Adasion

After lunch, the women boarded their carriages and left the Re District. Royce meandered back home. He blended into the crowds before arriving at his first-floor apartment. The door was unlatched. Did a burglar break into his home? Royce slammed the door open, looking for thieves.

“About time they left.” A yellow-haired Fa stepped out from underneath a doorway.

“Eirian!” Royce hugged him. “It is good to see you. What are you doing here?”

“Making house calls. One of the Do got attacked while hunting. Had serious injuries where he couldn’t be moved.”

“How’s work at the hospital?"

“The same. I wish I could stop by more often, but clan duties.”

“You could always volunteer more down here.”

“Altruism is a virtue where you come from, but in my healing clan we must also bring home quotas. The upper districts pay better. Have you thought about my offer?”

“To move into your clan? But why? Don’t say you’re offering me work if you’re planning for me to be a clan servant. I heard from the Do how they are treated in the Fa levels,” Royce’s eyes narrowed.

“No. I’d never do that. I ask because I want you with us. Respected as an equal. You’ll still be able to work any job you’re able to do and you’ll get out of this hellhole.”

“I’m not sure.”

“We’ve been friends since you came here, and I’d feel a lot better if you’re somewhere that I can’t easily break in.”

Royce glared, “About that. How did you do that?”

“Nothing a little fine mana manipulation can’t do.”

“Uh-huh.”

“Just think about my offer. I’ll see you later young Royce.”

“You keep calling me that. How old are you?”

“Just a decade older, but it makes me feel good. Everyone else in my clan is a few centuries older. Us young folk need to stick together.”

They winked and left.

Royce shook his head. While he might be in the same position as Alan, he was sure Alan never had this chance. The last thing he wanted to do was become an old grumpy guy like him. Yes, he needed to leave this district, initial investment be damned. It might be warmer in the Fa houses. For sure it was cleaner. He’d think about it some more and give Eirian an answer the next time he saw them.