The length of time at least indicates that the Fool is not in any immediate danger, and that is some reassurance. Perpetuating the connection, however, could expose him to other, completely unknown and unforeseeable hazards.

Devin almost, almost lets a sharp agreement escape him, but the rational part of him can recognize the hypocrisy of lecturing his lover on keeping secrets. Secrecy has defined most of Devin's life, too, and he has by no means learned to be fully unguarded yet in this private space. It would be unfair of him to lash out simply because he isn't used to these kinds of hurts and because a century of hard living has crafted instincts against this sort of vulnerability. Those instincts are useless to him if he wants this relationship to work.

He breathes deeply and runs his fingers through his hair, resting his head in his hands. "At least now I'll know about it in case something does go awry," Devin reasons, trying for neutral and missing again. He is not the Fool's keeper, Devin can't and won't try control him, but he also can't help if he doesn't know what's going on. He straightens. "Just-- explain to me why, please. Why would you put yourself at so much risk?"