It was time to work on myself, to open my life up to other things than just my work. Solve my problem with the coven and not shut myself away again. Cutting myself off from everyone was an unhealthy tactic. I didn't do it intentionally, but time seemed to slip from me when I was so focused. I just turned thirty and I realized how time seemed so fluid, so quick. I didn't have a century to do things in, though the idea was tempting. There was magic out there that could extend life and vitality. There were other options too. Erik was one. Would he turn me if I asked? I wouldn't. I wasn't sure I could ever give up my magic, even if it meant extending my life. Still, the idea persisted some days. I needed more time to channel my magic, to practice witchcraft that I avoided. As an herbalist, I had access to much that could help.

I am fascinated by our differences. I was not human but I felt like it most of the time, save all my potion brewing and crafting. I didn't see it as very different from what humans did in labs, although mine tended not to have the ill side effects that theirs did. Erik had always seemed laid back, willing to do whatever he could to keep me at ease. Different species we might be, but we were essentially the same. Just two beings, coexisting. I make a hum in my throat at his words, rubbing my wrist thoughtfully. "My affinity is earth. Would that mean I taste like dirt?" I grin at him, though I am still curious about the answer. I suppose it made sense that magic would permeate the blood and change the taste considering it changed everything else it touched.

Erik's questioning look at my grin only serves to make me grin harder and a giggle escapes, though I clamp down on my lips and try to tame my face. I just give him a shrug at his expression, unwilling to part with my entertaining thoughts just yet. It had been so long since I had felt this buoyant, this relaxed or free. I had always pressured myself into rush, rush, rush, and create, craft, make, with little thought to my own well being. I had missed conversation. Joking and flirting and just mingling.

He leans forward a bit and I find myself instinctively doing the same, eyes on his as he smirks. "You mean to tell me that you don't talk to any women ever? You've been around for quite a while and from my experience, you are a practiced smooth-talker." I jest with him, smiling, though I am merely joking. Erik was a smooth talker but I didn't take him as the carousing type. Still, I wasn't that great of a character judge, lacking much experience, so Erik could have easily fooled me and I would be none the wiser. I liked to think I felt a resonance from him though, an earnestness.

Erik's eyes tracked my movements, an intense look in them. It reminded me of a predator and I was the prey, only it didn't make me want to bolt. It made my blood sing, my breath pick up slightly, and I blinked for a moment, startled once more by my reactions.

"He might, but I think he would for sure remember Adele." I chuckle as we head out of the fast food joint, aiming my body towards the northern section of the southside, where many of the apartments resided. The walk would only take ten minutes tops and I had chosen the place due to that fact. I hated driving and I hated it even more in the city so I hadn't even invested in a car. Walking was my preferred mode of transportation - it was good for the body. "What have you been up to Erik? Besides turning up at greasy fast food joints to admire the smell."

I tuck my hair behind my ear, walking briskly in the chill air. The neighborhood is nice, well-maintained, and busy enough that I didn't worry about sneaks in the night. I had no plans to go back to the east part of the city, where the nightlife was questionable and the people even more so. While the south wasn't as lucrative a spot, it was still profitable, and now that I had built a steady clientele of repeat customers, I was doing great.

I listen to Erik as we walk, finally coming up to my apartment complex. The brick building is nice and I punch in the code to let us into the lobby, heading up the stairs swiftly after until we get to the second floor. Once I reach my apart and unlock my door, I flip on the lights, calling out a soft "Darwin," in a sing-song voice. The white and black spotted cat comes running immediately, meowing his pleasure at my arrival. He freezes when he catches sight of Erik, whiskers twitching, green eyes suspicious before he prowls forward tentatively and sniffs Erik's legs. Then the cat immediately begins to wind around him, purring, before padding to me and doing the same until I heft him up, cuddling him against my chest and shoving my face into his fur.

"There is nothing like the smell of a cat's fur," I say in way of explanation as soon as I lift my head again, cheeks pink, slightly embarrassed at my display. "What do you think? Much nicer than sleeping in the back of my old shop," I add, gesturing to my apartment. I was tasteful with my furniture, light grays, a blue and white rug in my living room that turned into a kitchen on one side. It was much nicer than any place I had ever lived before, expensive too, but I enjoyed the luxury of it.