[Edric's POV]
The rewards for victors in every tournament event were not small at all. Even the smallest of competitions had prize pools of tens of thousands of gold dragons, with the victor of the grand tourney coming home with two thundred thousand gold dragons along with a boon of his choosing. I was fully aware of how great that sum was... but I wanted it to be a tourney to remember.
Stormguard and Kingsguard filled the list of victors, denying all others. I kinda felt bad... because most of the winnings just went right back to me. What was the point of throwing money away just for it to fly right back? I chose to give it to charity, surging my popularity with the smallfolk.
Arthur swept up the melee, bagging all the gold. He seemed to have an intended purpose for it. When the tourney came around, it was the largest I had ever been a part of. It featured over a thousand competitors, and would run for over a week. Once again, Stormguard and Kingsguard participants dominated the lists.
There was quite a bit of luck involved in fighting through so many rounds, but all of the Kingsguard had made it to the round of 16. It was only when they had to face each other that they began to fall... someone had to lose, after all.
It was a brilliant show of skill, the final rounds, but two stood out from all others. Ser Arthur and Loras, namely. I had robbed Loras of his tourney victories, to crown Arya and later Daenerys... but this time, I let them fight it out. Arthur, funnily enough, never had a real chance at winning one. He was either absent or injured.
While Loras had an earlier tourney win before the Hand's Tourney, Arthur didn't have any to his name. One might see him as a fraud in that regard... (mostly my fault). They were both quite motivated. It was far more than the prize to them; it was the victory itself.
They broke a hundred lances... neither falling once.
Those lances were doing fuck all to either. They were both practically superhumans with unmatched skill in this field. This could go on for a whole day...
"I've seen enough," I raised my hand. "You are both worthy of being champions, proven by your resilience. You shall share the triumph, including the gold. However, both of you have earned a wish from me of your choosing."
Arthur was the first to name the Queen of Love and Beauty, granting it to Raiden Tenmei. Even in his last tourney as a Kingsguard, he didn't stray from his duty. Rhaerra was right there, after all...
Loras, in turn, named Daenerys. Everyone seemed happy.
"Well fought, Ser," Arthur patted Loras on the back. "You definitely possess more skill than I..."
"You are too modest, Lord Commander," Loras smiled.
"Speak, the finest lances of my Kingsguard. What boons do you seek?"
"You go on first," Loras nudged Arthur.
"I wish..." Arthur paused, taking a deep breath. "I wish to resign from the Kingsguard and have your direct assistance in the restoration of the North."
That... was two wishes. Although, in the end, he only needed to ask me for those things. They weren't really boons.
However, it seems that he took his fate into his own hands after taking my words to heart.
"Granted."
I nodded, rising from my seat. I appeared before Arthur to remove his white cloak. I stored it away.
"In light of this change, will you take up a more fitting duty?"
"..." Arthur nodded. "I will always serve you, Your Eternal Grace. White cloak or not, that will never change."
"Then... I name you the First Knight of the Realm, Grandmaster of the Royal Order of Knights."
Arthur's eyes widened slightly in surprise.
I withdrew a purple-gold cloak I had prepared, wrapping it around his shoulders.
"All knights of the Realm answer to you, the ideal of knighthood. May you shield the innocent of the Realm and cut down all who threaten the peace, foreign or otherwise."
He bent the knee.
"I accept this duty wholeheartedly."
"No one would be more fitting, brother."
I smiled, pulling him up. I embraced him afterwards.
"I'm proud of you for making this choice yourself," I patted his back. "Go and be with your family. It's where you belong."
After I let go, Arthur looked teary-eyed. He wiped his eyes and managed a smile.
"... Wearing the white cloak and restoring its glory was my life's greatest honour. Although it will never be the same, I will seek the future and do my utmost to serve you and the people of this Realm as the First Knight."
"I'm sure you'll do brilliantly," I nodded, turning to Loras. "And what wish do you have, Ser?"
"I wish for His Eternal Grace to marry my sister."
It was quite surprising and odd, but I did say any boon...
I smiled. It was something that I had considered, but Loras did push it into the light. I highly doubted it was something Margaery put him up to... it was likely Loras' own desire, as her brother and uncle to Alysanne and Garth.
