said, stepping back to admire his work.
"It certainly is. Help me wear it; the melee is almost starting."
Tobho called for his apprentice, Gendry, who hurried over. Together, they began to adorn Narcissus with his new armor, carefully fitting each piece to ensure comfort and mobility.
At the tip of his spear, a golden flag fluttered, depicting a red mountain against the brilliant fabric. Gendry secured the armor, his hands steady as he adjusted the straps.
With everything in place, feeling the weight of both armor and rspear. As he surveyed the bustling grounds, anticipation surged within him.
"I am not just a reflection," he muttered, ready for the challenges ahead."Admire, Reflect, Become."