A/N: Written for the Collect the Cards Challenge: 218: char: Rowena Ravenclaw, prompt: walk away

Also written for the Anime/Manga quotes boot camp, prompt 6: "I just can't sit any other way than this. If I sit the way other people do, my reasoning ability drops by 40%." – L, Death Note

After the Departure of Helena

'Will you just walk away from your daughter?'

Rowena lifted her chin, sharp brown eyes piercing into Godric's honey shade. 'It is she who has walked away,' she said, though not as coldly as her tone suggested.

'And you would go chasing her across the country-side if you wished.' He caught her wrist as she made to continue her work, guiding the quill away from the crinkled parchment. Then he frowned. 'What magic is this?'

'No magic.' Rowena released her quill and let it fall, ignoring the flickers of ink raining down on the parchment. 'But I must tell the Baron I cannot give my daughter to him.'

'I see.' The writing looked illegitimate to him – but then again, the hand he held was trembling as well. And yet Rowena's eyes were dry, her voice steady, her work as impeccable as always. 'You won't go after her?'

'To go after her means to go after something I gave too much of myself too.' Rowena did not look down; instead she looked to a spot beside Godric's ear. 'She has taken the diadem and left. It will not bring her wisdom if that is what she thinks, but the loss of both have opened my eyes to something else. I became too wrapped in my seeking knowledge.' She sighed, and lowered her head. It was impossible to say such things and keep up her usual haughty appearance. 'What Helena wants is –'

'Something beyond your power to give.' Godric nodded, knowing well what she meant. And he was glad his own son would never bring such grief to him. 'Then will you not at least allow yourself the time to mourn for her? Helga and I can care for things for a while.'

'I do not need time to mourn.' And she picked up the quill once more, her wrist released.

'Your hand trembles,' Godric said to her.

'If I stop I fear my entire body will come loose from the shaking.' She smiled wryly at him. 'Leave me be, Godric. I have known grief before, if you recall. The loss of my one and only daughter is no more or less than the loss of my husband.'

Godric regarded her, then nodded. 'I will leave,' he said, 'though I will worry still.'

'Talk to Helga,' Rowena said, returning her attention to the letter she was drafting. 'She will put your mind to ease.'

But Helga was in agreement with Godric, though neither of them could sway the stubborn Rowena.