The day of the Tourney of the Hand dawned bright and clear.
The tourney grounds outside the Red Keep were packed. Thousands of smallfolk filled the cheap wooden stands, while lords and ladies sat in shaded galleries decorated with colorful banners. The air smelled of roasted meat, horse sweat, and excitement.
Ethan stood in the competitors' area, adjusting the straps of his borrowed armor. It was simple blackened steel with a grey direwolf painted on the chest. He carried a blunted longsword and a heater shield. His heart beat steadily, nerves mixed with determination.
Robb stood beside him in full Stark armor. "Nervous?"
"A little," Ethan admitted. "But I'm ready."
Ser Rodrik gave them final instructions. "Stay alive. Fight smart. Don't try to be a hero."
Ethan nodded. He looked up toward the royal gallery. Sansa was sitting with her family, wearing a beautiful blue and grey dress. Their eyes met across the distance. She gave him a small, encouraging smile and touched the direwolf pendant he had given her.
Margaery Tyrell sat not far from her, looking elegant in rose and gold. She caught his eye and offered a graceful nod.
King Robert roared from the center of the gallery, raising a goblet. "Let the melee begin!"
The Melee
Sixty-four warriors entered the wide fighting field. The rules were simple: last man standing, or last group if alliances formed. Blunted weapons, but injuries were still common.
The horn blew.
Chaos erupted immediately.
Ethan stayed near the edge at first, observing. Two knights charged him at once. He used his new footwork to sidestep the first strike, then slammed his shield into the second man's chest, knocking him off balance. A quick strike to the helmet put the first knight down.
[Melee Combat Experience +140]
He moved constantly, never staying still. A big knight from the Westerlands came at him with a mace. Ethan ducked under the swing and delivered three fast strikes to the man's side, forcing him to yield.
The crowd cheered.
He lasted longer than most expected. By the time only twenty fighters remained, sweat poured down his face and his arms burned, but his improved Endurance kept him going.
Robb was still in, fighting fiercely. Jon had been eliminated earlier after a brutal hit to the ribs.
Then came the hardest part.
Three knights — all wearing Lannister colors — decided to gang up on him. One of them shouted, "Let's teach this northern bastard some respect!"
Ethan's back hit the wooden barrier. He was surrounded.
He remembered Jaime's words: Fight with purpose.
He exploded forward. Using his Agility, he rolled between two of them, slashing the back of one's leg. He blocked the third's sword with his shield and countered with a heavy strike to the helmet. The man staggered.
The crowd roared.
He managed to eliminate one more before a powerful blow from behind sent him to his knees. Pain exploded through his shoulder. His vision blurred for a second.
But he forced himself up.
In the end, he was among the final twelve.
The last man standing was Ser Loras Tyrell, the Knight of Flowers, who had fought brilliantly. Robb reached the final sixteen before being eliminated.
Ethan limped off the field, breathing hard, covered in dust and bruises. His left shoulder throbbed badly.
[Melee Quest Progress: Very Good Performance] [+950 EXP] [Level 12 Achieved!] [+3 Stat Points] Strength: 28Agility: 27Endurance: 26
He had done better than expected for someone at his level.
After the Melee – The Gallery
King Robert stood up, laughing loudly.
"That bastard Snow fought like a demon! Come here, boy!"
Ethan approached the royal box, still breathing heavily. Robert clapped him on his good shoulder — hard.
"You lasted longer than half these so-called knights! I like you, Snow."
Cersei watched him with narrowed eyes, a strange mix of interest and suspicion. Joffrey glared at him with open hatred.
Sansa looked at him with shining eyes, pride and worry mixed on her face. Margaery Tyrell was smiling softly, clearly impressed.
Evening – Tower of the Hand
After the maester treated his bruised shoulder, Ethan returned to his room. He was exhausted but satisfied.
A knock came at his door.
Sansa slipped inside, carrying a small basket with wine and food. The moment the door closed, she set it down and threw her arms around him.
"You were incredible," she whispered, voice thick with emotion. "I was so scared when those three attacked you… but you fought so bravely."
She kissed him passionately, not holding back. Her hands roamed over his chest as she pressed herself against him. The adrenaline from the day seemed to have made her bolder.
They moved to the bed. Sansa climbed on top of him, kissing him deeply while her hands explored. This time she let him pull her dress down to her waist. Ethan kissed her bare shoulders and breasts gently. Sansa moaned softly, arching into his touch.
"I want you," she breathed against his ear. "After tonight… I think I'm ready. Just… not when you're hurt."
Ethan smiled, kissing her forehead. "We have time."
They stayed together for over an hour, touching and kissing, growing closer with every moment. Sansa eventually fell asleep in his arms for a short while, peaceful and content.
[Sansa Stark Favorability: 98/100 (True Love)]
Midnight
While Sansa slept against his chest, Ethan opened the system.
[Tourney Melee Reward] Mystery Box (Common) opened! → Obtained: Silver Wolf Ring (+2 Charisma when dealing with nobles)
He put the ring on. It felt warm.
A new notification appeared:
[Major Quest Update] Rise in the Lion's Den Your reputation in King's Landing has increased significantly. New paths are opening.
Ethan looked down at Sansa sleeping peacefully and gently stroked her hair.
The tourney had gone well.
But he knew the real dangers in King's Landing were only beginning.