It was around one in the morning when Aiden and Violet finally left the restaurant. Celeste pushed both of them out before they could offer to help clean up. It was already misting rain and the occasional crackle of thunder echoed in the distance. Thankfully Violet had a large purple polkadot umbrella in her locker at the Cauldron and managed to grab it before Celeste started locking up for the night. She kept it between her and Aiden as they strolled down the damp darkened stone streets.
Violet looked at Aiden in his worn faded grey denim jacket and asked "Are you okay being put up for review? I know you haven't even been here two months, but . . ."
"I wasn't expecting it . . . At least NOT this soon." Aiden answered. He glanced up where the moon would have been and turned to Violet as if she knew something he didn't. "Most Guilds wait at least five months before bringing it up. I'm wondering where I screwed up."
"My uncle doesn't like to mince words. If he thinks you're a good match for the team, he's not going to waste time pulling you along especially since he wants to move to part time." Violet explained. Somehow saying it made it more real than when Chase had told her afew months back. "I think my Dad's story still weights heavily on his mind, more so after he got married and now with baby number three on the way. . . He doesn't want his children to be orphans or to grow up without him."
"So, basically he's trying to get the Guild ready for when he steps down." Aiden paused as the mists of water turned to a light shower.
"Basically. Don't take it personally." Violet added as she pushed the button for the crosswalk. They were still a couple blocks from Thorn Manor. "He's not so reckless that he's willing to sign up or register anyone with a gun or crossbow or happens to be one of the Werewolves in town."
"I guessed as much. Though I'm still surprised everyone says you're the reason most Drifters never made it to a review." Aiden said. "I don't even think I've seen you angry once since I've been here."
"You said that earlier and. . .the ones before you just weren't up to my standards." Violet smiled at him. "Some lacked disapline. Others were cocky. Afew lacked focus. Though, with you, there might be an altererer motive."
"You mean how everyone seems to be pushing us together?" Laughed Aiden. "I thought you were some sort of test. I just not sure if I fit in."
"This town is pretty small, but everyone looks out for each other." She looked at the light which was still red and pushed the button again. "I can't believe the Mayor hasn't fixed this stupid light yet. " She kicked it and a ringing lingered in the air. Violet turned back to Aiden. "So, if Uncle Chase makes the offer, are you going accept it?"
"It would be awkward not to. I usually just travel around from town to town every few months." Aiden said. The light finally turned green and they walked across the empty road. The rain was starting to pour. " Spending Christmas in Hawaii, kicking it in Kansas near Easter, . . .but, Violet, Melody Grove does seem like a nice place to settle down."
"So, you'll think about it?" She smiled. She leaned in closer to him with her umbrella.
"I'll think about it." Aiden confirmed. Finally, the old stone manor was in view just in time for the bottom to finish falling out of the sky. The two dashed thru the old iro gate and to the door. Violet started hunting thru her purse for the key when the door opened.