She was already interested in the swordfighting. But on the other hand, it might be novel to have her photograph taken ...

She makes her way over to the swordfighters, and checks to see whether they seem to have any spare swords, this being a deciding factor in whether it's worth asking to participate.

There's a few foam swords sitting around on the ground. The swordfighters, a few more boys than girls, take a moment and look over at Emily as she approaches them. "Just take one", one of the boys say.

Well that's straightforward. She picks up a sword and tests its weight, stepping through the few basic stances her parent has shown her.

It feels nice in the hand, and seeing the boys instinctively move their own toy swords to block any potential strikes as they keep their eyes on Emily is exciting.

She grins — and doesn't even have to worry about what they will think about that.

She launches herself into combat with enthusiasm and sword skills that are, on the whole, pretty basic. But she does her best, and takes her lumps with grace.

And afterward, lying panting on the grass, surrounded by people who share at least one of her interests, the sun beating down on them ... she feels good. As though it doesn't really matter that she doesn't know what will happen from here — whether she'll pass her tests, or find a way home — that things might be okay regardless.