[Way to go troll boy; tipped off the vamp that something's up with you.]

Pot, Kettle, Black.

Nevermind that. Why the sudden change in expressing yourself, Karkat?

[Knows Karkat well enough that his reluctance to outrage is completely uncharacteristic. Also aware of the upset caused by both Eridan's presence and recent memory reveal of his past crimes.

Add no curse in effect along with nothing said/bragged online about 'hexing'. One logical conclusion left - hopes, by some small chance, the answer given is something completely different from what he fully expects.]

Made a deal with them?

[Rude gesture brightens his mood.]

Good to see haven't lost your core self.

'Vineswingers'; primeval ooze was left too far behind to be an effective modern insult.

In all seriousness, I highly doubt you are.

Human race descended from apes.

Are you actually ill?

It's possible. The stress caused a troll variant of strep-throat. Rest and fluids are a must. Due to contagions, physical contact with troll-others is to be kept to a minimum.

Sound plausible enough?

Buys a week's time to plan.

Friction with Eridan and two of your own gone, things may escalate. You could be deposed as leader.

A curse could change things.

It's still problematic.

Which is why you, as a leader, can't become complacent.