Effigy's Vassals Roleplay

First topic message reminder :

This is a private roleplay between the following members :
HikariKuragari l EphPhoenix l Pachirisu71 l Vye-Avis l LadyTwi | Leah7


In this world of medieval times where kings, queens and citizen live in harmony, there are creatures called Effigies. Those are creature who can be summoned by a summoner through a chosen vassals. There are many summoners in this world and people came to rely on these powers a lot when they would need. However as peaceful and prosper the world seemed, it wasn't all that peaceful. A powerful Effigy, said to have power much like a god even called a deity is threatening mankind. This Effigy's name is Rokkenjima, however this one made a deal with the humans. Every fifty years, a sacrifice must be made. And so every fifty years, a tribute is chosen as well as a summoner to acompany the tribute. These are seen as the savior of manking and are respected even among king and queens at the highest level. Everytime a tribute is devoured by the Deity, another fifty years of peace is brought to humanity.

On this fine morning however this age of peace is about to expire and so ... a new tribute is about to be chosen.


(ATTN : Delpha & Maria)

- Acorn Village -

The village of Acorn is silent, most families in their homes with doors, windows, and curtains all closed and drawn. The village square, small as the village's size, is circular and full--full with council members all carefully seated in a half-circle, facing two sisters that have lived in this village for some time.

The village head, Samiel, looks up from his booklet, a serious expression on his countenance. Generally, no one is invited to a council meeting and all are confined to their homes. This time, however, the council has invited these siblings for mysterious reasons that even they have yet to understand. The sisters probably suspect that it is because one of them is a summoner, as well as the only one that happens to be magically trained locally. In the end, they aren't entirely wrong.

"Thank you for coming." Samiel says in his deep, thick tone. "I have some big news for the both of you. You will be quite pleased, I assure you--and we are honoured to be the ones to tell you."

The other council members begin to mutter--some with sounds of concern and others with disagreement, but there are a couple that manage a fake smile with a nod of their head, as if this is the greatest news that they are about to deliver to some of the youngest residents of their small home.

"You two have been chosen to be the Dea's Tribute and the Tribute Summoner!" Samiel says with a fake, wide grin. "You'll be saving millions and millions of lives, assuring the comfort and continuation of all those around you. You are both going to be heroes and your names forever marked into the tomes of history!"

An awkward silence ensues.

Fujihana glances at Christ who looks very pleased with himself, grinning hugely. She nearly laughs recalling what had happened a little earlier.

They'd arrived later than many others, and so most of the stables were already full. Christ had rushed the horses in, cutting off an older man. He'd argue with him as if the space was stolen from him when it clearly was not. She supposed it was rude, but still, she didn't feel badly at all. She was too excited for the trial start to care. She did, however, slip in an apology between Kerry's. The man didn't even offer a reply.

Christ suddenly grabbed both her, and Kerry's wrist and started pushing through the crowds of people. He was even more hyped than she was, racing through with the same, wide grin.

When they'd all somehow made it to the gazebo's center she broke away from his grip. "We already own it, it's going to be great!" She replied, in the same exited tone. "I can't believe this!" It was finally happening. She stared to the center and counted the seconds, anxiously waiting for the tribute and summoner. She noticed Kerry waiting eagerly, too, and smiled. The adventure was starting for all of them.

[ATTN: Kerry, Fuji, Taozi]

Christ is already exploding with excitement within, bouncing slightly as he is just barely able to hang on to the words of his comrades. He keeps looking at the end, waiting for the couple to enter, but when a person whispers next to him, he has no issue at all picking up the strange dialect and words.

He looked over at her with wide eyed incredulity, a gasp almost escaping his throat. She was pale with white hair, cloaked in a deep, blood red. He gulped. She looked creepy as hell. Like, murderer or psycho creepy that stalks you and learns everything about you before they kill you slowly and chop off your genitals.

His mind is already jumping from possibility to possibility--she spoke a dark language in that whisper, and though her tone was not clear, he couldn't help but wonder if she had just cursed him. What language was it??? Infernal? Demonic? Abyssal? he wondered if Kerry would know something like that--this woman must be evil! Or a black mage!

Black mages are just rumors, he argues with himself, but if someone can learn that kind of disturbing language, then who knows what the crap this person has been doing...what if they want to hurt the Tribute?! No....no, no, this crazy chick wouldn't do that, because without the Tribute they die, and if they die, then she can't go and kill people while they are sleeping with a bread knife or something...

