Political Gain [Aria]

[Deleted]

It wasn't hard to be able to contact Aria's office after she received the decline to the Gala. While she was a bit put off by it, especially considering who Ms. Lloyd was. While she didn't exactly like to play the profile game, she was a woman who's name was splashing across the news more often than not.

So after a quick conversation with the receptionist, Selina was glad enough to be able to make a lunch date with the woman, the two able to meet at a little French bistro on the North side that Selina had frequented here and there. It was popular enough to stay in business, but enough off the beaten path that there wasn't a 5 mile long line outside, or a longer wait. It took a few minutes to make a reservation there, before Selina finally made her way to quaint bistro La Pain Quotidien. The name always made her smile, and she was greeted warmly, as well as promptly. She was seated halfway through the quaint eatery, in a small, windowed nook that allowed for semi-privacy for the two women. As she sat, a small espresso was set before her, two menus as well, and water. "I believe my dining companion should be here any minute. Thank you." She extended toward the waiter. One of the reasons she truly adored this place was the level of service, coupled with it's quaint appeal. Something that wasn't always found in Gotham.

[Deleted]

Honestly, Aria wasn't happy at all to have to miss the Gala. As useful as her 'life situation' is at times, it's also a huge inconvenience. But except during the height of the summer months, she has no ability to socialize in the evening, except perhaps over the phone. At least, not with anyone normal or connected to the life that she has during the day. Her standard excuse in these situations is to explain that she's simply overbooked in the evenings, which people tend to believe - especially since the recent election went in her favor. It's actually pretty plausible, actually - if she really was able to do anything with her evenings she probably really would have something most nights.

But no - the night of the Gala she'll likely be alone, perhaps at her mansion or perhaps hovering above the city somewhere. Either way it will probably be very boring. But that's something she's gotten used to - it seems like everyone spends their days working hard, as does she, but they run off to actually have fun at night while she becomes a ghost who has little to do but more work - the solitary kind. True, there are many things that one can do as a ghost which are quite fun, but as she's been in this situation for about 700 years the novelty wore off centuries ago. Though maybe she should go to the Gala and just watch, unseen. That sort of thing often proves interesting, but then again that would also torment her with the fact that she can't actually participate.

Which is why she'd so strongly indicated that she'd love to help with the event even though she wouldn't be attending. And she was delighted when Ms. Kyle invited her to lunch so soon after her note would have been received. She doesn't really know very much about the woman. Oh, it was easy enough to snoop just a little into the details - the security company she owns, who she's known to associate with, her charity work, and so forth. But none of that really says that much about who a person is. Which is something that Aria is quite curious to learn, given what little she does know. When someone manages to connect themselves with multiple billionaires, and has all the hallmarks of actually knowing what they're doing rather than obtaining such a thing by accident, she can't help but ask herself exactly what the person is up to - partly due to curiosity and partly in the off chance that there's a way to benefit herself from that.

Arriving at the bistro, the vintage details of it stirs a few memories and makes her smile. Ah, France! She misses so much of the country, but since the rise of the United States her purposes are better served here. Gone are the days when all the little European countries truly ruled the world, so they've become a vacation destination for her and not a place to truly live. Still, it's nice to be reminded of the place - and of course she doesn't object to the cuisine. Following the waiter to the table with Ms. Kyle, she smiles when she spots the woman. "What a pleasure to finally meet you, Ms. Kyle!" she says when she comes close, holding out a hand to shake before seating herself. She's wearing a pale pink button-up shirt under a navy blazer with a matching pencil skirt and nude pumps. A single strand of pearls and a pair of matching drop earrings complete the ensemble.

"You wouldn't believe how pleased I was when my secretary told me that you wanted to have lunch with me," she adds with a sincere smile, settling into her seat and glancing at the menu. Just because it's impossible for her to starve to death doesn't mean that she doesn't get hungry or greatly enjoy delicious food. In fact, the sheer length of her existence means that matter what she eats, she's probably had it or something similar enough times to have repeated the cycle of enjoying it, growing bored of it, and becoming reacquainted with it several times. There are, after all, a finite number of edible things and ways of preparing them, though she can still find things that she hasn't tried if she hunts for something really exotic. So, nothing here - but she does enjoy the classics.

