Lan Wangji, of course, is observing with a perfectly expressionless expression in place. He notes all the ways in which Magnus has improved: his increased confidence, the concision of his movement, the way he has learned to inhabit his own body with greater comfort. If this is the unchanging body he is to have for the rest of his days, that comfort will serve him well.

He meets Magnus' gaze with a little warmth, nearly invisible to the average observer. "The use of the shield remains novel to me," he remarks; normally he would say nothing at all here, but he has the sense that Magnus wants to be assured of him. He doesn't raise his voice at all, but it still carries.