Ssylphiel often has to leave her Queendom for certain reasons. For this occasion, she was visiting her father, a former human turned Divine Naga by Coilzette, William Freeman Goldcoil, God-King of the Forested Kingdom of Arborias, Master of the Sect of Emancia, and Liberator of the Mines of Subeartas. He was a tinkerer at heart. Those that joined his harem were willing, like Ssylphiel’s and Coilzette’s respective harems. Ssylphiel had already visited William earlier this month in taking down Anacassandra, but she felt that a happier visit was in order. William’s harem head, an Elf man named Dalvin, was surprised. “Lady Ssylphiel,” he said as he let her into the forested palace of her father’s home, “we had no idea you were coming. We’re honored by your visit. I must personally apologize for the mess.”
“What mess?” asked Ssylphiel with a playful smirk. “Is Daddy in his workshop?”
“He is, indeed,” replied Dalvin. “May I ask why you’re here?”
“Well, I assume you know what today is.”
“Yes, it’s…ah.” Dalvin then saw the box in Ssylphiel’s hands. “Do you wish for me to announce your presence or-?”
“I’d prefer this to be a surprise,” replied Ssylphiel.
“Very good, Your Magnificence.” Dalvin led Ssylphiel to a workshop with six trees growing out of it. He opened the doors to reveal William.
“Something that needs my attention?” he asked while still concentrating on his project.
“More like someone, Daddy,” replied Ssylphiel. William dropped his project and turned to Ssylphiel with a grin.
“Visiting your old man, hm?” he asked.
“Well, in light of today, I thought it would be appropriate.” She revealed the box. “Happy Father’s Day, daddy!”
“Aw, you sweet little girl!” replied William. He slithered up to Ssylphiel and hugged her. After the hug, he opened his present. “…The new Switcheroo Hammer?!” he gasped. “This thing can switch from combat to craftwork in a heartbeat!”
“Got it from an old Dwarf that used to do smith work for Anacassandra,” explained Ssylphiel. “Do you know the name Stephen Stone-breaker?” William goggled.
“Blonde beard?” he asked. “Crystal ball replacing his right eye? Built a mechanical hand for himself?”
“That’s the one,” confirmed Ssylphiel. “He and his whole colony were freed last week thanks to him rallying enough people for a revolt and I figured you would like to know his address. He’s making a name for himself in the new prosthetic limb business.”
“That’s great to know!”
“…But…there is SOMETHING that doesn’t make sense about his methods.”
“What’s that, kiddo?” asked William.
“He tried to explain his method for getting out of a creative funk,” explained Ssylphiel, “but I didn’t understand and he said you could explain.”
“Oh, that’s easy. People like him and me just go outside and grab something. I’m pretty sure, after all he’s taught me, I can squeeze an idea out of anything.” Ssylphiel arched a confused eyebrow.
“Not sure if I’m following,” she said.
“Well, this morning, I knew I was gonna make something, but I didn’t know what, so I went outside and I grabbed this.” He pulled out what he grabbed. …It kicked its webbed feet as William kept its wings restrained while it poked its bill around in confusion.
“…A…duck,” remarked Ssylphiel.
“A duck,” confirmed William.
“…How does that help?” asked Ssylphiel. William then showed off the duck further.
“…Duck,” he said.
“…Okay, but I’m afraid I don’t-.”
“Duck.”
“…But Daddy-!”
“Duuuuuuuuck.” At this point, Ssylphiel groaned in confusion and frustration.
“Daddy, you’re not making any sense! I know it’s a duck-!”
“Who said anything I do has to make sense?” asked William as he set the duck down and let it wander. “My mission is to not only free those that were in the same position I was before I met your mother, but to help them forget all that for just one second. Everyone with me right now is not here to get one bit of wisdom, but to forget their lives and just indulge in wonderful nonsense, even if it lasts only a minute.”
“…Why couldn’t you just say that earlier? That’s something I can understand,” muttered Ssylphiel.
