Alistair was not completely satisfied with the man's response. It did not answer the concerns he put forth, and it certainly didn't make complete sense. You didn't have to be an inquisitor to know that something was off-- why the King would choose to keep something like this a secret was beyond him. A scouting party was more than reasonable, but why did it have to remain clandestine, and why did it have to be this group of people?
It was peculiar, to say the least.
Still, it seemed as if the man would refuse to divulge anything pertinent at the moment, and so Alistair simply nodded. Patience was a virtue after all. Soon after, Virgil departed for a meeting shortly after showing the group around the area and telling them a few things that he felt was important. The priest made a mental note to look for these answers again in the future. As per his instructions, Alistair kept that simple white band with him, finding the presence of that simple silver cross reassuring. It was a mark of shame-- one that many of the faithful were not afraid to carry around. It kept them grounded, for it reminded people that at the height of humanity's hubris, it was humans that drove the Messiah and the Creator away.
Perhaps there was no chance at absolution... to be forgiven of all sin and to be free of consequences so easily... but it would be a sin to succumb and fall into depravity. To accept the fate that had been given to them. The right thing to do was simple: all they had to do was try to be better. To try and be worthy of salvation.
As Alistair was ruminating on the meaning of religious iconography, he looked around at the group that had assembled. Five women and three men, including himself. The first to speak was a woman with blonde hair who had introduced herself as Braska, from the northern lands. She seemed to be the timid type, but the priest could tell that she possessed great strength of spirit, and could be relied upon when the time was right.
"My name is Alistair." The priest said with a gentle smile. "As an ordained priest and inquisitor, I suppose you could address me as Father-- but I walk amongst you all as a fellow crusader." He then explained. "Simply Alistair will do, but if you must... you may call me Brother." He bowed politely. "A pleasure to meet you all."
He briefly wondered if he had been too heavy-handed with his introductions, but he figured that once this was out of the way, they could get to know one another better. Braska then mentioned her skills, prompting Alistair to do the same. "I've been trained in the arts of battle by the inquisition. I can serve many roles, but my place is at the front." The priest said matter-of-factly. Most people believed that someone of his stature would be better staying away from the battle. He knew better.
Alistair himself knew how dangerous an undertaking like this could be, and while he would try his hardest to ensure everyone's survival, he knew he could not in good conscience, make a promise he might not be able to keep. "...Let's do our best." And God will do the rest. He thought that last part to himself but did not say so aloud.
The priest waited until everyone finished with their introductions and then nodded. "I believe it best we keep our rooms separated into male and female quarters, as Virgil suggested." He says simply. "That way, the ladies can have their privacy, and we can have ours." Alistair of course, waited to see if there were any objections to that, but on the assumption that there weren't any, he went to his quarters to retire for the rest of the day.
He unpacked his belongings, storing them in his footlocker. Although he was eager to explore the city, standing under the blazing desert sun for an hour or two had been more than a little bit exhausting. Alistair changed out of his heavy inquisitor robes and donned a simple priest's cassock. It was still quite a bit stuffy, but he welcomed the removal of the extra weight. The man then spent the remainder of the day maintaining his equipment, acquainting himself with the building, and resting his weary body.
Alistair remembered the priests from the chapel stating that most people do not go out in the evening. Seeing an opportunity, the man spoke to the people in his quarters and then extended that same invitation to the people in the other room. He noted Braska's disappearance, but paid it little mind-- she was likely busy. "I will begin my evening prayers soon. If you are not busy and would like to join me, you are free to do so." He smiled. "Of course, I will not hold it against you if you decide not to. Such is the way of things, after all." The priest appended with a bit of understanding. Prayer was not for everyone, especially nowadays, as God has long since fallen silent. To him? Virtuous action was more than enough.
But who knows? Perhaps this was an opportunity to grow closer to one another, provided they give him the chance.