[Deleted]

Standing when she spots the waiter bringing about Aria, Selina stands, setting aside her napkin and espresso for a moment. A brief up and down of the woman solidifies her own choices in clothing; instead of her go-to work clothing, she's dressed a bit more 'fun' in a long-sleeved green fit and flare dress, the slim silhouette bringing about a rather carefree, yet dedicated choice in what she's wearing. A pair of grey pumps tie the outfit together, while she can still wear them in the impending cold. A simple pair of studs, her watch, and a few delicate bracelets complete her look. A bit understated, but she's meeting with a politician, not her usual working fare.

"Aria! It is, and trust me, I'd rather have you at the Gala, than lunch, but I'll take what I can get when you're understandably busy. Congratulations on your election to office, as well."

Settling into her own seat, Selina takes up her espresso once again, nodding as the other woman peruses the menu. "I didn't know where to start, how involved you really wanted to be, or how much you were curious to know about. Of course Metropham has been sneaking here and there into the papers, which knowing Lex...isn't quite fast enough." Rolling her eyes lightly, she's keen to keep her words neutral when speaking of Mr. Luthor. Most already know his tendencies, so she doesn't have to say much.

[Deleted]

Unfortunately for Aria, she hadn't had an opportunity to change. While how busy she is during the evenings is completely mythical, she actually does have a fairly tight schedule during the daylight hours, even if she does what work she can during the night. It will be even worse once she's actually in office in January, she's sure - but right now there's so much she needs to do simply to prepare for that moment. This lunch with Selina actually fits into that, as much of it is simply meeting the influential people she didn't meet while campaigning for one reason or another - many of those were either hoping that her competitor would win or simply weren't interested in the election. Others she simply hadn't had time for when the priority was getting elected, but now the priority is to become very well liked in her current position - which works out to be an almost completely different goal.

"Thank you!" she replies with a smile, "I'm both delighted and flattered that so many people have so much faith in me - I can only hope that to don't disappoint." Or at least, only disappoint the people who don't really matter that much.

Looking up from the menu she states, "In short: If the little rumors I've heard about it are true, I'd like to be as involved as I can. It's so desperately needed, after all. It's just a shame that the Gala has to be that particular evening - I won't have an hour to spare any time after four in the afternoon." She shakes her head and sighs with a 'what can you do?' on her expression. "Most of my evenings are like that, actually. It's a good thing that I don't really have a family because I'd never see them if I did," she jokes lightly, her eyes shifting back to scan the menu as she continues, "But in any case, I'd like to be able to get a clearer picture of what your goals are and know if there's anything at all that I can do to help to make up for my absence? I didn't spend years building so much influence in order to sit back and do nothing useful with it." No, she built up so much influence to do things that are useful for herself - it just so happens that helping with Metropham is something that could easily further her own goals.

"Or if I have access to any resources that you don't - though I assume that with Mr. Luthor on board you're not lacking in funding," she adds idly, her own tone very neutral though it's difficult to read just how intentional that neutrality is. She can't say that she knows Mr. Luthor very well, but she does know the type - there's some in every century.

[Deleted]

If anything, Selina is prepared. And already, she knows exactly why she voted for Ms. Lloyd, and even better- likes her. It's more than easy to identify with the fact of no children....but a teenager is an entirely different beast, no?

Grinning as the woman talks, Selina is already prepared, gently pushing a folio toward the politician. "And thank you. Most of the rumors, are probably true. At this point, I'm thinking the more press, the better. There will be 'Rogue' backlash, no doubt, but hopefully it will unite them into one area, with one focus, so that this program...can take hold more efficiently. But as much as I wish you were there, I understand that you're not able, so I did compile some data. Lex came to me,and while I knew he could have gone to a more prolific company, he chose me and mine. So...now I have a tri-fold plan to execute. There are a few deeper layers, but trust me; those are taken care of. It's almost...political in nature, but not in the political realm, if you catch my drift."

No doubt Aria is aware of the tabloid whisperings of her and Bruce Wayne, but either way, Selina continues. "I was hired to consult on how to improve Arkham. Lex had a few pesky restrictions on funding, but my plan ...quickly changed that. I was able to come up with a trio-fold plan of action to follow, which encompasses a focus on security in personnel, as well as updating their training; in physcial security that my company specializes, and that sorely needs to be updated in the asylum's case, and in a rehabilitation program. By focusing on the manpower, programming, and security, the facility would not only be successful now, but in keeping those within the walls, and in preventing further escapes, and later, in releasing those that are rehabilitated back into society, while reducing re-admissions as well."

