The Smurf Of Solomon (story)/Part 3

The following day, Empath met Tapper inside the Imaginarium for something important.

"What you are about to enter, my fellow Empath, is a fantasy setting based on the Song Of Solomon," Tapper said. "Here, you will be playing the part of King Solomon, who is smurfing out the Shulamite girl. Now, the important thing is to learn everything about the character from the setting and try to smurf within the character as much as possible so you will discover the cues you will need to find the Shulamite girl and to marry her."

"This smurf feels rather uncomfortable with the idea of playing a polygamist, Tapper," Empath said. "This smurf does not want to do anything that would make Smurfette think that this smurf has made myself impure."

"I'm not saying that you should defile yourself even with the imaginary wives of your character, Empath," Tapper said. "However, you should treat these wives in the same manner as you would treat Smurfette as your wife, with utmost care and respect. You are, after all, going to be playing a king, and most importantly, the king of Israel who serves the Almighty night and day in all things."

"This smurf understands and acknowledges, Tapper," Empath said. "This smurf is ready to begin."

"Then I will leave you to start the fantasy setting," Tapper said. "When Smurfette arrives, I will smurf her what she will need to know."

Empath nodded with acceptance. After Tapper left the Imaginarium, Empath stood before the main crystal in the center of the room. "Imaginarium, take this smurf to the start of Tapper's fantasy setting," he requested.

The crystals shone bright until the entire room disappeared in a white flash, and then suddenly Empath found himself lying down on a luxurious bed in a chamber that looked like it belonged in a grand palace. He looked at himself and saw that he was dressed in a fine linen nightgown with a gold sash around his waist, and wearing a gold star-patterned hat with a crown. Next to him on either side were two female Smurfs that were sitting on the bed, looking down upon him.

"Good morning, your Lordship," one of the Smurfettes said. "How did you sleep last night?"

Empath decided to play along. "Oh, well, this smurf slept like a king. This smurf appreciates your company."

"You are the king of Israel, my lord," the other Smurfette said. "We are here to serve you as we would serve Jehovah God, as your humble servants."

"Is there anything you need from us, my king?" the first Smurfette asked.

Empath got himself up from the bed. "Well, this smurf would like to be dressed in his royal vestments."

"Of course, your worship," the second Smurfette said. "The master of the wardrobe should be appearing soon."

Soon a Smurf resembling Tailor wearing royal court robes appeared. "I believe that this is the time for my king to be properly dressed," he announced as he carried the king's vestments.

"This smurf appreciates the honor," Empath said as he received the vestments.

"Oh, please, your lordship, let us do the honors of preparing you for your day," the first Smurfette said, taking the vestments from Empath.

"That would not be necessary, my servant," Empath said. "This smurf is quite capable of dressing myself."

"But you are our king," the second Smurfette said. "We insist that you let us treat you with honor and respect as we would our God."

Empath sighed with resignation, realizing that this is part of playing along with the fantasy setting's character. He allowed the Smurfettes to remove the nightgown and to dress him in his proper royal robe with a gold sash and a cape. He felt rather uneasy with the attention his fantasy setting servants were giving him.

Empath then saw himself in the reflection of a mirror in the bedroom. He saw that he truly looked the part of a king, even more of a king than he saw how Brainy looked when he was King Smurf, or how Dreamy remembered being king of the Pookies.

"You have both done a fine job," Empath said to the two Smurfette servants. "This smurf greatly commends your efforts."

"You deserve our best, your Highness," one of the Smurfettes said as they both bowed down before him. "We are yours to do whatever you wish from us."