He quickly looks away after a few seconds as his mind rambles through all of the possibilities of the white-haired, dark speaking woman killing him for accidentally bumping into her after the ceremony. Then he won't have a chance to be a vassal!!!! This isn't gonna work. Christ knows what he must do...

He gulps again, chuckling sheepishly as he distances himself from the psychotic lady. Rubbing the sweat from the back of his neck nervously, he looks up at her sheepishly and then says softly: "Sorry about that, won't happen again."

He looks over at Kerry, turning away from her with wide eyes as he points at her and then makes the gesture of slitting his own throat with his finger. He clings on to Fuji's arm, then, clearly intimidated.

(ATTN : Trial Start/All)

At the sight of his soldiers coming back as a sign of the Tribute being almost there Belmorn made sure all of the rest were well placed to assure the best welcome to this person.

Athena was waiting on the side to rest, thinking it would be best to let the most excited one to get a closer look rather then get pushed by a mob of people.

Belmorn saw two horses approaching from behind the lines of his own men and he placed himself so he would be close enough to welcome the tribute to the trial start. It was after all a great honor to save the world with their one life after all. Anyone who would be a tribute should be threated as at the level of respect of a king. At least Belmorn thought so.

(ATTN : Delpha, Open)

Maria and her sister were still far from the trial, at least not quite close enough to talk to anyone but some soldiers had been escorting them for some time now, again from a certain distance.

''What a pain in the ass... I can't believe this much people came to see someone start a trial to die. At their place I'd rather watch some paint dry. Or rather I would feel extremelly ashamed. '' Maria knew her sister would hear her and probably would react being the pain that she was, but she didn't care.

Getting closer and closer they finally slow down and everyone was looking at them with admiration. Maria make a face of digust and doesn't try to hide it.

Belmorn approach the two ladies and politly start to speak. ''Welcome to the trial start, I am Belmorn Adorry Pegason, part of the knight of the round and sent by the king to provide support. '' The man was straight to the point and seemed quite serious and cold, but also had a hint of warm.

Maria rolled her eyes ''Great some knight to help us, I'm probably the lucky princess waiting to be saved by this man. '' It was obvious that she was unhappy and showing sarcasm.

**Stopping there to give chance to interactions. Sorry for the long absence in this guys. **

Fujihana looked over at Chris. She'd heard him whisper sorry in an unsure way. A girl was staring at him with cold eyes but luckily turned to leave. Creepy, the word crossed her mind. Anyone would think so of the girl. She was dressed in a blood red cloak which cast a shadow on half of her face, her hair and skin almost an identical white. Fujihana blanched, what did he do?

"Calm down," Fujihana interrupted (Kerry). She took a breath then said quietly, "Why would she kill us?" Fujihana tried to be indiscriminate, though there was no question she was someone she'd rather not mess with.

Christ clings onto her arm, wide eyed. "It'll be okay, we're going to be powerful vassals soon," she whispered. She was sure when the tribute came out Christ would be excited again, and hopefully Kerry, too. She looked behind her quickly to see if she was still there.

[Attn: Christ, Fuji, Kerry]

The beginning of the Trail Start was drawing near, Taozi could feel. Her apprehension was interrupted once again by the young male, but this time fear was written all over his face. Taozi heard a shy apology, which surprised her. She thought the boy's parents must have reprimanded him, but after the boy turned away, Taozi overheard two others-something about killing, she was sure.

Taozi turned to see the young one grasping the arm of a woman about her own age. It seemed Taozi's assumption was true, or at least part of it. Another lad stood by them, just as apprehensive as the boy who bumped into her. Taozi faced the arm-clinging one with a slight grin. "You must be mistaken. I wouldn't dare harm a child." Her eyes snapped to the alluring eyes of the woman with dark hair. "I appreciate your effort to keep your...sibling?...in check."

[ATTN: ALL]

As the two of the Trial Start's attention make their way into the gazebo of stone and wood, the crowd instantly becomes silent. They make their way down the pathway where they should be, moving to the center of the space of the crowd, climbing their way up to the pedestal that had their bodies risen above the various onlookers.

