Cafe Russe, near Robinson Park, New Gotham | Wednesday afternoon

[trigons_child]

Come noon on Wednesday, Raven arrived at Cafe Russe as she'd agreed upon with Pamela. She ordered herself a chai latte and stood outside by the door to wait. She watched several people gathering along one edge of the park. They all seemed to be in very good moods, whatever they were planning to do.

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[gothamlights.livejournal.com]

Pamela arrived only a few minutes later, looking pleased, striding confidently for the cafe. "Raven!" she called. "Gorgeous day, isn't it?"

[trigons_child]

"It is indeed lovely today," Raven said, smiling back at Pamela. "And you are looking well. I can feel how pleased you are."

[gothamlights.livejournal.com]

"Work. Good work. I get so frustrated when I'm .. under observation," Pamela said obliquely. "Because there are no resources then for me to even keep a garden. My therapist was kind enough to allow me some cuttings and a flower box. I think that's what kept me sane." She smiled and opened the door to the cafe. "And good friends. How is your friend Dinah doing, by the way?"

[trigons_child]

"She is doing well," Raven said. Well, now that she'd healed her, but details.

"I cannot wait to see what you have to show me," she said. "I am so glad you have been successful with your work."

[gothamlights.livejournal.com]

"I'm glad." Pamela smiled. "Let's order a few things to go, and then we can walk over."

Some small sandwiches and a cup of chai later, and Poison Ivy lead Raven to the edges of Robinson Park. Several abandoned lots along the edges had now been excavated, and already had sod in place, with markers in place for the next planting. A few small trees had been placed in tubs at the corners, and were also lining the walk along Robinson Park.

"A great many of the workers are former convicts," Pamela confided. "They need the employment, and my project needs help, so it really worked out quite well."

[trigons_child]

"That is very good of you," Raven said, pleased. "I know sometimes finding a job is difficult enough with the stigma of a criminal past, but if they have truly repented and wish to do good with their lives now, you have given them that chance."

[gothamlights.livejournal.com]

"They really want to help the community," Pamela said with enthusiasm. "Of course, not all of them are qualified for all the work-- I only have a couple botanists hired-- but at this stage, it's all construction, anyway." She handed some of the food to Raven, and pointed to a nearby bench. "Let's sit over there, you can see the design for the rose labyrinth nicely from there."

As she sat down, she sighed a little. "I really do hope it all keeps proceeding on schedule. It hasn't been entirely problem free. I don't understand politicians sometimes."

[trigons_child]

Raven settled next to Pamela and frowned. "Politicians?" she said. "What have they been doing? why would they not welcome such a place of beauty in their city?"

[gothamlights.livejournal.com]

"Because apparently they think we already have enough," Pamela said, taking a sip of her drink, a line forming between her brows. "The area is owned free and clear, but it isn't zoned for additional park space. They're refusing to allow us to plant any further for these two blocks," she pointed in front of herself. "We're going to appeal, of course, but that could take months. I'm hoping that I can convince them to sign a waiver that will allow the expansion, but..." She didn't look optimistic.

[trigons_child]

"Perhaps I can help with that," Raven said brightly. "I can be very persuasive!"

[gothamlights.livejournal.com]

Pamela gave her a startled look, then a pleased smile. "Would you be willing to help? I have the longest list of people to visit-- if you'd be willing to do that... but it's your vacation, so there wouldn't be too many..."

[trigons_child]

"Of course!" Raven said. "I have seen far too much bureaucracy at work sometimes, and the 'red tape' as they call it can be so bothersome and time consuming. I would be happy to help you deal with some of it."

That was a part of Azarath she really missed. If someone wanted to do something, they merely asked and were answered. There was no need for paperwork and permits and silly things like that.

[gothamlights.livejournal.com]

Pamela smiled widely. "I'm so grateful to you for this. Come, let me show you the rest of the gardens."