10-07-2022, 12:17 PM
Godric was enjoying his drink, though he was wondering why had hadn't drunk more earlier? Normally, he wasn't the one to play 'politics' when it came to his friends. He was the do it and damn the consequences kind. Likely because for the last ten years, while there had been visits to check on various stages of construction, he'd mostly been on his own or working with his band of brothers. He hadn't needed permission or agreement from anyone; he'd just done as he pleased - as much as a second son was able to, anyway.
So now that they were altogether and everything was really starting, he was in a position of authority. It was a curse his elder brother had once wished on him - to which Godric had laughed. Who would give a second son any sort of power? Especially when the heir had an heir of his own, not to mention a spare one. Three people in line, power was never his eventual goal and yet here he was, responsible for the governance of one-fourth of their school. He had real people depending on him - some of whom could not protect themselves and needed him. It was an unfamiliar feeling - one that made him incredibly nervous hence the considerable drinking he'd been doing lately.
Fortunately, there was a tavern near the school with an oft lively crowd to take his mind off of the responsibility now weighing on his shoulders. And better yet, for once, there was a rather pretty face to look at. Not that it could ever go anywhere. If it was one thing he'd learned, it was never dally with someone working with you. He'd seen it go wrong far too many times to be tempted past a glance or two.
Granted, he did more than glance when she leaned over the bar for another drink. He was a man, after all, and his eyes were perfectly free to roam, even if his heart was not. The last time he'd fallen for a woman, she'd been a married one and while nothing had happened between them, it wasn't for lack of wishing on his part but there were complications surrounding any move he would have or might in the future try to make.
Thus, it was hard not to compare what he saw there and then to that of the past. The healer before him was beautiful. Fair in comparison to his dark haired beauty. Sharply curved instead of the soft lush curves of Rowena. Despite the dress, Godric had a very good imagination and had seen enough naked women in the past to have an idea of what the Viking healer might look like under that very nice dress. It wasn't unattractive in the least, which just meant he would have to keep more distance between them than usual.
Of course, nothing scandalous about a conversation in the middle of a crowded tavern. It wasn't like they were sneaking off to the corner to exchange sweet nothings. It was all innocent, out in the open, their voices loud enough to be heard. While it was inane small talk, it was better than having someone whisper back in his friends' ears that he'd been off cavorting with the healer they desperately needed.
"Well, obviously you know your repair work as it sounded good." He said, burying his face in his mug once the generic but well meant praise was given.
He took a few swallows, trying to clear his mind of everything that had happened this evening and focus on the company as well as the currents running through the room. "Family, eh?" Godric asked, now wondering if he'd fully been paying attention when Rowena had been telling them about her. "I suppose it's hard to lose a family member, whether it's a paying position or not. Hopefully it hasn't caused too much disruption with...?" Ooo, did she have a husband? Father? Older brother that might not be as supportive of this endeavor? He probably should know that sort of thing. "anyone," he finally finished, feeling a bit lame about not knowing more. Then again, he'd been a busy man and Rowena hated being questioned on her decisions so, of course, he'd done nothing of the sort when she'd informed him.
So now that they were altogether and everything was really starting, he was in a position of authority. It was a curse his elder brother had once wished on him - to which Godric had laughed. Who would give a second son any sort of power? Especially when the heir had an heir of his own, not to mention a spare one. Three people in line, power was never his eventual goal and yet here he was, responsible for the governance of one-fourth of their school. He had real people depending on him - some of whom could not protect themselves and needed him. It was an unfamiliar feeling - one that made him incredibly nervous hence the considerable drinking he'd been doing lately.
Fortunately, there was a tavern near the school with an oft lively crowd to take his mind off of the responsibility now weighing on his shoulders. And better yet, for once, there was a rather pretty face to look at. Not that it could ever go anywhere. If it was one thing he'd learned, it was never dally with someone working with you. He'd seen it go wrong far too many times to be tempted past a glance or two.
Granted, he did more than glance when she leaned over the bar for another drink. He was a man, after all, and his eyes were perfectly free to roam, even if his heart was not. The last time he'd fallen for a woman, she'd been a married one and while nothing had happened between them, it wasn't for lack of wishing on his part but there were complications surrounding any move he would have or might in the future try to make.
Thus, it was hard not to compare what he saw there and then to that of the past. The healer before him was beautiful. Fair in comparison to his dark haired beauty. Sharply curved instead of the soft lush curves of Rowena. Despite the dress, Godric had a very good imagination and had seen enough naked women in the past to have an idea of what the Viking healer might look like under that very nice dress. It wasn't unattractive in the least, which just meant he would have to keep more distance between them than usual.
Of course, nothing scandalous about a conversation in the middle of a crowded tavern. It wasn't like they were sneaking off to the corner to exchange sweet nothings. It was all innocent, out in the open, their voices loud enough to be heard. While it was inane small talk, it was better than having someone whisper back in his friends' ears that he'd been off cavorting with the healer they desperately needed.
"Well, obviously you know your repair work as it sounded good." He said, burying his face in his mug once the generic but well meant praise was given.
He took a few swallows, trying to clear his mind of everything that had happened this evening and focus on the company as well as the currents running through the room. "Family, eh?" Godric asked, now wondering if he'd fully been paying attention when Rowena had been telling them about her. "I suppose it's hard to lose a family member, whether it's a paying position or not. Hopefully it hasn't caused too much disruption with...?" Ooo, did she have a husband? Father? Older brother that might not be as supportive of this endeavor? He probably should know that sort of thing. "anyone," he finally finished, feeling a bit lame about not knowing more. Then again, he'd been a busy man and Rowena hated being questioned on her decisions so, of course, he'd done nothing of the sort when she'd informed him.
