Not unlike last year, Devin has been evading the Tine's festivities. At least this time it's as much about being busy as avoiding the celebration itself. He may be more settled in the city now, less consumed by the events waiting for him in his homeworld, but he is still discomfited by such tangible representations of bonds. The bulk of his past, the specter of life at home, looks at those knots and sees evidence which can be tracked; evidence which lays bare what he would rather hide.

The passage of time has given him some perspective. One year has changed him more than some decades have. Maybe this year, he'll make some knots that don't have to do with apologies. A length of cord is purchased but as yet remains unused.

As ever, Luthien greets him at the door when he enters carrying a small bag of groceries. She herself bears a knot: Leo had given her to him with a blue one as her collar. "Hey," Devin says, a smile emerging when he looks to the Fool on the couch. It is utterly domestic and weirdly wonderful to have his partner here, all problems of Devin's past habits aside. They're personal problems, he knows that. "Have you been back long?"