She nods. There's a Granny-like voice in her head telling her to be careful of strangers, but he has cats, and he's been very nice to her so far, and if he's magic, then maybe her shell will protect her if she needs it to, just like it had when the owls had tried to take her. And she is hungry.

She steps close to him, Cu's leash clattering once more against the sidewalk as she does. Then she reaches up and slides her mittened hand into his.