170 - A God, Rekindling

Lin

Today was surprisingly productive.

My new caseworker was introduced to me, and one of the caseworkers (who I previously got off on the wrong foot with) actually turned out to be really nice.

We formed an action plan to help with my next steps, which I'm super happy about.

I've been needing this kind of attention, and the caseworker (manager) I mentioned having gotten off on the wrong foot with is actually brilliant at making checklists, which is great.

Honestly, I'm still dealing with some anxiety, but I'm gradually trying to get myself out of that.

Really, I need therapy and two or three diagnoses for the problems I've been experiencing, as well as potentially medication (though I am hesitant about this).

At some point, I will probably text one of the other caseworkers about who else I've spoken to, as well as my recent onset of anxiety, and how that would play into me getting the help I need with everything.

Because a whole lot of things give me anxiety just thinking about them, and I'd rather have some way of dealing with them than not.

Part of my anxiety, I think, is that I have some much energy that I do so little with.

Even I am not completely immune to the looming evil that is hustle culture, which insists upon breaking yourself until you make it, but I do my best to fend it off, mainly with the disabled card. Whilst it's cheap, it does the trick. For now.

Just as I think about this, a large drawstring sack lands on my lap. I note quickly that it has a pound sign on it, and I shake my head, lifting the bag to confirm my suspicions about its contents. (Hint: pretty sure it's got gold bars in it.)

Gold bars? Really, Chrysos?

Chrysos appears in an array of golden light, smirking.

Why don't you see for yourself, cousin?

Opening the bag, I find not only gold, but silver bars too. When I dig deeper, I realise there are bars of ruby and sapphire, as well.

You didn't!

He cackles.

This is fuck off money! How much am I looking at?

I couldn't really put a price on it, Medi. But ναι, it is most certainly is, as you put it, "fuck off" money.

His smirk turns into full on beaming.

And it's all yours.

I tilt my head, surveying him for a minute.

For?

He nods.

Chocolate cake.

I think, then realise there isn't any.

Will Creme eggs do?

Once again, his face lights up.

Sounds great to me!

Yanking the fridge door open, I procure a box of ten Creme eggs, and he gawps.

You spoil me! Aren't those expensive?

I chuckle.

You need not worry about that. After all, you literally just gave me a bag full of riches that even you can't count.

He stifles a laugh himself.

True, true.

In all honesty though, you have a few million pounds there, at least. Use it wisely, Εντάξει?

Εντάξει. You keep well!

He flashes me a grin that seems to make him radiate even more gold than I thought possible.

I will! I'll let Hades know you said Για!

Παρακαλο and ευχαριστώ! You take care now!

Καληνύχτα!

Καληνύχτα, cousin!

He leaves as he entered: blinding me with splendour screaming "I'm richer than you!" and as the golden light fades, I can't help but smile.

This is his way of telling me what I'm worth without telling me, and the money he's just given me is most likely from my uncle, Hades, who wouldn't come here without an invite. (He's way too polite.)

It's most likely because he thinks that if I see him, I'll chew him out (which isn't entirely implausible, but still), and, knowing him, he's probably lying low.

Yet somehow, he managed to transfer me riches, most likely directly from the Underworld.

Which leads me to two options:

1. This bag is potentially full of stolen goods from his original collection, which could still be bugged. (Unlikely though, as Chrysos gave them to me.)

Or

2. The original Hades has somehow reclaimed the Underworld, and could therefore be in a position to return to his post.

It looks like I'm verifying this the old fashioned way.

Whistling, I summon a magpie, attaching a note addressed to my uncle in bold letters to its foot gently but firmly.

Litavis, otherwise known as Medusa, welcomes you to their nemeton. Otherwise, we meet in the middle. Please state your conditions.

The magpie nuzzles against my hand, and I smile, murmuring.

Go.