It's quite a mouthful, and a rather condensed, to the point version of what she will be presenting at the Gala, but it's curt, and clean. And Aria is not lacking in intelligence, so Selina doesn't mince words.

"I will admit that it will be a major loss to the entire project you aren't able to attend, but it will be understandable, considering your position. But if you want to contribute, there can be a fancy plaque in the facility, or if you are to donate to the auction; well, I won't be turning away any help!" She adds with a bit of a chuckle.

"But Lex has ulterior motives, those of which will not affect the revamp, but he does like a good party; the more cameras, the better. But this is probably no new news to you, considering your own profession. If there is any thoughts, or advice that you have to contribute, I'm all ears." And she is. While she has been to many an event, it was rare that she was headlining such an affair.

[Deleted]

It doesn't take much perusal of the menu before Aria sets it aside and focuses her full attention on Selina, having apparently made a decision. Actually she's mentally debating between two, but she'll probably just pick one of them at random when the waiter asks for her order.

In the meantime, she listens carefully to Selina's words that largely confirm what she's heard with regard to the project. Nodding her agreement, she says, "If you ask me, it's about time that Arkham was properly handled. No, I don't necessarily blame the administration - they don't get enough funding or the best personnel to work with - but as near as I can tell everyone simply assumes that it's impossible to keep certain people contained. Which is a dangerous, self-fulfilling prophecy - of course it's possible, but if nobody believes that then they do nothing while the same set of insane serial murderers prey upon the city time and time again. Your plans, if properly implemented, are promising. I looked into your company - no, it's not the biggest, but you know what you're doing." Well, actually, Pascal looked into her company, but Aria knows how to delegate tasks she's not the best at to those who are. She tries to keep up with all the new technology available these days, she really does, but it moves so fast...

"But yes - I can certainly contribute donations to the auction! And twist a few other arms into doing so as well, for that matter - what kinds of donations are you looking for?" she asks, very quick to leap on that idea. And no, she doesn't need to know the specifics before stating that she can do it - between her business contacts and her political contacts, the number of things that she has access to or influence over is far more considerable than what she simply owns. But that's how she's different from, for example, the likes of Mr. Cobblepot who places a higher priority on having money than real power. Aria, on the other hand, would happily trade her money for more power at the drop of a hat - it's not that hard to get the money you need when you have power anyway.

When she's asked if she has any advice, Aria's expression becomes thoughtful for a moment. "I have trouble thinking of anything to say that doesn't seem rather obvious to me," she admits with a smile, "But when I've hosted these sorts of functions, I simply remember to the similar ones I've been to and copy what seemed to work and avoid what didn't. But the seating arrangements for dinner are critical - keeping the annoying away from the easily annoyed, enemies apart, and spreading the really interesting people around so that everyone has a chance at a decent dinner conversation. For the auction, the best auctioneers can double the bids, so choose carefully. And remember: during the entire event, the best use of your time is to hunt down anyone who isn't enjoying themselves and fixing that - it's usually a quick fix and can make or break their evening. So as much as it's possible, have things arranged so that you don't have to personally run around supervising everything - that can be delegated. And forget about enjoying it yourself - enjoying parties is for the guests, not the hosts. Your reward comes after the party and in many forms - all of them better than one pleasant evening." Having said all that, she stops, laughs to herself, and then observes, "It seems I have less trouble thinking of what to say than I thought..."

[Deleted]

Selina laughs gleefully, only stopping Aria to make her order, before nodding and taking several notes. Hopefully her dinner companion doesn't find it rude; but Selina likes to make note of those things that are important. And while she has had benefits...she has never hosted one as luxe as this. So the politician is offering her nearly priceless information, and she's not going to waste it.

"Aria...thank you. And thus far, I have a few people offering up their own personal avenues; I have a chef offering cooking lessons-personal, of course. I have a few musicians that will be having lessons offered, and musical venue of the bidder's choice. I was contemplating doing one of those 'buy the date' sort of endeavors, where different party goers are put on the block for money, and a date. I believe there will be some artwork donated, a few items of jewelry, some legacy mentions for the physical revamp. And if you wanted to just donate a monetary amount, your name can be put...well, wherever!" She adds with another chuckle.

