[ It's the keenness of the truth in her eyes that makes him listen, although he knows he's never lost his head to anyone, let alone Joffrey. Still very much attached to it, thankfully. She's shaken up though and it's all he can do to rub her arms and eye that raggedy hair-cut, concern lacing through as he nods decisively. ]

... Alright. Alright, I believe you.

[ Somehow, something about this land with all its rife magic has twisted their perception. He knows when Arya is lying and this is not one of those times, that's without having breathed a word of what he's uncovered regarding the validity of Joffrey's right to rule. Not yet. He was on his way to meet Cersei, in fact, when the little fairy creatures intercepted him on his path.

Ned reels his daughter back into his arms, his deep voice tinged with a rumble of protectiveness. ]

Hush, then. You're safe with me where no harm will come to you, my girl. Have you seen your sister about?