I suppose Rodney can be a wandering scholar but I don't think there *is* such a thing as a "lay priest" - either you're a priest (ordained, whether in a monastery or belonging to a religious order like the Franciscans or Dominicans or a diocesan priest [attached to a bishop and a diocese]). But he can't be both a "priest" and "not ordained" although he can be a scholar. I think in those days a scholar generally was *studying* for the priesthood. Or he can be a "brother" but I think they were attached to religious orders or monasteries, as well. Besides, Rodney is definitely *not* the "brother" type! He'd surely go whole-hog and be ordained! A man with triple PhD's? please!

Just thinking....

Is there some reason he must be "not ordained"? He can fall in love and abandon his vows, can't he? Or he can live in sin! Or he can love John with a holy passion and not even *think* about sex, his head is so filled with the search for knowledge and wisdom!!! LOL (because I know you want some sex in there somewhere, right?)!!!

Love ya, max
P.S. - I once wrote a nice flashback in a Highlander/Methos story where Methos spent several years in a monastery (in one of those early centuries) and kept his vows, so it's *possible*!!!
P.P.S. - Oh, this is the first time in a long time that a plot-bunny got my juices going! Please write more of this!
P.P.P.S. - Besides, even a "brother" takes the vow of celibacy, if that's what is worrying you! You can't get around it that way!