"And thank you. Lex said much of the same thing. It's no Wayne Enterprises, but, I like to believe while it's not as grandiose as Bruce's company, it's more intimate, and ran by a woman. And I will agree, I do know what I'm doing." And better than Aria could ever know, to be exact.

Tapping the pen against her lips for a moment, Selina has to mull over a few things. She has seating down, thus far, and she has no doubt that the even will be lacking for enjoyment with the eclectic mix she's invited. "There is going to be a light dinner...I didn't want people to get too bogged down. I chose black tie, because really, there aren't enough events like that here in Gotham. But I agree. What they're trying to do behind Arkham's walls..just isn't cutting it. I have another meeting soon with the staff so we can get them going on some sort of...remedial plan for those that qualify, to keep them from being re-admits, while hopefully curbing some of those more serial behaviors from reoccurring in a distasteful manner." Not that she wants to go into much depth on her friends' hobbies, because she's not quite aware of what all Aria does, and doesn't not know. And it's rather tacky to bring up 'masks' during a meeting, unless it's warranted.

[Deleted]

At some point during her wholesale giving of advice, Aria pauses to order something - she's so deep into her topic that she forgets which the moment she says it, but either way it's bound to be delicious so that doesn't much matter anyway - managing to pronounce the French name of the dish with perfect, accentless fluency in spite of her distraction. But she's back into the advice again quite easily and certainly doesn't mind it when Selina takes notes - if anything, she finds that flattering.

Fortunately, though she knows how to ramble she also knows how to shut up when she's finished and listen. Pursing her lips thoughtfully as Selina mentions what sorts of items she already has, she laughs lightly at the idea of auctioning off dates. "Hey, now that is a good idea! In fact, if you don't think it's tacky to auction off a date with someone not present - and I completely understand if you do - you could auction me off. I'm not currently seeing anyone," she offers with a grin, "Other than that, perhaps my best offering would be free design and labor on a custom pet enclosure - I could do anything from a dog run, an elaborate cat tree or catio, a terrarium or aquarium, an aviary - any of that sort of thing. Perhaps I could offer a few, actually - the cost to me would be rather small." Well, comparatively, anyway. There's definitely more bang for her buck in donating a service rather than money directly. "And I'll put out feelers for donations from some of my contacts as well - you wouldn't believe how many people I know that would leap at any opportunity to make people think that they give a damn about something," she says with a laugh. Ah, politicians... Just because she is one doesn't mean that she can't still laugh at them.

As Selina explains her logic for several of the elements of the event, Aria is nodding easily - especially when she mentions the lack of such events in the city. Though if you ask Aria, the real problem is that too many of them start too late into the evening - but that's her own complaint. Though she does make the slightest of faces as Selina goes on to say more on the subject of trying to rehabilitate the patients. "If I'm being honest, I think that the more important goal should be simply giving the asylum the ability to keep hold of their patients. The track record of the asylum actually being able to turn any of the more... extreme patients into acceptable members of society is extraordinarily poor. So I can't say that I have that much hope for that. Then again, perhaps with better funding they can address any staffing issues and if they can actually keep the patients in the asylum they can have better success through longer periods of uninterrupted treatment," she comments, frowning thoughtfully.

She's hardly unaware of the nature of what happens in Gotham at night, though she tries to keep her professed knowledge about it limited to what one can read in the papers given the nature of how she knows. But she's observed them running around on a number of occasions, though usually only from a far distance. She's never more in touch with her sense of immortality than she is when she's a ghost, so much of it simply seems so unimportant to her - wait several decades and the whole group of them will be elderly. A few more and they'll all be dead. Though she does keep a somewhat wary eye on a few things - it seems to her that the number of people with the intelligence and the ability to discover her secrets and figure out a way to use them against her is increasing, so she must be cautious. But she's played that game before so she's certain that nothing will go awry so long as she's not overconfident and reckless.

