Two days into their return to Eeyrie, Robert remained sulky, Ned is not sure why, but he had enough, after alerting the guards and Elbert to give them some space Ned drew parallel to Robert and ask, " What is it Rob, did you want to remain for awhile at Lannisport?"
" No ", he replied curtly.
" Then what is this about? You sulk, you snap at the guards, you won't talk to me, what has you in a mood then? ", Ned asked exasperated.
" Nothing ", was the reply.
" Come now, Robert how can I know if you won't talk?"
" I heard you are friends with the Prince now "
" Yes, I am, the Prince is a nice enough, I suppose. But what has that got to do with anything? "
" Nothing "
" This isn't like you Robert, just talk to me "
" You won't understand "
" Yes, I won't if you don't talk ", Ned prodded.
" You are my friend ", Robert replied in curious tone.
" Yes, I am and you are mine, my best friend even. What has that got to do with anything? ", Ned asked with irritated tone.
" I don't like Targaryens ", Robert replied sulkily, at that Neds mind flashed back to the image of an armoured, antler helmed man bringing down a war hammer on to the chest of a dragon helmed man. A shiver went down Neds spine at remembrance.
" Rob, that doesn't even make sense, your Grandmother was a Targaryen, your family is as closely tied to Targaryens as the Valeryons. For god's sake the name Baratheon has Valyrian origin. I have noticed your dislike before Rob, but it is the first time you spoke it out loud. Rob you are like a brother to me, talk to me, where is this animosity comes from, please", Ned nearly begged.
" I don't like the King, he is always calling Father away from home, from family, for every little thing, my own father missed half of my life until Eeyrie due to the King, Now it's worse, my father isn't the king's errand boy, now the King's son is trying to steal my best friend", Robert replied with venom in his voice.
" Robert, the Prince isn't the King, and my friendship with Prince doesn't come between my friendship with you, unless you drag it there. The relationship between the King and your Father, need not define the one you have with the Prince, Rob. We are working together Rob, in the private audience, I asked the King aid for Nights Watch, the King promised to consider it and handed off the project to the Prince. I like him well enough, he seemed dedicated to his duties, but none of it means he is stealing me from you. Because, one, I am neither a witless newborn or an object. And, two, I have other friends beside you Rob, none have ever replaced you before, none ever will. Do you understand?" , Ned said soothingly
" You promise? ", Robert asked.
" Yes, Rob, I promise, you will always be my best friend", Ned replied smiling reassuringly.
Just like that Roberts mood improved and his boisterous friend returned. As Robert started to chatter about the ladies he flirted with and the whores he bedded, Ned listened with half a ear, but Neds mind is occupied by the Vision. Could those fighting figures be Robert and Rhaegar? How could that be? If Robert and Rhaegar are in open conflict and that conflict escalated to mortal combat, then where was I in all of that? What could have been seed of this conflict and how can I make sure it never comes true? Questions he didn't have answers for, how I wish there is heart tree I could pray to. But that is neither here nor there, Ned at least need to consult Berek about the visions from the message. Maybe Ned can ask for Lord Arryns permission to visit Moat Cailin, after all the Moat is going to be Neds seat, He should at least visit it before taking up the Lordship on reaching majority. Good, that's a workable plan. I can ask Lord Father and Berek to meet me there. The vision message didn't have an urgent feel to it, images shown are all felt like worst possible outcomes, and it will be better to talk about them in person, so that Berek and Lord Father may check that Neds magic is all right.
There isn't much to do besides think on the road. Many of Neds plans bore fruit, the North is growing stronger and House Stark with it. Brandon's spy ring will take another year to come in to operation. In his last letter he said there are a dozen whom he identified as trustworthy, Ironwood business was going well, his Lord Father decided to sell the increased product to Braavos instead of exporting it to the South and risk decreasing the price. Even then Ironwood timbers value increased to House Stark due to its necessity in Wintersteels forging.
Father has good things to say about Maester Luwin, and the Maester has forged a Valyrian Steel link in his time at Citadel, by that act Neds good opinion rose a bit more.
Everything is moving on expected timescale, except for the betrothals. Brandon should be betrothed to a Northern Lady by now, Ned needs to enquire his Lord Father further about it.