"It will be done," I nodded. "It would be the best for all of us, I believe."
"I'm glad you see it that way, your Eternal Grace."
It doesn't stop at two, Renly...
Hopefully, I'm not stretching myself thin.
~
In the aftermath of the tourney, Arthur led an entourage on a one-way journey to Winterfell, which included Rhaerra, their children and her blue cloaks. I said my farewells... it was a tad bittersweet, but I could fly over to Winterfell in a day on Viserion. He was not going to be out of reach.
The one most heartbroken by the change seemed to be William. I decided to talk to him later on.
"You know, the North isn't even all that far away. When you're older, you'll be able to fly over there anytime you want. And now, if you want, I could take you there whenever..."
"It won't be quite the same," William remarked. "But, it is true..."
"You really like her, don't you?"
"..." William blushed briefly. "Well..."
"I understand," I nodded. "She's bright, colourful, energetic, kind... it must feel like the world is a little darker without her, hm?"
"Something like that," William managed a smile.
Inseparable, indeed. I doubt that will change if he is like me when it comes to love.
"Patience is a virtue, my son," I patted his head. "It'll all work out in the end, if you want it to.
"Yeah," He nodded, looking more hopeful.
Pep talk successful.
Now, for the elder sister...
...
"Young lady, there's plenty to discuss."
I took Victoria to my study. During the busy days post my return, I decided to leave the 'talk' till it was over. She was on her best behaviour during that time, so there was nothing to say about that.
"I take it this is about my previous actions?"
"Right on target. Now, I had a look at all of your victims... and, yes, it was justified," I nodded. "However, taking the lives of thousands isn't something I'm keen on you doing, especially at such an age. It was clearly more of an emotional outburst, than anything... you wanted to exercise your powers freely, relish in them."
"..." Victoria made a guilty expression. "That... is true."
"I understand," I shrugged. "Hell, I've done plenty worse."
I wasn't five years old doing that, however.
... Actually, at five I was beating innocent civilians in GTA San Andreas with a shovel... so who knows?
"You have the issue of possessing far too much destructive power at such an age..."
"I wouldn't mind it being locked away again," Victoria added. "It would only be fitting."
"No, you must control it," I shook my head. "Master it and yourself."
"..."
"That power is a part of you, you can't hide it. Only embrace it. Otherwise, you'll be living your entire life in shackles," I shook my head. "I know what it's like to fall to your instincts. To be overwhelmed by bloodlust. To take pleasure in the suffering of others. To be entertained by it."
"..." Her eyes and mouth widened in surprise. "It's almost hard to imagine."
"Heh, I have softened considerably, I suppose... " I smiled, shrugging, before lighting a fire in my hand. "Now, fire can be used to burn things down, of course... but it can keep someone warm. Water can drown and flood, yet it can also give life. Even Dendro, the gentlest of the elements, is capable of destroying everything in its path of growth."
"It's how you use the power, not its nature, that matters..." Victoria stated.
"Precisely. Always channel that energy for the greater good. In that essence, you've done well. I know that it can be difficult to control, sometimes impossible... but that's why I'm here. I'll guide you through it myself."
"..." Victoria blinked, her lips curling into a smile. "Really?"
"Mhm," I nodded. "Since you aspire to be like me, what better person to learn from?"
~
"Ser Arthur of House Tudbury. Secondborn son of Lord Colton Tudbury of Shellcastle. Served as his father's squire. In his 15th year, participated in the Grand Tourney of Storm's End in 297 AC and finished second in the melee. Earned renown in the tourney's lists, unhorsed by Ser Jaime in the third round. In his 16th year, sailed to Dragonstone to deliver word of Queen Cersei's treachery to Lord Stannis, who then blocked off the Lannister's escape. Fought in Battle of the Fords with courage, slaying near a dozen men. In his 16th year, fought in every battle alongside Crown Prince Edric Storm and the Kingsguard during the Surprise Invasion of the Iron Islands. Knighted by Crown Prince Edric 'Storm' Baratheon and granted the Valyrian Steel blade Nightfall before the Siege on Pyke. Was the first to cross into the Great Keep of Pyke, cutting a bloody path. Slew Andrik the Unsmiling in defence of Crown Prince Edric Baratheon, saving him from a mortal blow. Apprehended Lord Balon Greyjoy and left him to Crown Prince Edric Baratheon's mercy. Early in his 17th year, the first to be named to the Kingsguard after the crowning of King Edric Baratheon, becoming the second youngest to do so after Ser Jaime the Kingslayer."
