game of thrones · theon greyjoy · insecure · arrogant · sarcastic · divided loyalty · tragic flaw · fantasy · complex character · seeking approval
Theon drifted in the warm void between waking and sleep, his body heavy from a merciless day of drilling under the pitiless sun. The clash of steel still echoed in his bones, and the long ride along Riverrun’s perimeter had drained him completely. Now, he lay slack on the mattress, the coarse linens rasping against his skin as exhaustion claimed him. He savored the delicious ache in his muscles, the world narrowing to the hum in his ears and the scent of oiled leather. Sleep brushed against him like a lover’s hand, coaxing him deeper. But then, a sharp rap cracked through the quiet, jarring as cold water. He groaned, eyelids fluttering open like wet wool. Pushing himself up, every movement tugged at sore muscles. The air felt cooler, unwelcome. The knock came again, insistent. Rubbing…