As they stood up at the top, the Tribute bowed deeply, as is custom and the Summoner raises her right hand in solemn promise to complete the Pilgrimage that is expected of her. The gazebo is so eerily silent at this time that even Christ is completely still and focuses with wide-eyed uncertainty. In fact, the deep silence almost becomes...awkward as the Tribute stands straight.

Then, the tribute speaks the very words that every Tribute before her has spoken. Christ cannot help but recognize bitterness in her voice--and an almost hateful tone. He has never been to this ceremony before, so he isn't sure if they would all sound as this one, but...it makes him deeply sad for her.

"As your Tribute, I will restart the circle of life. May you all breathe into the spiritual eternity." The Tribute spoke.

He feels an instant of shame--he has been so excited and thrilled this entire time, ready to protect these two strangers on a road of adventure and challenge, but...what thought has he given to this woman and her life? She is losing it all, giving up her future for everyone. However, this is rushed away as the crowd all bow their heads respectfully and Christ quickly follows suit.

The silence finally dies away as many of the crowd's participants begin to hasten away from the gazebo, moving away from the pedestal and from the shadows of the giant structure that keep the two in their metaphorical spotlight. It is clear that most wish to push away from that awkward stay, feeling guilty for the woman's sacrifice, but feeling less guilty that they would prefer her own life over their own.

Christ looks about as the crowd dies away, slowly moving down into a smaller group of about.....he counts. Eleven people? Not bad. Usually there are more, but this year, many seem to avoid it...maybe rumors of the Tribute? He had once heard on the road that she had a nasty attitude, but he just shrugged it off. Someone could have easily said it just to deter him. Everyone likes to think he's too young for this.

He rolls his eyes at that last thought as a large man, clearly an impressive warrior, approaches the pedestal where the two figures stand above him. He looks up to them and introduces himself as a Knight for the King. Christ's eyes widen with awe. Holy crap, this is SO cool!! A real knight, I can fight next to a real knight! He is somewhat taken aback at the Tribute's response...she is rude. Great.

It isn't long before others step forward, introducing themselves and offering their services. He waits for his turn, standing up with Fuji and Kerry on each hand, standing in their center with obvious nervousness before he steps up with them before the pedestal, looking up at them with brazen, bright eyes.

"I'm Christ, this is Fuji, and this is Kerry." Christ says, bowing respectfully. "We wish to offer our services, as well. Kerry specializes in many knowledges--he studies a lot and is very clever. Fuji here is an excellent fighter...she may not look like much, but she's scary fast."

He clears his throat before just smiling sheepishly. "And well, I'm just super cool and totally a badass. My skills are uh...group morale! I can play a flute?"

Then, he backs away and waits for everyone to complete their introductions. In the end, when they are all finished, the Summoner will pick those that she believes are worthy and then they can go! He looks at his two friends eagerly. They are so sure to pick them!!

Attn: [Trial Start, Open]

Taozi read the faces of the group she spoke to for any response, but suddenly the crowd around them grew quiet. She turned around to see the Tribute walking toward the gazebo, the woman's facial expression seeming grave and hateful. As the Tribute made her vows, Taozi hoped the speaker's attitude wasn't as bad as her demeanor. It would make Taozi's job all the more frustrating. Still, only a fanatic would relish in the thought of being sentenced to death for such a superstitious reason.

The remaining crowd soon decreases once it's time to present oneself to the Tribute. Just as Taozi thought, the young boy remained. He still had that gleam in his eyes, which got Taozi wondering what was going on in his head. One knight presents himself, probably meant for protection and access to restricted areas. Taozi watches the boy, whose name is revealed to be Christ, offer his services with the two others, Fuji and Kerry. "Group morale? Play a flute?" Taozi thought. "He's either a fool or an idiotic fool..."

It was then Taozi's turn to display her skills. She walks up to the pedestal, her chin held high and her arms linked together. She makes a graceful bow, introducing herself as her hair tumbles over half of her face. "A pleasure to meet you, Tribute. My name is Vespa Corsciani." Vespa stands straight from her bow, wearing a pleasant smile. "I am proficient in close quarters combat as well as the use of the crossbow. Not only can I provide protection but I can also act as a scout in rough terrain. I can make several common medicines, speak in four different languages, and track either animals or people, if needed." After that, Taozi/Vespa bowed her head and walked away from the gazebo, back into the lingering crowd. That last statement seemed risky, but Taozi never knew what might be in store for her on this journey.