[Deleted]

Now that is something she hadn't thought of! Just because Aria won't be in attendance, the allure of a date with a politician-especially one newly in office will be sure to grab someone's eye. Eyes bright, Selina nods, and jots down a few more things. "You're brilliant, you know. I'd never thought of that. And trust me, you're going on that list. And tacky or not, it's about the fundraising, and the fun in the whole auctioning someone off! Who cares, honestly about the ramifications at this point," she adds with a light chuckle. It seems most of the people on the docket are already single, save for possibly Kory, and Dick. Either way, she knows those two will have fun with it. Especially considering where the money is going.

"And if you're willing to donate any of those items, maybe a combination of custom, and pre-made items, I'd be welcome. Maybe even an internship opportunity?" Tapping her pen against her cheek, she thinks. There are many items someone would be willing to purchase, but are there many items that many people would want to bid for? "We can put your name wherever you'd like...which is doubly helpful. It puts your name out there, and also helps garner funds. It helps you, and helps my cause as well. And if you have friends that want to pretend to give a damn, well, I'd be welcome to them as well!" This is going quite well, considering she's still in some of the planning stages for the actual gala event. She knows it will be at 8pm, but it's still been a chore to nail down the date thus far.

"Trust me...from what I've looked into, and discussed with some of the physicians there, that is a major pitfall. Some of the more colorful patrons do get out, and frequently, even with the involvement of Gotham PD, as well as..." Selina hesitates slightly, inwardly cringing at how often the nightlife of Gotham is creeping into her day to day conversations. "...those who wear masks. Batman and other such vigilantes." Clearing her throat she takes a sip of her espresso before continuing.

"That is part of the plan. To improve the security of the building, which is greatly lacking from my prelimiary observations. Education for the staff they have, as well as any revamping in that area, as well as working with the medical staff to devise a plan to prevent readmissions, and hopefully augment those 'extreme' patients as you put it...into more accepted members of society. This matter...is close to my heart, you could say, considering a friend prior, Ms. Isley, is a very gifted botanist, and..has used her skills for less than good as of late. I do believe she'd easily be able to channel her gifts and talents into something more productive. But that does take time, money, and above all; much patience." It's a bit disheartening, because she is friends with many of those 'extremes.' From Ivy to Edward, Harvey to Oswald, the latter she's even inviting. It's a spectrum of disorders and whatnot, with a smattering of vile proclivities that aren't necessarily 'bad,' but not quite on the polar opposite of good, either. It takes a certain moral compas to do what she does, or what they do, and be ok with it. And even saying something is 'ok' or not can open up a whole debate.

"It's a pity, though. She has to miss the Gala because she's currently in Arkham. Even though I did promise her a live feed. She loves these sort of events," Selina adds quietly. She's not playing the politican for sympathy, or money. If she had her way, she could fund the entire thing, but that...just isn't how these functions work. It's a fun-raiser, not a 'make-a-call-to-an-offshore-account-and-wire-the-money-over-and-play-twenty-questions'raiser. And sometimes the easier method isn't the best one. Even though it would probably be less of a headache to just do it herself. But blah blah publicity blah blah media, blah blah, she has to play the game.

Whatever.

She's just glad other people have taken up the mantle in the political arena, because all the planning, networking, and like she could never do on a daily basis. Ever. Not even a monthly one.

"I'm glad you actually grasp what needs to be done for the revamp. Most people think slapping a few more cameras and guards here and there will make it work. But ...for some of the patients, they need...certain precautions. Pam, at times, shouldn't be allowed certain staff. Joker, should be isolated at times. Riddler...should never have set scheduling, or someone he could bribe, or pay off..the list goes on and on. It's never the same trigger, or if it is, it may have an entirely different outcome. So while the staff may be quite knowledgeable..this is a whole new ballgame. And that is just for the specialized patients. There needs to be work done for those who come in as outpatients; which should be encouraged, as well as those that need regular treatment. It's...just quite a bit, which is why I'm working with the Arkham's, and several of the other more educated doctors to devise a better working plan." Its a mouthful, but it's something in depth that Selina sees needs to be done. Not only for those partaking in the rehabilitation of not only mind and soul; but for the better rest of Gotham in it's whole at night. She's careful to mention the Rogue's by their more common names, and leaves out the more intimate ones she is privy to. No doubt Aria will ask questions about her in-depth knowledge. But she's prepared, and has a suitable, believable response.

