Smurfocalypse chapter 61: Memorial Day part 2
The village get-together was still in full swing, and the Smurfs were having a good time socializing and relaxing from all the hard work they've been doing to make the port village look as nice as it does. Even Tailor who is perhaps among the busiest Smurfs in the village is taking a load off with a mug of sarsaparilla. He was very quickly joined by Coconut who had come noticed he was actually not busy for once and decided to engage him in conversation. The two of them became friends over the winter when they both worked hard on Coconut's warm winter gear. While Tailor and Coconut played catch-up with each other there was a card game going on at the adjacent picnic bench. Some of the Smurfs had gathered together and were playing a game. Fisher was shuffling the deck, and accompanying him at the table was Architect, Mango, Farmer, and Psychiatrist.
"Ok Smurfs. The name of the game is Go Fish." Fisher said as he began to deal.
"You sure you want to play Go Fish?" Mango said with a smile.
Farmer began to chuckle.
"Yeah how do you expect to win?" Farmer asked.
The entire table began to laugh at Fisher's expense, but he was not amused and just scowled almost exactly like Grouchy as he continued to deal.
"I'm surprised you Smurfs still actually like this game. I haven't played since I was a Smurfling." Psychiatrist said.
"I've never played at all." Mango said.
"It's easy you'll catch on quick." Fisher said.
"So what is the architecture like in Leafland?" Architect asked Psychiatrist.
"Lots of tall buildings. Some of them house many Smurfs and Smurfettes. Friends tend to share housing out of choice similar to my set up with Secretary the only difference being we are officially married." Psychiatrist said.
"What is it like to be married?" Farmer asked curiously.
"It's ok I mean it has its perks, but sometimes it can be hard." Psychiatrist said.
"Where is Leafland exactly?" Mango asked.
"I'm pretty sure we're from different kingdoms. Who is king here?" Psychiatrist said.
"King Gerard." Architect answered.
"Ah, you see there's a strange rumor going around my kingdom that says that the king has no name, and is only referred to as 'The King'." Psychiatrist said.
"We have human friends from your kingdom." Fisher said.
"Really?" Psychiatrist asked.
"Oh yeah! Johan and Peewit!" Architect said.
"You know the King's squire and royal fool?" Psychiatrist asked.
"We've known each other for quite some time. Recently we battled a dragon alongside them, aiding them in their quest." Farmer said.
Psychiatrist looked behind him and glanced at Jokey's tombstone.
"Did Jokey Smurf really slay a dragon?" Psychiatrist.
Farmer nodded.
"Saw it with my own two eyes. He very bravely unleashed all his power and used it to slay the dragon sacrificing himself in the process. It was the most heroic thing I have ever seen." Farmer said.
"The thing that bothers us all still is that we are not entirely sure why he did it." Fisher said.
"Jokey was a practical joker. He wasn't a knight like Hefty, and he only came along to gather materials for his invention… We could have never guessed he would have done what he did." Farmer said.
"Sounds like you've been through a lot this last year. Don't worry it's not just you Smurfs. Leafland has been going through trouble too." Psychiatrist said.
"And the Smurfs in the tropics were going through some trouble towards the end of our time there." Fisher said.
"So what kind of food are you thinking of growing this spring Farmer?" Architect asked.
"Lettuce, onions, radishes, broccoli, peas, celery, garlic, radishes… just to name a few. I'll need some extra farmhands as always." Farmer said.
"I suppose I have nothing else to do for work until the knights make the forest safe." Mango said.
"What sort of work are you thinking of doing in the forest?" Psychiatrist asked.
"Well If I could get a strong plant like milkweed, or vines I could weave baskets or nets. Then I was thinking of getting a female duck to keep Duck company in his shelter." Mango said.
"Ducks are social creatures, and now that he's older and has been around other ducks I think it'd be a Smurfy idea for you to get another one." Architect said.
"Having egg laying females will provide us with food too." Mango said.
"You've really thought this through then?" Architect said.
"I would love very much to raise ducks, and for Duck to be a father." Mango said with a nod.
"I think that sounds like a Smurfy idea Mango!" Fisher said.
"Eggs for breakfast does sound Smurfy…" Psychiatrist said.
"It'll be awhile until I'll be able to get enough eggs to feed us all." Mango said.
"How do you plan to domesticate other ducks though?" Architect said.
"I have Duck don't I? All his friends from his winter adventures are welcome in my shelter. A friend of Duck is a friend of mine." Mango said.
"Where is Duck right now anyway Mango?" Fisher asked.
"Probably busy building his nest in his shelter." Mango said.
"The problem with this is that ducks are not seabirds believe it or not. I'm not sure what sort of storm was so intense that it blew his egg onto your shore, but it's likely Duck's parents lived near a pond or river." Psychiatrist said.
"That's alright. It never seemed to bother duck that he had to wade in the ocean, and he ate almost all the same foods I would fish up with my nets." Mango said.
Mango looked at his cards for a second and then laid them face down on the table.
"I want a book about ducks." Mango said.
"Try the human library." Farmer said.
"Would I even be able to fit it through the front door of my hut?" Mango asked.
"The book? Oh yeah you can. Lots of us do it." Architect said.
"We can always do a team lift and get it inside for you if you can't handle it." Fisher said.
"Well ok then. Now how about you Smurfs teach me this fishing game." Mango said.
"Alright, I'll go first." Psychiatrist said.
The game of Go Fish began and the conversation died down as they began to focus on the game. It was these peaceful times where they all could kick back and relax that made the fighting worth it. This peace was worth every time Farmer had to swing that scythe, and it was worth all the hard work the Smurfs back home put in. Memorial Day so far was a big hit, but what put every Smurf's heart at ease was that their brave knights returned home. They could sleep peacefully at night knowing they were safe and wouldn't be attacked in their sleep. The Knights of the Smurf Table is the saving grace of the entire species, and they were getting the recognition they deserved despite not even asking for it.