[Attn: Christ, Kerry, Fuji]

As Taozi waited for the rest of the applicants to make their introductions, Taozi noticed the boy and his small group not too far away. Her curiosity peaked, causing her to wander towards them. "Your name's Christ, right?" Taozi revealed herself.

"You've got some nerve thinking you could be a vassal. I hope you're well aware of the dangers and responsibility that comes with the title. What makes you want to be a vassal, anyway? Fame? Respect? Owning your own Effigy? I wouldn't suspect you'd put your life on the line for that witch in any other situation."

[Attn: Christ, Kerry, Taozi]
Fuji only nodded in reply. She wanted to stick up for Christ but it was smarter not to. Judging by her appearance and sharp tongue she wasn't one to mess with. So, she just looked away and left it at that.

When the tribute and summoner began walking down the path she fell silent along with the crowd. Somehow it was different than what she'd imagined. She was so excited to have a chance to become a vassal that she forgot what was really going to happen; someone was going to lose their life. The hateful expression on the girl's face was a sad reminder of that.

Fuji wished there was another way, but there wasn't. The cycle needed to continue unbroken. "It's necessary," she reminded herself. Necessary the word was cold but it was true. However, the loss wouldn't be forgotten. She looked to her friends and it seemed they felt the same way.


She tightened her grip on Christ's hand as they approached the pedestal. He introduced her as being an excellent fighter and Kerry as being very knowledgeable, and himself as a totally cool badass. She bowed respectfully, "All three of us are prepared to do whatever it takes." she smiled and walked away to make room for the next person. She smiled and nudged Christ, "Nailed it."

The woman from earlier approached them again from the crowd. Nerve? she didn't know anything about Christ and yet she was passing judgement. "We know of the dangers and responsibility," she snapped back. She was still afraid of the woman but she wasn't going to let something like this slide. Christ was her best friend.

[ATTN: Kerry, Fuji, Taozi]

As the woman approaches and speaks with them, Fuji snaps back in response hotly and he lets her for a few moments before placing his hand on her shoulder, shaking his head at her to let her know that her anger is not needed.

"You are clearly threatened by our skill without having seen it, traveler." Christ replies boldly and eagerly. "It is our business alone why we want to be Vassals--and of course, the decision of whether or not we are chosen is not yours. When we do triumph in this position and aid the Tribute, you will look back on this day and feel silly."

Christ puts his shoulder up on Kerry's, leaning up against him with a relaxed pose. "Won't she, Kerry?"

[Attn: Christ, Kerry, Fuji]

After Taozi spoke, the older member of the group seemed to take offence to her cautionary words; as if she knew what it's like staring death in the face. The woman looked like she never fought a day in her life. Her eyes had energy in them, but they were too soft to be a fighter's eyes. And as for the boy...

Taozi sensed a mix of emotions flare inside her, but her face still showed the same serious expression. "I don't feel threatened by what you have to offer, I was merely trying to remind you of what you're getting yourselves into. But, if you are so determined to become Vassals, then I hope you have the luck of the Gods with you."

(ATTN : All/Trial Start)

**Please note that I've changed the other of my earlier lines to match the current timeline as previously I said them the moment the tribute arrived unaware that it would be silent at first. I am also sorry for the long absence, I have been quite busy lately and also my rp mood had taken a flop and I really needed a break. But I'm back now and I'll do my best to post in this only rp that I am in as much as I can with my schedule. Thank you all for you understanding and without further due... here's the post :

As the traditions wants Belmorn bows to the tribute and the summoner, showing them in silence toward the gazebo which was made of stone and wood. These make way there, although the tribute seemed more then annoyed by this whole situation and Belmorn could tell she wasn't very pleased to be there. He watched, standing steady like any guard would along with his men and waiting for the ritual to begin.

Being escorted by those soldier and watched in silence by so many people sure was making things annoying as hell. Not only that but they all looked constipated, like they were about to take a shit, she couldn't stand that at all. She still did her best to say this stupid ritual and get it over with. She had it written on a piece of paper because she couldn't remember something as cheesy and stupid as this.

"As your Tribute, I will restart the circle of life. May you all breathe into the spiritual eternity." There was more than that, but this was probably the most stupid line of them all. What was she a spirit guide ? No ! She was a hunter with a bad temper for god sake. Then again she doesn't care about god sake, he can go where she thinks. Her look was quite an irritated and annoyed one and she didn't try to hide that she was highly uninterested into saying this stuff.