Glancing up at Aria, she offers a wistful smile. "I didn't mean to be a downer, its just..there is so much more to this project than Lex imagined. And I know his...methods are ruthless, and there are underlying motives for him, but this cause for me is more than just gaining business. I don't care if SBC gains clients. I'd rather make sure those that need the asylums' facilities get the best treatment they can within Gotham's limits."


It's then that their respective meals arrive, and Selina ventures into a more light-hearted, fun topic. "Now as for planning, I have the RSVP's, but if I could possibly pull on your expertise, I could show you what I do have drawn up, as well as the guest list, and the location, if you have time after this. I'm still torn between two caterers, despite it being at the del Mar. And between small plates, and a several courses meal. About the only for sure I've been able to do is the bar, champagne, and hor d'erves that will be around; I'm still debating what do to for music; an orchestra, a DJ, or just tossing some of the more musically inclined guests on stage later," she adds with an overwhelmed shrug.

[Deleted]

Laughing lightly herself, Aria comments, "Who knows? Maybe I'll even meet someone worthwhile - or at least you'd think that being willing to pay the most to meet me in such a crowd would be a good sign. And if not, it's for a good cause - unlikely to be the worst date of my life." Especially since she's had several lifetime's worth of dating experience. And having herself auctioned off in front of so many influential people is yet another opportunity for her to increase everyone's awareness of her. Naturally, the political campaign did that job, which is why she won the election, but people forget and obtaining this particular office is only the first step. So anything she can do to remind everyone who she is only benefits her more.

It's her turn to be surprised by something she hadn't thought of as Selina says more. "An internship? Actually, yes - I could do that! I'd certainly be able to use an extra gofer when my term begins in January, and it would be an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in politics," she enthuses, "And mostly, I'd simply want my name mentioned as the source of whatever I contribute - no need to go to greater lengths than that." Besides, all the name dropping will become irrelevant in two years, but that's atypical thinking for a politician.

As Selina begins speaking of the security at the asylum Aria can't think of anything to add so she simply nods, at first in agreement but then understandingly as Selina speaks of a friend. Though it takes a moment for her to remember - which one was Isley? Botanist... ah, that plant lady. She continues nodding, her expression unchanged - as far as she's concerned, such people just aren't... relevant to her. Mostly because none of them have ever done anything to her personally. So she simply weighs in with the stance that 'crime is bad' since that's hardly controversial, though never so passionately as to worry the criminals - some of them vote, after all. "Well, that's certainly kind of you!" she finally says as Selina mentions the live feed, "And I do hope they're able to help her - she seems like she'd be a lovely woman in person." Or at least she's going to say so since Selina seems to like her.

She goes back to nodding as Selina mentions many of the needed procedural changes to the asylum. It all sounds good, but again it doesn't really matter to her all that much. If she didn't have an image to maintain, she'd tell Selina to be quiet, just take her money and other resources that she needs, and go do these things with it already. But alas, the image... "One can't keep too close of an eye on men like Mr. Luthor, but one can't ignore his money," she comments quietly, nodding.

Luckily, the arrival of their meals seems to shift the conversation to a different vein, and one that she has far more to say about. "Of course! I'd be happy to offer up my opinion on everything," she says easily. After all, opinions are easy things. And she's been to a lot of such events before so she has a lot of opinions, in spite of the fact that she's missed many more that were after sunset. But then there have been quite a few that were earlier in the day and it's always easier during summer when sunset is so late. And then there are the ones she observed but didn't participate in. And she has the advantage of having seen such events throughout the centuries - she's always favored being high up in the social ranks, and the elite always have had their formal parties. "Caterers are tricky, especially if they're similar," she says between bites, "Sometimes you simply have to decide if price or quality or service is most important and just go with whichever is best that way. And small plates meals are popular, though personally I find that having several courses has a certain formal charm - it depends on what sort of atmosphere you want the meal to have." Yes, options and more options to these things.

And if anything that applies even more to the entertainment. "The music also depends on the atmosphere you want. And orchestra delights the old and bores the young, while a DJ does the opposite. Putting guests up there is a gamble - it'll either be fun or a disaster. One option, if you simply can't choose, is to change it at some point during the event. The older guests do tend to leave earlier. One delightful party I went to had multiple rooms with different music in each - the guests could circulate through them as they wished - but I don't know if that's an option for you," she says, rambling a bit as she enjoys her meal. She ordered the foie de veau en persillade, and it's proving to be quite delightful - simple but delicious.

