Athelstan took what the other said and nodded. He supposed it must mean he was a scholar, a very good one and that made Athelstan interested. He was curious, his curiosity had always been what ended up keeping him alive (and God's will, of course). "I see, I believe that makes sense," it's close enough anyway.

He smiles briefly at the other's question. "I suppose I have never really stopped in my heart but I've been pulled between two worlds for a long time. I was kidnapped and made a slave by Vikings and then freed. I remained with them out of choice and even once I was among Christians again I chose to go back to them when I had the chance. I still believe in my vows, though, I have failed them. I believe in God but it is hard not to believe in the gods of the Vikings as well."

It's a very brief explanation of many years of experiences.