Seeing that the crowd was already reducing once that speech was over, Belmorn already dismiss some guards from the area to look after crowd control before moving to the two ladies, hoping that the tribute didn't look as rude as the way she said the ritual. Then again he couldn't blame her since she would after all sacrifice herself. Not everyone was prepared to be announced from one day to the next that they would have to travel a pilgrimage to die at the end.

Belmorn approach the two ladies and politely start to speak. ''Welcome to the trial start, I am Belmorn Adorry Pegason, part of the knight of the round and sent by the king to provide support. '' The man was straight to the point and seemed quite serious and cold, but also had a hint of warm.

Maria rolled her eyes ''Great some knight to help us, I'm probably the lucky princess waiting to be saved by this man. '' It was obvious that she was unhappy and showing sarcasm.

Belmorn almost wanted to roll his eyes at the rudeness and teach the girl some manners, but it wasn't his place as technically he would be serving her with his life. He chose to ignore her plea and answered the summoner that was much more well-mannered then the other. ''It is an honor to meet both of you M'Ladies.'' He said with a bow.

Seeing that she had clearly been ignored, she just shrug, too tired to argue with a freaking knight that was too polite for her own sanity. Then came a group of three that were clinging to each others like they had glue between them or something. One of the guys looked freaking constipated while another was way too nervous and excited, probably the goodie two shoes kind from the look on his face. Though she was wondering if with that kind of excitation he would just explode into a mass of gore... Yeah maybe her sister was right, she did like violence. And there was this girl who just seemed normal she guessed. When she heard the M'lady from the other guy as well, she cringed slightly.

Belmorn nods after hearing the group of three younger folks. Though he was a bit worried about the kid's skill, on second thought group morale would be important. His willpower was also something to take note of. Perhaps he would help the kid on the way to learn some defensive moves and survival tricks. Would be useful to know. As the boy started to play his flute, Belmorn enjoyed the sound of it.

Maria shook her head in amusement and an inch of sarcasm. ''Oh great, they're not glued together ! Here I thought they wouldn't be able to move like that, would have been troublesome if they were glued. As for the flute, not bad, but I've heard better. Maybe you guys could be the circus of the group, like the comic relief part. Then again I'm usually hard to amuse, but the way you were glued together slightly did amuse me. '' Maria could see the three were clearly annoyed. Maybe being the tribute wasn't so bad after all, she could be as cruel as she wanted and people would still be treating her like a princess instead of telling her what to do. Might as well enjoy her fun while she's alive right ?

That tribute was clearly getting on his nerves, but he would not show it, the boy however played really well and he would make sure to comment him once the presentation would be done with. Another girl introduced herself and Belmorn couldn't help but nod in approval. ''That is quite impressive for a traveler. Your skills will be valuable.'' He said with a stoic expression.

With a look of curiosity, she observe the girl with more interest at the mention of bow skill. ''Ooooh... Someone that use a bow, interesting. I wonder if you are just as good as me. Just don't shit yourself if it's not the case.''

Belmorn thought he was getting a headache just about how rude Maria could be. Didn't she learn any manners ? Surely these two are not truly related right ? ... He notice a guard getting close to him with something rolled and made of paper.

The guard whisper in the man's ear and say ''Sir, this was from the nomads, a map to be given to the Tribute.'' Belmorn nods and take the map and tell the man in return he can be dismissed and get the others back to the city if the crowd controlled is done with.

It is then that Athena raise her hand for the side, lying down on the ground. ''Hey Mr.Knight, aren't you forgetting someone ?'' She said in a playful tone.

Belmorn nods and say ''Yes pardon me Lady Athena. This is Athena and she will be helping with the mission as well, mostly the one who is carrying my supply for better battle efficiency if we were surrounded. She also have fighting experience so she can defend herself if need be.''

''Oh wow, just wow, a knight that make a girl carry his stuff, how noble of you.'' She said with sarcasm.

For the first time since he first saw her, he finally speaks. ''For your information M'Lady, I did not choose the person or the gender for the task, someone else did so and she took the job out of her own will. Nobody forced her to. ''

''Plus doesn't mean I'm a woman that I can't carry this much, I'm quite strong young lady.'' Athena said again with a inch of amusement.

