Jump Anyway

Everyone has gathered outside Katherine's tent.

Katherine hands out paper packets of instant porridge.

Gaius tears open his packet.

Ideally we'd add warm milk, says Katherine. But we'll use cold spring water. Pour it in.

Do we have spoons? asks Gaius.

I forgot the spoons, says Katherine. Use your fingers.

This is fun, says Nerida, stirring her porridge with her fingers.

Arthur has finished eating his. Dry porridge, washed down with spring water.

Gaius tries pouring his porridge into his mouth.

Squeeze the packet, says Katherine.

Unusual, says Gaius. Lumpy, but no doubt nutritious.

I could have stirred it for you, says the pobblebonk.

I did think of asking, says Gaius.

Whatever made you think of asking? asks Katherine.

The pobblebonk has shovel-shaped toes, says Gaius. He uses them to burrow underground in dry times.

And then you thought better of it, says Katherine. Very wise.

When's the blessing competition? asks Terence (who was not given porridge).

Now, says the pobblebonk. Who wants to go first?

Me, says Terence. No wait. I'll go last.

Then I'll go first, says Katherine. Bless you, pobblebonk. May the waters rise up to meet you.

Thank you Katherine, says the pobblebonk. That is a good blessing. I like how you adapted a well known Irish blessing to suit me.

You're welcome, says Katherine.

Who's next? asks Nerida. I've got mine ready.

You, then, says the pobblebonk.

Bless you, pobblebonk, says Nerida. Whenever you're fearful, may you jump anyway.

Woah! says the pobblebonk. That's inspirational. 

It's a quote from Taylor Swift, says Nerida. 

Nevertheless, says the pobblebonk, I do like it. Who's next?

Me, says the Kroombit tinker (who also was not given porridge).

I'm all ears, says the pobblebonk.

May you remain 'of least concern', says the Kroombit tinker.

That's a good one, says Gaius. Very relevant.

Somewhat dismissive, don't you think? says the pobblebonk.

It's meant to be dismissive, says the Kroombit tinker. No offence. You get blessed, then you leave.

Anyone would think you didn't want to win my three best children, says the pobblebonk.

She probably doesn't, says Katherine.