This is way, way, way, way out of my comfort zone. Way out. But this drabble/fic/whatever is for the Spirit of Arkham, who said I needed a change of pace. Because I tend to make characters gay and incestuous. (I do.) So. I've succumbed to peer pressure. Here you go. I'm going to go update one of my Jay/Tim fics now.

Talia does not often go for those of lesser blood and especially those who have mental diseases. There is no honor and no respect in succumbing to weaknesses. (Her Beloved does not agree, of course, but Talia has always appreciated her own ruthlessness.) And it is ruthlessness. She is not callous.

Which is why she would not decide on someone lower than her. She had to pick a genius. The Joker, while admittedly being a genius, is quite beneath her. He would also no sooner love her than kill her.

The Riddler, however, is the perfect choice. He is scrawny and his attire is ridiculous. He speaks almost constantly. In short, he is the exact opposite of Bruce. And that is what Talia needs. (Bruce will never love her, who is she kidding?) She needs to move on from Bruce Wayne. (Because the Demon's Head already has an heir.)

Besides, as long as the Riddler gets his fix on riddles, who is to say he would not help with the great Ra's al Ghul's crusade?

"I'm surprised that you took me up on my offer, Talia." Talia looks across the table at Edward, dressed in an audacious green suits (but at least he did not wear anything with question marks). And sports a small smile. "Word around the Asylum was you were pursuing the Batman."

"I needed a change of pace. And since you seemed available and you had given me that proposition—"

Edward smiles. It softens his bony face. "You are the strongest woman in Gotham legend." Regardless of her dependence on Bruce. But he doesn't say that. Decorum. Talia appreciates that in a man. "Not even taking in to account your father's League of Assassins. What kind of fool wouldn't want to be with you?"

(The Batman.)

"Is that a riddle, Edward?"

The smile turns a little sharper. "Not at all. I'm fighting urges, actually."

One of Ra's al Ghul's staff places dinner before them and the lighting in the dining room dims. It creates an ambiance that Talia craves (had craved with Bruce as well).

Edward Nigma is a change of pace. A good change of pace. This will be good for her.

(But she will avoid telling Damian about it until he finds out on his own.)