Maria was about to push this further, but her sister spoke about accepting them all. After she finished she grins. ''Uuuh, so I get to mess with you guys for the rest of the trip, sweet. '' Obviously being nice and polite was not part of her vocabulary unless it meant to be evil to others.

Belmon shook his head and thought ''I hate this job already... but love it at the same times due to the others.'' He then speak toward the polite and gentle summoner named
Delpha. ''It is a pleasure to help the Tribute and the summoner in their pilgrimage.

[ATTN: ALL]

As the summoner grants her permission to all, Christ jumps for joy, his legs and arms all kicking up into the air as he lifts from the ground with a not-so-silent "Woo!" of excitement and victory. He's grinning from ear to ear until he realizes how much attention he's called upon himself. His ears glow red as he steps back and holds hands with Fuji for comfort.

He clears his throat. "So uh...what's next? Which temple are we doing to, first? Unless I'm not supposed to know that, if I'm not supposed to know, I'm sorry I asked, I really should..."

Kerry bops him on the shoulder as he realizes he is rambling and Christ flinches. Yeah....he needs to work on the nervous rambling bit. He always finds a way to lower is cool. But it doesn't matter! I'll BE a cool kid, soon! I'm gonna be a vassal!!

[Attn: Christ, Belmon, Open]

Being accepted to having spirits judge Taozi's worthiness did little more than prick her nerves. She was already aware that the spirits decided who would go on the extended journey, but being reminded of it added to her impatience. "I hope the temple isn't far...the sooner this mission starts, the better. Still," Taozi thought as she watched Christ hops gleefully. "If I'm going to spend the next few weeks with these people, I might as well try getting used to them now."

Taozi answered the boy's question as best as she could with the info she managed to attain beforehand. "The summoner decides which temple we're going to. I've never talked with her, so my guess is as good as yours." Without waiting for a reply, Taozi made her way toward the knight who presented himself earlier.

"Excuse me, but you seem to be one of the more knowledgeable people around here. Would you happen to know when we're departing? I'm just so anxious..."

(ATTN:ALL)

Belmorn saw the skilled lady approach him about when they would go. ''That would be up to when the ladies are ready to go I believe.'' He said pointing politely toward the tribute and the summoner. He had heard of the young man's question as well, but as he was about to answer, the other young man answered faster then he did.

''Yes, these temples are the closest and would be most likely the first choices. However final choice goes with the ladies. '' He explained turning to Christ at the beginning and then toward Kerry and finally toward the tribute and the summoner.

It's then that he noticed the summoner stomping hard on the tribute's foot, he raised an eyebrow at the action and then shook his head at the mention of forgive us. ''Do not worry about it Ma'am.'' He said after she explained that she and her sister were tired from their trip.

Maria cursed under her breath when her sister stomped her foot hard and she glared at her sister. Always had to sweet things up didn't she ?

As she mention about the marching order, he nods and say ''Gladly.'' He then turns toward everyone and started speaking. ''Alright everyone, we will begin to march toward Tavran Mountains immediatly. '' He turned toward Athena who was almost napping so much it took a long time.

''Oh ? Finally time to go ? I was starting to wonder if I could take a nap.'' She then get up and shove the large traveler bag on her shoulders again, showing that she was ready.

''Alright then let's go.'' He started walking forward toward the mountains direction to lead the way.

''Tch.'' Maria just started to walk herself, irritated.

[Attn: Open]

Taozi listened to Belmorn explain when they would be leaving. She hoped to god that the two siblings would get a move on. She just caught Maria with her foot crushed by her sister. Taozi wanted to crack a smile, but she did her best to keep it in. "Thank you, sir." She said to Belmorn before walking back into the thin crowd. Shortly afterward, she heard the announcement that the group was leaving. Taozi began to march with the group, finally relieved.

[ATTN: ALL]

As the group began to leave and make its way on the beginning of its journey, Christ withheld his excitement as he ran to fetch the horses and then make his way to where the others were. He, of course, waited with Fuji and Kerry, but did not wait too long with fear, nagging them on impatiently so that would not be left behind.

When they reached the other group, Christ kept to his horse well, staying close to Kerry with pent-up excitement. He tried to remain as silent as possible--he knew that if he started rambling now, the others would get annoyed...fast.