Spoilers Off applies to all "Moments" pages, so all spoilers are unmarked.
- Robert stopping Ned from possibly breaking the truce at King's Landing. This establishes that Robert will look out for Eddard; as opposed to Ned just supporting Robert.
- While mixed with a Tearjerker, Robert and Ned mourning Lyanna together in the Red Keep. In particular Robert had been in a violent depression while Ned was gone; but immediately opens up to to Ned on his arrival.
- The liberation of Pentos; while Nightmare Fuel for the magisters is quite the opposite for the bondsmen. Who not only get true emancipation finally but reparations. And while the Braavosi are far from perfect, seeing one of the more competent and morally upright societies in this world expand will warm the hearts of many readers.
- Also from Pentos; seeing Westerosi martial prowess used in a worthy cause, from the Andal knights, and the Northmen, to Ironborn Reavers, curbstomping the slavers.
- Robert doesn't try to give up his sexual hijinks because of some "Reason You Suck" Speech, or from grief over Lyanna, or even trying to cut a better image for his men. He is trying to be a mire considerate man because the horrors he witnessed in the sex slave school he liberated in Myr, and the aftermath, prompted a Heel Realization.
- Robert only starts his ling running affair with the former slave Alaesa, when she comes to his bed of her own intiative. And he is not only trying to be monogamous, to the shock of all, but makes a point of talking and getting to know her as a person.
- Given Robert's overall better mental health, especially on the matter of Lyanna, its quite likely The Power of Love here had as much to do with Robert avoiding his OTL chronic depression as him getting to live a more fulfilling kingly role in Essos.
- Ned's Fourth-Date Marriage comes a bit out of left field, for both readers and the characters. But Robert decides to support and celebrate it despite its lack of any political savvy because he wants his best friend to be happy and that's that.
- While Ned standing up to Lyn over Amarya's lack of standing is to be expected, seeing Victarion reflexively stand up for the honor of one of his people against a distinguished comrade is surprisingly nice.
- Robert's talk with Serina over Lyanna Stark. Unlike in the TV show where Robert could not recall what his Lost Lenore looked like; here he not only describes her but shifts into describing what he loved about her personality. This Robert at least loved Lyanna as far more than a pretty face.
- Joren Potts, even in the midst of the brutal sacking of Tyrosh tries to reassure one of his knights, who is reeling from the horror of the suicide pacts.
- He then saves a girl from bring raped and likely killed by one of his men.
- Sandor Clegane being knighted. Seeing him having a healthy relationship with a mentor, and being able to seemingly move on from his many traumas to a healthier outlook; is perhaps symbolized by taking the title he scorned in canon. He is far from the Hound of canon.
- Lord Iron's words to Axewell's widow, on how his brother an aim,s beat the odds to avoid an unmourned death of ignominy.
- Robert's So Proud of You reaction to Serina taking the initiative in the running of the kingdom.
- The Blackfish's Pet the Dog moment with Petyr Baelish. That talk may have assured there will be no Littlefinger in this timeline just by giving the man the respect he honestly earned this time.
- Tywin seems less villainous pragmatic here, because he has better hope for the future with a good-son he respects and grandchildren who seems promising.
- He actually takes the time to play with his granddaughter.
- With no Tysha incident Tyrion has not suffered a major psychological blow and has also escaped Tywin's toxic home environment by joining the Faith.
- After Jaime breaks his ties with his family, why does Tywin name Tyrion his heir rather than passing Casterly Rock to Kevan's sons? Because he wants Joanna's line to continue holding it.
- For all the flak Jaime is getting for breaking ties with House Lannister, it's mentioned that nearly a third of the chivalry of Myr and the Iron Legion as a whole see him as a hero for his choices.
- Even as Robert is furious with Jaime, he takes a moment after Jaime leaves to ask if he was too harsh. Even admitting he sees a good deal of his younger, more bullheaded self in Jaime and feeling he should have seen this coming. A reminder that Robert views his captains as True Companions even when they anger him.
- Urrigon Greyjoy does not just desert to save himself; following Rodrik Harlaw's counsel he takes Asha to safety with him, which likely made planning his escape in secret far more difficult.
- This building off the fact Urrigon respects the Reader enough to respect his wisdom even after the man is thrown in the dungeon as a traitor.
- A subtle one from Stannis. He does not even put down his drink during Maron's assassination attempt trusting his Stormguards to resolve the situation and keep him safe.
- Sandor refusing to kill a young Theon, defying direct orders from Tywin to do so.
- On Jaime's last night before being shipped off to the Summer Islands, Victarion shows up at his home to spend the night drinking together. He makes it clear that unlike the others, he doesn't hold Jaime's decision against him, instead praising him for making his own path in life. He also tells Jaime not to blame himself for Lysa's suicide, pointing out that it was her choice.
- When an Assassination Attempt is made on Serina, Robert's former paramours, and their children, an entire crowd of Myrish commoners step in to help defend them, showing how beloved the royal family is.
- Robert is taking the time to look after Ned's family personally while he's away on business, including teaching young Brandon how to ride a horse.
- While Robert can't officially recognize his bastard children, he at least gives them a proper surname rather than the placeholder "Summer" used elsewhere in the kingdom. Specifically, "Robertdon", in order to make clear that even if they're not legitimate, they're still his.
- Despite all their personal differences, Lyn Corbray reveals that he's left a portion of his estate to Joren Potts in his will.
