How fortuitous that Erik should show up in this naked moment of loss, when I really got slammed with the realization that there was nothing for me to go to. Nowhere to go. I had the clothes on my back, which were rather disgusting from the long trek I had made, and now that Darwin was back we were both homeless. Still, he looked as if he was none the worse for wear other than the oil, dirt, and other things that were attached to his fur. He hadn't smelled super great either and I wrinkle my nose a bit as the smell seems to stick to the inside of it. No doubt he had been a dumpster diving kitty in the interim of being an alley cat. He would probably have to keep on with his foraging and hunting in the meantime since what could I feed him? I couldn't even feed myself.

I am struck by the realization that this vampire was offering to help me free of charge. All the horror stories the supernatural community raged about against vampires was based in the fact that with an eternity ahead of them, how could they keep even a hint of civility and humanity? That he didn't bite me, hurt me, or walk away was a kindness in and of itself. He could get quite a high off my blood and it was potent with the shadow magic that I now had to rely upon. I had to lock away my earth magic and my healing as well because using it would just weaken me further. Honestly, I had no choice but to accept the help of Erik. I was too tired to try and remember other names of those that might help me, but I vaguely recalled that there were some. Somewhere. Who?

His easy humor relaxes me and I am rather taken with his chuckle, brusque as it sounds. "Some of your kind would kill for the high of witch blood," I point out. Usually kill the witch or wizard, of course, but I had a half smile on my face that will let him know that I don't mean him. I am an intellectual person and sometimes facts just come spitting out of my mouth without help. The longer that I think though, the more my head begins to throb, an incessant beating that thrums from the base of my skull to the back of my eyes. I rub a dirt palm against one of my eyelids, my mood changing swiftly as I ask him what he expects before staring off at my old shop. The epicenter of my dreams, the beginning of my ruin. Fitting.

"Then you've never owned a cat," I say suddenly, prim, lifting my pointed chin a bit in the manner that I had done in the bar so many months ago. "Or been owned by one." Another half smile, a flash of tired amusement as Darwin sits abruptly next to my shoe and stares at Erik as if to say, EXACTLY what she said, vamp. "You have to understand how odd that is for me," I say quietly to him. I could just quietly go with him but I wasn't the type to hoard my thoughts and emotions. "But I will come. And.. thank you." There is sheer gratitude in my voice. That he would allow me AND my cat to come was a daunting feeling. I certainly owed him. He didn't want anything from me, which was well and good, but when I managed to snap this curse I would offer him something nonetheless. I could work magic and potions - maybe a vampire needed something different?

"Bah," I suddenly spit out, throwing a hand out in a waving gesture towards the shop. "The land owner would probably sooner spit on me than let me back in that place. I'm bad luck, Erik, just so you know what you are getting into." A warning to him that the things following me wouldn't go silent even in his company. I look over him again, slouching, and find a hidden amusement. Maybe it was some sort of predatory training he did to make himself seem less obtrusive or intimidating. It worked except for the fact that he was lean and hard muscle, the kind that made others pay attention in either a lustful manner or a wary one. "I can make it." My voice is steel. I could make it because I had to. I wouldn't have Erik carrying me around, making myself more of a nuisance to him than I already was.

I gesture for him to lead the way and fall into step with him the moment he does. Cue ignoring the pain in my feet or the graon in my knees. I lock my shoulders and stride diligently beside him with Darwin trotting at my heels. I give the cat a small smile, tender, loving. "Not to sound ungrateful or anything but I don't think your diet consists of the same as mine. You wouldn't happen to have any food there would you?" I turn my head a bit, watching him out of the side of my eyes, but my attention keeps splitting as I scan the area around us frightfully, fingers curling into my palms then relaxing as each noise or movement is that of some innocent city thing.