Not a poor excuse. It's just... [she pauses, searching for the right word] unconditional.

[It's not quite like her regard for Bree, or Fergus, but she knows long ago she made a promise to herself she wouldn't jump ship on him. He's not kind, or warm, or really all that pleasant to be around most of the time--but when he seems to be happy, seems to relax, then she thinks it's worth enduring his sour moods. He deserves another chance and the Storm has given it to him. She'll gladly help steer him in the right direction.]

So, it doesn't matter to me if you relate more to a wolf or a kraken. You're just Theon, and that's enough for me to want you around. I know what you've done, and I don't overlook that, but... we all have our sins. You can be a much better man than your father.