The following morning, Neria arrived at the courtyard before Jian Yue.
Damon discovered this by chance when he finished his own training and found her sitting on a bench near the wall, her hair tied back and wearing light clothes similar to those she had used during her balance exercises in Mirath. A wooden sword rested beside her, clearly taken from the training rack, although Damon suspected Jian Yue had left it there in advance.
Neria was observing the weapon without touching it.
"Waiting for her permission?" Damon asked, drying his face with a towel.
"I'm waiting for her to arrive."
"You could start by holding it."
Neria looked at him.
"Jian Yue said I shouldn't learn anything incorrectly before she teaches me."
Damon remained silent for a few seconds.
"She actually said that?"
"Yes."
"Arrogant."
A voice came from behind them.
"Necessary."
Jian Yue crossed the courtyard carrying her own wooden sword and stopped in front of Neria.
"And you just proved my point."
