Who Are You, Again?, IC: Franz, ISO: Zed

[Frimfram]

This was it! Francoise Agnes LeDoux made her way up the stairs to the town hall of Saffron Island, a rare smile graced the woman's painted lips. Her rusty orange hair was pulled into her classic, neat bun at the back of her head. Her dark blue dress hit her right above the knees and was cinched with a white belt. As always, no heels. She wore her favorite pair of black flats, only owning two other pairs of shoes.

She took a deep breath of the steadily warming air and sighed happily. This was it.

Franz opened the door to the civic center of the island and put on an even wider smile. Smiling always helps, her father told her. People are more likely to do what you want if you make them believe you're amiable and your intentions are pure. Of course, it's not like Franz was going to burn down the island.

Yes, she was just applying for a business permit. She had found a small house on Licorice Street that had the floor plan for a perfect bakery. Sure, it was in the residential district instead of shopping, but it was more convenient that way for people to get their bread!

Oh, bother.

Franz stopped in the foyer. What if it caused a problem? She just moved here. Would they send her home? She raised her hand to her bun and made sure it was securely tucked in before moving forward.

If there is a problem, be malleable. Work around it while still getting what you want: a bakery on this island.

Now, to find where she was supposed to go.

[The Mint Pen]

This blasted heat was really getting to him, the mayor could not wait for Fall to finally grace this pathetic island. Zed had considered sending a little snow shower or even a rain storm every now and then, but he didn't need the villagers to panic. It would all fall onto his shoulders and it was something that he didn't want to deal with. He sat at his desk in a rather awkward looking position for him, his head flung back over the headrest and his arms hanging over the rests. Zed had less motivation than usual to get anything done, which basically landed him in the negatives. He silently hoped that no one would come in for anything, especially since secretary was mysteriously out today.

Hearing the door suddenly open though, he let out a large sigh dripping with annoyance. Reluctantly, he pulled himself out of the rather comfortable position that he was in and wandered out to the front lobby to see...a smile. A woman...with a rather large smile. This was going to be a long exchange wasn't it? "What do you want?" he finally said breaking the silence.

[Frimfram]

Thankfully, Franz wasn't waiting for long before a man- who did not look much older than her- greeted her, though he was a bit rude about it. Her smile faded and her eyebrows raised. No hello? No introduction? Was he the secretary? Perhaps he was a page boy. Either way, she would mention this to the mayor or whoever his superior was.

Best food forward, Fritz, she told herself internally. She straightened up and smiled at the man once more. She had to look up a bit, as he was good deal taller than her. "Hello, I am looking to obtain a business license," she said, trying to keep accent to a minimum. Generally, it wasn't very bad- a bit of phlegm on some of the harder sounds and unusual inflections.

[The Mint Pen]

Of course she wanted a business license, that seemed to be the most popular thing for anyone to get here. Zed said nothing in response to her request but when over the filing cabinet sitting near the secretary's desk and pulled out a few papers. Setting them on the desk he merely replied, "Fill these out and leave them here. I'll file them away when I get the chance." Zed could only hope that she wouldn't ask any questions, just fill out the papers and leave. However, with his luck in dealing with people, especially women, she would find something to berate him about and if even if tried to leave he would be stuck here making useless conversation.

[Frimfram]

Efficiency was a thing to be smiled upon, Franz supposed. Still no introduction or even a greeting? This man would have a hard time getting anywhere, Franz could have guaranteed him that! Still, as long as he actually helped, she really could not be more than peeved at the man. She smiled at him again, nodding. "Thank you very much." She took the papers and a pen.

She stood there for a moment before her good manners got the best of her. "My name is Francoise. It is pleasant to meet you," she said quickly, sticking out her hand for him to shake. She was prepared to stand there like that until he shook her hand. It's not like he was busy.

[The Mint Pen]

The smiling, the smiling was all so unnecessary. People who smiled all the time...Zed just did not understand them. Was there really so much to be happy about all the time? The man himself could probably count on one hand the number of times he had genuinely smiled and they were mostly because of his mother. And now there was this woman standing in front of him just...smiling, and suddenly introducing herself. Of course he couldn't have it easy. He sighed and stared out her outstretched hand for a few moments before grasping it for about a second stating, "Zed Harvest." and then quickly letting go. Even if he wasn't a people person, he still had decent manners.

"Now, are you about done then Ms. Francoise?"

[Frimfram]

Franz restrained giving the man a look as he stated his name. Not like hers was any less strange. She sat down in a chair nearby and began filing out the blissfully short form. She was halfway done when the man asked about her progress. "One moment, please," she said, feeling a little more urgent. Perhaps he was busy after all.

Name of witness____________ Position _____________

Oh, bother.

"Zed, excuse me." She looked up from her paperwork. "What is your position here in town hall?" She filled in his name and waited for his answer.