"Participated in King Edric's campaign against the Mountain Clans of the Vale, earning victory in every skirmish and single-handedly slaying over a hundred men throughout the campaign. Shielded fellow Kingsguard Ser Loras from possible death. During the Grand Tourney of King's Landing in honour of Harrold Aryn and Ysilla Royce, led the Kingsguard and their auxiliaries to victory in every stage of the seven-a-side melee. Conceded the grand prize, opening the way for Brienne of Tarth to be sworn into the Kingsguard. Late in his 17th year, named Serjeant and acting Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. Awakened the first Pyro vision in the semi-finals of the duelling tournament. Trained the first century of the Stormguard."
"Aided in the breach of Pentos and secured the city in King Edric I's execution of Illyrio Mopatis. Rescued King Edric I from the orange sea after he had exhausted himself slaying the Kraken. Led the Battle of the Orange Shore, inspiring the royal forces and shifting the tides of battle. Led the vanguard against the Golden Company and shielded the royal forces from Viserion's flames. Awakened a second vision, of Geo nature. Shielded Brienne of the Kingsguard from Euron Greyjoy's axe. Cut down a possessed Euron Greyjoy in single combat. Broke through the Blockade of Meereen. Gave his blood for the rebirth of King Edric I. Led the liberation of Tolos, Elyria and Mantarys. Burned a fleet of over a thousand ships from Qarth, breaking through the Jade Gates after days of constant battle at sea. Defeated the seventeenth azure emperor's champion with ease. Led the attack against the self-proclaimed first orange Emperor Pol Qo, the hammer of Jogos Nhai, and slew him in single combat. Travelled to the distant Hidden Sea, slaying the sorcerer lord who claimed himself to be the 69th yellow emperor. Fought and slew a colossal dragon from the Shadow Lands alongside his companions. Retrieved three dragon eggs. Spread the fame of King Edric I to the further east, fulfilling the task of his great journey."
"In his 20th year, married Sansa of House Stark, officially shifting the oaths of the Kingsguard. Trained the entirety of the first legion of the Stormguard. In his 25th year, tamed Rhaegal and became a dragonrider. Tactfully avoided a taken Winterfell. Slew the Night King's Champion, defending the royal family from disaster. Led an attack on and took full command of the Siege of Winterfell, decisively earning victory over the Great Other's forces. Led the defence against the Great Undead Horde, single-handedly slaying half a dozen of the Great Other's lieutenants and tens of thousands of undead. Named Lord Commander, succeeding Ser Barristan the Bold. For the first time since the Battle of Eastwatch, made the Kingsguard seven once more. Aided in the creation of the Royal Order of Knights. Earned victory in the melee and co-championed in the joust celebrating King Edric I's and Raiden Tenmei's wedding. Honourably discharged from the Kingsguard by King Edric I, taking upon the duties of the First Knight of the Realm, Grand Master of the Royal Order of Knights and Lord Consort of Winterfell."
"Throughout his time bearing the white cloak, Ser Arthur was monumental in restoring its honour, glory and prestige. Despite not being Lord Commander for the vast majority of his tenure, he was the most famed and accomplished of all his sworn brothers and sisters."
"I, King Edric I, declare him to be the greatest to ever be sworn into the Kingsguard."
Writing off the end of his White Book entry was... bittersweet. I felt all too nostalgic reading the older parts.
He never liked writing about his own deeds, so he had always left it to me or Ser Barristan. Arthur's entry was the longest and undoubtedly greatest of all who came before him. Maybe I was a bit biased on that take, but I found it difficult to imagine any other Kingsguard matching him - magic or not. He was unyieldingly loyal, honourable, diligent, dutiful, a master with the sword unlike any other, a selfless and humble leader who always acted in the interest of others. He'd give up the greatest of glories to elevate those around him.
I put down the ink and closed the White Book.
"The end of an era."