What a mess.

The gods going wild was simply par for the course for this world-- that was, after all, how they earned the name “god hunters”. But it was always frustrating, especially when it happened so close to home. At least Apollon Technologies’ headquarters was on high enough grounds to escape the floodwaters that had gripped the lower parts of the city. The downside, of course, that being a decently large building that was currently dry, the lobby was full of evacuees.

Lucius had been uncertain what to do with them. Hardly could he chase them out, given the situation, but he did not particularly appreciate their presence, either-- a mismatched mob of ketucari (and ketucari that did not currently look like ketucari), akadri, heldyr, and a few other things besides. But the pleading looks had been hard to resist. No work was being done, anyway, so he’d regretfully excused his employees and directed those who were willing to stay to apply some aid. Now, there were people darting to and from the building’s medical facilities, hot food being distributed from the on-site kitchens…

Definitely encouraging them, like feeding a cat. But as much as he disliked the noise and bustle in his halls, a little charity in times like this would hopefully pay dividends down the line. Even if the board would certainly complain. Perhaps he’d have Nahid handle them, she so relished in opportunities like that. Speaking of Nahid, she’d probably have words for him on getting lost in sentiment again--

“...You’re doing a good thing, here.” a voice purred behind him.

“...Nahid.” he glanced over his shoulder to the ketucari that had, once again, snuck up on him without warning. “That isn’t what I expected you to say to this.”

“You know you can call me Mother? I did basically raise you, after all.” she purred, sitting on her haunches besides him. Long tail flicking idly back and forth.

“...Not in public, at least.” he sighed, shaking his head.

“So cold, so cold. …But yes, isn’t that why you embarked on this to begin with? To care for those in need?” she purred near his ear. “...Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten already.”

He resettled himself on his haunches, wrapped his tail around his feet. “...No, I haven’t. I just wasn’t particularly imagining catering to such a strange rabble. Mm… I hope they don’t ask me to fix their homes for them, as well. Surely there are other resources for those displaced by Danuoc’s floods?” he looked away. The White City was different worlds for the rich and the poor-- that he knew well enough.

“Maybe they’ll pray to the god in the sewer?” Nahid chuckled, as if at some private joke. “...Although I can’t imagine he’s at home right now. …Well, in any case, those you help now include your own people. And the others will remember your kindness. Make use of it as you need.”

“...As you say.” Lucius returned his gaze to the thong below.

“These floodwaters aren’t going to be going down anytime soon. Perhaps we should bring out cots? …Oh, my dear, you look so exhausted. Let me manage things for a time and get some sleep yourself. I can take you up to your office?”

“I’m fine.” he sighed. Nahid’s insistent mothering wore thin, at times, as grateful as he was to her. “...But your suggestion isn’t a bad one. Would you be willing to arrange that for me? I’d… like to find a moment away from the noise.”

“...Of course. Do take care, my dear?” Nahid purred after him.

“...I always do… Mother.”