Valentine's Day is coming up.

[France sounds calm for once on the network, and he is. He's currently relaxing in front of a nice roaring fire in the Violet City Inn's foyer.]

Back in my world, I used to occasionally host a radio show where people could call in and ask questions about their love life. While this isn't the radio, it's the time of the year that I should extend the same courtesy to anyone here who has question. There is no one better to ask of love than this Republic of France.

So, Johto and Kanto, please, ask away. Any and all love ponderings will find their answers here.

[Prose]

( I do not know what you wish to examine me on. )



[Anonymous Text]

How can I keep myself from forgetting things?

[France has clearly planned this communication. His hair is nice and neat, usually facial scruff clean and trimmed, and friendly smile firmly in place. So this isn't his usual I'm here to boast/show off or Watch me do something silly/stupid/sensation in the name of cosmic irony. No, this is France, ready and with clear purpose at the 'Gear. Treasure this rare sight.]

Back in October, I asked about taking the gym challenge and how I should best go about it. Because of a combination of various circumstances -

[This is a lie. France is just lazy.]

I am only now ready to do so. I'm currently in Blackthorn City, and I've decided to take on Clair because I believe her to be a worthy opponent for this France!

[Ah, and there's the arrogance France is reknowned for.]

So, I wish to inquire specifically as to what I should expect from such a beautiful dragoon and if there are particular moves that I would find useful. In exchange for your information, which I do understand has been hard won, I would be willing to offer compensation in the form of a painting. Perhaps a portrait of someone you care about here or your pokémon.

[France grins winningly. Sparkles may feature unsubtly in the background, although that might just be static.]

I would also be willing to negotiate fees for my paintings if you're interested and don't have information.

Thank you very much for your attention, and I look forward to your response.

[A grand, flourishing gesture, and then the feed cuts.]

[The 'Gear appears to be broadcasting a very summery flower arrangement atop a table situated carefully and pleasingly in front of a window. It appears to be early afternoon, so the daylight illuminates the set-up rather nicely, casting a small shadow. It looks, for all intents and purposes, like the front of a pretty boring greeting card.]

[From France's expression as he switches the focus of the 'Gear back to himself, he certainly doesn't look entirely thrilled himself.]

Back at Christmas, a friend of mine was so kind as to gift me with painting supplies. I am a highly accomplished painter, and this -

[He waves his hand at the still-life set up with a half-exasperated, half-pained expression.]

I could paint something like this in my sleep. I have, in fact, done so.

[He sighs dramatically before straightening up and making a flourishing motion to indicate Marianne, who is, for once, doing nothing more innocuous as lying contentedly in the path of the sunbeam.]

So, the question I want to pose to you is this: where could I find a more majestic setting to properly capture her and my other pokemon's beauty?