[Deleted]

Selina is jotting down not quite every word Aria is saying, but there is a plethora of ideas that she'd never contemplated; rooms with different musicians, food choices, and of course, the auction. Of course she'll have to confer with His Majesty, but when there are suggestions, and such donations coming from such a high-profile benefactor, he'll not ignore them.

"Aria, thank you. I just ..the sad part is I have to run most of these things past Lex, and ...he is how he is. But as you can see, I'm already nearly writing down everything you're saying. You've come at this from angles I never would have even contemplated!" She exclaims, offering a warm smile. When the topic then swaps over to Pam, well, Ivy, Selina glances away for a second. The gesture evokes some sort of strong emotion, and while that is true, it's also...hard for her to walk that line, especially in this sort of circumstance. And publically admitting she is friends, and good friends at that-to a woman who is deemed...peculiar, could either garner her good press, or bad.

"Ivy, is a dear friend of mine. She's sophisticated, has great taste; we always have fun when we shop. I just hope that she is able to get the aide she can, and to send a live feed to her to enjoy the whole endeavor...was the least I could do, to be honest. If she wasn't where she was right now, she'd be helping me in the best way possible. That woman...just has good taste." Selina is careful to not mention 'incarcerated, or 'in jail' or even the asylum by name...because while Pam is a bit overly dedicated to her plants..it doesn't mean she's on the same level as the Joker...or some of the more....insane, dangerous criminals. And even the Joker she can handle in small doses. Ivy is someone she goes out to enjoy the day with.

Pursing her lips, Selina sets aside her pen and notes when their meals come; Aria's looking especially divine, her mind brimming with ideas, and plans.

"But aside from parties, and politics; would you have brought a date? In the press, there is never a paramour linked with you. Unless...you're doing what I'm doing, which is not giving the wolves either a yes, or a no, concerning that special someone. They tend to hound and hound until they get some sort of answer one way or the other. Keeping privacy is near impossible." She huffs, before taking another sip of her wine, and tasting a bite of her pasta and veal dish.

[Deleted]

Of course Aria hardly minds as Selina takes apparently quite detailed notes - it's rather flattering, after all. Smart, too - you don't pass up an opportunity for an expert opinion when the stakes are high. She gives the slightest roll of her eyes as Selina mentions having to run it all past Mr. Luthor - as if a first-generation businessman like him knows anything about a proper party. Hah! "Well, I've been to a lot of these things, especially since I took charge of my father's company. Though my mother took me to a few when I was younger as well," she says with a smile.

Fortunately for Selina, Aria doesn't seem too bothered by Selina's admission of being friends with Poison Ivy. Yes, there are some who would be appalled by that, but so long as Selina's not sitting here condoning the woman's actions there's no reason to be bothered. After all, Aria is the last person who should be surprised that there are many sides to any given person - that the ecoterrorist could also know her way around a party is surely not as far of a stretch as what she is at night. "Perhaps these changes you're making will prove to be just the thing she needs," Aria offers kindly, though she's not going to bother to decide whether she actually believes that or not. Some things get better when you throw your money at them, others don't, and especially since she's more interested in being seen as one of the people throwing money than she is at the actual outcome, it's worth a shot.

The question that Selina asks next prompts an instant laugh. "Oh, no - I don't really have anyone. Nobody serious for awhile, anyway. It's my own fault really - I've been juggling my political career and my business with little time for anything else, so men have taken a back seat. But in a way that's fortunate - because you're right. To have the press prying into my love life on top of everything would be a real chore. And they're already bad enough as it is trying to pry into my lack of a love life," she says with a shake of her head. Some of the more fantastical tabloids have even gone so far as to accuse her of being in the closet, though of course she doesn't pay them any attention. Usually she shows up at things conspicuously alone, aside from her aides, though every so often there's a man. It's just that it's a different man every time. Of course, that sparks it's own rumors, but the sensible people at least take that to mean that she's simply single.

"What about you?" she asks, turning the question around with a knowing smile, "They've been pairing you with Bruce Wayne a lot recently, haven't they?" Something that she wouldn't have brought up unprompted, but since Selina asked it seems only fair. "Though they seem to pair him with everyone always..." she teases a little, her smile becoming amused. Though it hasn't escaped her notice that Selina is the only smart woman who seems to have been around the man for awhile.

