Annecy: Rest Day - Second Realities

The teams are in Annecy, having flown there, and missed the World Cup final.

But we all know who won it.

Belle has organised a picnic for Team Philosophe. Team Condor is invited.

Vello has asked Froggy Fréron.

The picnic will be on the Ile des Cygnes. Swans, grass, trees, paths, benches, a lake view.

While Belle sets up the picnic, Terence goes down to the edge of the lake with Saint Roley, to look at the swans.

Gaius arrives, with David and Humboldt.

Sit down guys, says Belle. Taste this. The vermouth of the region is famous.

She pours three glasses of Vermouth de Chambéry.

Sweezus, Arthur and Pablo rock up next.

What's to eat at this picnic?

Pigeon, says Belle. But don't tell Terence. And local fish doused with lime. Then there's crepes filled with foie gras, port and cider onions, and farçon Savoyard, which is ham-wrapped potato cake, and a Basque-style black pudding.

Sounds rather rich, says Humboldt. Any vegetables?

Sweet peppers and asparagus, says Belle. More vermouth anyone? I wonder where papa has got to?

Sorry we're late, says Vello. Froggy wasn't sure he'd be welcome.

Of course he's welcome, says Belle. Why wouldn't he be?

His views, says Vello.

I shall not air my views at this picnic, says Froggy Fréron.

Air them by all means, says David. I like a good airing.

Belle hands out the plates, and everyone loads up with rich chunks and morsels.

I'll go and see what Terence is up to, says Pablo.

Isn't Pablo nice, says Belle. Anyone for a sparkling?

She opens a bottle of Vin de Savoie, Les Rocailles.

Ah, memories, says Vello. Very pleasant.

Soon the philosophers are at it.

What are memories?

Froggy and Humboldt are on the same side.

Memories are second realities, says Froggy.

Hear hear, says Humboldt.

Nonsense, says David. Can you prove it?

We don't need to prove it, says Froggy. We know it instinctively.

I remember stuff wrong though, says Sweezus. Like when I rescued Farky.

What do you remember wrong? asks Belle.

Farky reckons he rescued himself, says Sweezus.

Maybe that's Farky's reality, says Belle.

Or he's wrong, says Arthur.

Pablo comes back with Terence and Saint Roley.

Can I have some chicken? asks Terence.

It's not chicken, it's pigeon, says David.

Pigeon! shouts Terence! Pigeon is parrot! I can't give parrot to a duck!

They're not ducks, says Pablo. They're swans, remember.

They look like ducks, says Terence. And THAT looks like chicken.

You've forgotten what they look like, says Belle.

Proving our point, says Froggy.

Enough, says Vello. You win, Froggy. Now team, no mentioning you know what.

He winks dramatically, hoping Froggy will notice.

No one in Team Philosophe knows what you know what is.

It is therefore unlikely that anyone will mention it.

But not impossible.

Belle opens a second small hamper, revealing a beautiful cake.

A dark chocolate cake, with passionfruit foam.

.......

Down at the lake, the swans wait in vain for their chicken.