Ned and Roberts party was received in the courtyard by an young man who could be none other than Stannis, one only needed to look to recognise the family resemblence, both brothers had same thick black hair, bright blue eyes and broad shoulders, but where Robert is muscled and sculpted, Stannis is sinewy and stiff, all in all Stannis looked like less handsome version of his brother, it seemed it is the curse of second born sons everywhere, Ned felt an immediate kinship with the man but he got the feeling that the sentiment is not reciprocated, Stannis said all of two words and a stiff nod in greeting to Ned, he will have to think on it some other time. Once the introductions are complete and he was shown to his guest rooms situated near the family wing, Ned decided to take a nap before tonight's feast.
Ned has been at Stroms End for a month and still Lord Stannis remained distant, Ned helped Robert take care of his correspondence and familiarise with his duties when finally Stannis worn down Robert with his insistence after the first sennight, while Ned and Stannis remained courteous when they worked together to drill Robert on his duties there wasn't much interaction outside their duties. And Stannis continued to exude low key disapproval and discontent towards Robert and his antics.
Ned decided to finally corner Stannis and at least try to connect with him today, since Robert decided to go on a hunt with other heirs and Stormlords who flocked to Stroms End to meet and get in good graces of their future liege lord. Ned reached Stannis solar opposite the Lords Solar and asked the guard outside to announce him.
Stannis standing up from his seat and asked, " Lord Eddard, I didn't realize we have an appointment today and I assumed you went on the hunt "
" No, we don't have an appointment today and as you can see I didn't join the hunt, this is a social call, if you don't mind to spare some time for me ", Ned replied politely.
" Oh, I will be blunt Lord Eddard, we are not friends and I don't see a need to make such social calls ", Stannis replied in a forthright tone.
" That is true Lord Stannis, and allow me to be blunt in turn, while we are not friends, Robert is family to me and that in turn means so are you Lord Stannis and I would like us to be friends ", Ned replied honestly.
" I don't see the need for it Lord Eddard, while you may think Robert as family and Robert may see you as brother, that doesn't make it so that you are his brother and family, Robert already has a true brothers and family "
While Stannis's words and tone did grate on Neds nerves, he reminded himself that none of what Stannis said is untrue and Ned is going to be meddling in Stannis's life soon, he can give the man some leeway, taking a seat without invitation, Ned replied, " None of what you said is untrue Lord Stannis, but I feel if only family we have in the world is either through birth or marriage then the world and life will be poorer for it. And I have this distinct feeling that you do not like me much, as you are a man of honesty I would very much be pleased if you enlightened me why ?"
At that Stannis sat down slowly and ground his teeth for a long moment before replying, " Do you Lord Eddard know how it feels when your brother writes home or visits all he talks about is ,his friend Ned, who is honourable, proper, a man of integrity, who is brother to him and one he wished has been born a brother to him. I am a man of honour, integrity and propriety Lord Eddard, do you know how something twists in your heart when your brother wishes for someone just like you but somehow better. Perhaps you haven't done anything against me Lord Eddard, but I cannot like you nonetheless. "
Ah Robert, hurting others without ever realizing what you are doing, Ned and Jon had soothed many a feathers Robert ruffled and the hurt he caused Stannis seemed more than most, Ned gathered his thoughts for a bit before saying, " No , Lord Stannis I do not understand how it feels, but I too am a second born son, who craves his brothers approval, I too envy my brothers gifts, I too have felt that insecurity when others compare me to my brother and say that I am a flawed reflection of him, I too know how it feels to love my brother dearly and hate how much lesser I am compared to him, we have a lot in common Lord Stannis. About your relationship with Robert, I will not interfere but I do know Robert and his unthinking ways and suggest you express what you feel to him explicitly, and I know this to be truth that Robert wants to reach out to you he just doesn't know how. And I will take your leave with a final word, I am your ally Lord Stannis, and if you allow it, a friend. Have a good day. "
With that Ned vacated the room without asking for leave and or waiting for a reply.
Days after Neds talk with Stannis passed by in a routine until the news he was waiting for arrived on Northwinds wings upon her return from Winterfell, Finally Lord Tywin Lannister is dead, apparently the man died in his sleep three days prior, news will reach all of Realm in another two to three days, the news came attached with a report on the Lannister familys current state in the aftermath of Lord Tywins death, no,not death, murder, I may not have poisoned him with my own hand, but I did order it, I murdered a man in cold blood, a father, a brother and a lord murdered, The Gods have mercy on my soul. Lannister family was apparently devastated, I have made three children orphans, all because I didn't want to take a risk, And it seems Lord Tywins brother Ser Kevan is going to lead the family until Jaime Lannister came to majority. Lannister family has turbulent times ahead, with Tywins death Nobles will scent the blood in water and start circling like sharks, and I need a Godswood whether its to pray or cry I do not know.