[Deleted]

Any mention of parents causes Selina to alter her breathing; barely, the slightest hiccup in how she takes in a breath, and releases it. Not noticeable, but enough of something that Selina notices. "I had...been to a few when I was younger, as well." She adds quietly, moving to sip her wine again, a faint smile lingering. "I can hope the programs and facility changes will help her, to help herself, and not continue down the path she's venturing. I like to try and see the good in each and every person, for they weren't born evil, or with such a directed hatred. It's always learned. Even when ingrained in the person."

As the two continue to enjoy their respective meals, Selina entirely understands where Aria is coming from. It's hard to have nearly every watched moment be broadcast in the publical eye. "Oh, that is work enough, without having to incorporate love into it as well. But the backlash to us business women, even as we are successful, or not, comes with the tide it seems." They're quite on the same page with their love lives, and Selina laughs lightly as well. It's not that she has the lack of one, it's the severe walking the fence she has been doing with the press that causes them such frustration.

A wry, coy smile plays on her lips at the mention of ah, how unexpected Bruce Wayne. "Exactly. He is paired with most, but we tend to have fun at the events, even if we're not each other's dates. He's quite interesting one-on-one, but no one likes to publish that sort of thing, you know." Smiling again, she's almost inviting Aria to ask again. Since she knows the dating game, it wouldn't hurt to indulge the woman; honestly, for once.

"He'll be on the auction block; trust me. And I don't think he's aware of it yet," she adds with a devilish glint to her eyes over her glass of wine.

[Deleted]

Selina would probably be shocked to hear Aria talk so calmly about her parents if she knew what had supposedly happened to them, but it's not something that comes up very much anymore now that Aria is old enough for her free access to her family's fortune to not seem strange. But like Selina, Aria became an orphan at a young age - though the circumstances were completely different. Especially in regard to their effect on the their respective lives - compared to Selina, Aria's life has been a complete cakewalk. Then again, the fact that she's spent a great deal of effort secretly orchestrating that is to blame.

The look on Aria's face as Selina speaks of Bruce is some mix of amusement, surprise, and doubt. The amusement is simply because she knows full well that she asked the obvious question and didn't do so completely seriously, the surprise because - Bruce Wayne? Interesting? Really? - she has difficulty picturing him like that, and the doubt is because she strongly suspects that Selina gave a complete answer. "And what about when you're not at events?" she asks idly. Not that she really cares, but poking your nose into other people's relationships is all in good sport.

Of course, she can't help but laugh at the very idea of Bruce Wayne being put up for auction. "I hope that you've invited more than one single woman with more money than sense, then!" she comments. No, she doesn't mean that someone has to be stupid to want the man, but the stupid want the man enough to throw vast sums of money into nothing more than the opportunity to spend an evening with him - as if that's likely to amount to anything. Privately, Aria is of the opinion that the intelligent woman in that situation would find some more affordable route to get at the man - or at the very least be able to figure out a way to outbid the idiots at the auction after they run up the price.

[Deleted]

Winking at the woman, she half-thinks the question was joking, half-serious, but she's erring on the side of serious, and will indulge her in an honest answer. Or at least a partially honest one. "Well, it seems that will crop up in the tabloids sooner or later, now, won't it?" She teases.

Sobering up slightly, she shrugs lightly, "I tend to keep my private life private, if that makes sense." Another pause, "But we usually...eat dinner, chat and gossip about the social circuit, talk about business, and what current gadgets are out....boring things, mostly." But only the boring things when they're not...more engaged in other activities, or on rooftops. Indulging the other woman in the more mundane aspects can't hurt, especially since the details are so bland.

"Scandalous, I know. Mmm. And trust me, he's unaware, so it will be even better. And yes, there will be many women there. We're starting at a $1000 bid for each of the participants, so ...please let me know if there is anyone in particular you want to win. I could easily make it happen," she adds with a conspiratorial tone, yet her eyes are twinkling. Already thoughts of doing lunch with Aria on a more regular basis are flitting through her head; she likes this woman, and even though both are holding their cards close to their chests, her gut is saying they could end up being fantastic friends.