[ closed post: 十年磨一剑 ]

In several respects, Galahad is one of the easiest students Lan Wangji has ever had. He is as quiet and dutiful as the most dedicated Lan disciple. He understood intrinsically that the journey they were undertaking would be a long one, that it would be unexciting and often grueling, and that he would need to adhere to the kind of regimented daily discipline that often had younger men, teenagers, balking and complaining.

They have not met every last morning. Every discipline needs its days of rest. But they have, since the day Galahad asked for his tutelage, met far, far more mornings than not. Anyone up and about at the hour of the dragon will have become long accustomed to the sight of Lan Wangji, white-robed and serious, observing Galahad in the training yard. He is improving more quickly now -- his body has strengthened. His arms and shoulders are more muscular. He can lift his sword and swing it through the air with capable control.

The days have been much, much too hot of late, but it is still early enough that it is not yet uncomfortable on this morning as Lan Wangji alights at the training yard and lets Bichen sheath itself at his side, where it belongs. Galahad is always punctual, and he is always proper. He knows to bow to Lan Wangji; Lan Wangji bows in return, shallower due to the difference in their rank when they are fenced in by this yard, but no less respectful. With that, they can begin.

"Show me your handstand now," Lan Wangji instructs him.