There hadn't been rain for ages, and as the day of the selection trials dawned, the air was parched even in the relative cool of the morning.

Ryo fussed like a mother hen, and Jin was brought out gleaming, showing his own pleasure in his appearance by prancing in Ryo's hand. Shinshoni had done my hair into a complicated series of braids, which would stay out of my way for the day. I ate as best I could, but with the whole castle feeling like a festival, the excitement caught me too. I knew I would ride to battle, but this day would decide on my place in the troop, and as the only woman present I was determined to shine.

Shinshoni was fascinated when I asked for a make-up box, I knew some eyeliner would reduce the glare of the day, but sorely wished for sunglasses.

Series of troops were mounting up and Ryo tried to give me some last minute advice on how brutish my fellow riders would be, but I was prepared for it.

Today would be short spear, long spear and the archers. There were horses everywhere and with Takeda Clan banners flying the fields, I went to find my troop. Most of them were in good humour, more amused at my presence than objectionable. A large camp row of screen windbreaks had been set up along the low rise for Lord Shingen and his elite to watch over the proceedings.

It felt like riding on a movie set, except for the catering, and a random want for a bacon sandwich crossed my mind, it was the only thing absent from this big equestrian event. The training grounds had been sectioned off for different disciplines, and I was looking forward to watching the archers, it was still a skill I would love to learn.

The sun was rising quickly, the training grounds dusty from the lack of rain, and I could feel a thin layer of it settling on my skin, making me feel sticky under the chest armour. Ryo appeared as if my magic to offer me a cup of water, he was a godsend. I had time for a bit of a warm up and then it would be our turn.

I could already hear cheers from the appreciative crowd as riders made their mark, and I admit I lost myself to the day, the warm sun, and the heartwarming sounds all around me.

Tent pegging was first, which I knew was my best skill - two mark sizes, four runs, four targets. As I jogged to the start it was like only Jin and I existed, we were a team, together in that moment and with our fourth mark made clean and true, applause erupted around us, so far I was in third place behind the troop commander.

It was awesome.

I dismounted to allow Jin a break whilst Ryo wiped him down and gave him water. I had just thrown half a bucket over myself when I happened to glance up to where Lord Shingen was sitting. He watched as the water ran off my armour and my hair and I had to turn away with a blush.

There were a few hearty thumps on my back from others in the troop, but I knew it would be the full weight mannequins that showed my lack of brute strength, and so went to find a quieter spot to watch and gather my thoughts.

The best shade was under the cherry tree that started all of this, but I felt nothing as I walked towards it, it was just a handy backrest. The bark was warm and comforting as I sat for a snack. From here I could see the archers and the short spear trials at once. It was thrilling but I found with it came a sense of belonging, despite the actual strangeness of the situation.

The heat increased, the air more laden with dust as the morning moved on. Ryo came and found me half dozing in the shade, and after a cool splash of water and a drink, the next trial was called up.

To make up for my lack of physical strength, Jin was going to have to move like lightning to have the momentum to take the mark, and I was going to have to be far more alert in order to pull the blade free. All was quiet as myself and three others went to the start line.

My aim was slightly off on the first run, I knocked the mannequin down, but the blade stayed firmly stuck. I looked back to see only one other had done a clear run, and so felt better heading back to go again.

"Come on Jin, let's fly." I whispered in his ears at the start. He stood up in a full rear before plunging forwards at full speed, and this time my run was clear. I looked back and was surprised to see that this time, mine was the only clear run, and two of my competitors actually sent me praise and goodwill across the field.

Third run - clear - but only just. I could feel my shoulder beginning to truly burn. I asked Ryo to tighten my wrist supports before the final run.

Just as I was mounting, a movement caught my eye along the castle path behind where Lord Shingen was sitting. A lone rider was cantering towards the castle gates, for a second I was sure it was Saizo. I shook my head and took a swig of water, now I was seeing things in the shimmering heat of the day.

As the sound of thundering hooves beat the dry ground around me, the last run tore at my shoulders, my body really pushed to its limit, but the mark was clean and I was overwhelmed by the sheer goodwill around me. I thought for sure some of the men would be ghastly to me, but not so, and with the final scoring, I remained in third place.

Lord Shingen was on his feet as I passed, he nodded to me beaming from ear to ear, and even his stoic elite offered a nod as I rode just below them. Ryo was ecstatic, but as happy as I was in that moment I was torn between the pulled muscles in my shoulders and the lone rider on the path.

I was glad to be getting back, the call of a bath was strong, Ryo, Jin and I left the grounds with the trials continuing, roars going up as riders were successful, gasps and groans when they missed. It was set to continue for hours yet and I would have time to change and return to watch.

Once back at the stables, Ryo offered me a horse liniment for my shoulders, and arm, swearing by it more than any human treatment he knew, and I was grateful.

The castle was so quiet now, and bathing was going to be delicious. I sank under the water with a sigh, taking my head under as well. Just as I was about to surface I swear I saw a shimmering shape of a body pass by, but as I broke the water there was just warm air and the sounds of birds around me.

As much as I wanted to soak, I wanted to get back to the grounds, so wearing my now familiar tank top, wrist cuffs, katana, skinny trousers and trainers, I walked back to the grounds, my wet hair swept up in a ponytail behind me. I felt like a modern woman walking through a history book, except for the katana at my side.

Shinshoni saw me returning and we went for something to eat before trying to find a shady spot with as little dust as possible. She couldn't contain her praise and admiration for what I had achieved. I thought back to competitions in my world, showjumping and dressage, and they seemed only a faint echo of what was their history, and yet the competitive spirit was just as strong in my reality as it was in this one. The stark difference though was this was not leisure, not sport, not a weekend hobby, these games and trials had a deadly side as well.

That evening the point was brought home to me, we would ride out in just five days time. I left the festivities as the sake river the men appeared to be drowning themselves in was not for me. Lord Yukimura caught up with me as I took in some of the clearer air, under a moon so bright it cast shadows over the courtyard. He swept me up before I could protest and threatened to crush the life out of me in his sozzled state.

"Here," He said, "I had this made for you, will you wear it?" He produced a black, blue and silver headband - it glittered in the moonlight. I was thoroughly touched by his gesture and let him put it around my forehead, whilst the long ends fluttered in the light breeze. "Perfect." He smiled through a sake blush. I stood on tiptoes and gave him a kiss on the cheek, and before I could say 'thank you' out loud, he had fled. I chuckled to myself; I don't think he would ever be comfortable around women.

The moon seemed to follow me on my way back to my room; I was so tired I had no thoughts other than sleep. It was lucky my feet knew the way and my robe seemed to remember how to put itself on, and I sighed happily as my bedding welcomed me back.

The heat of the night woke me, it was stifling in my room, so taking a cup of water and making sure my robe was secure with my katana obi, I padded to the end of the verandah to look at the night sky. I lay back on the cool boards, one foot dangling over the edge. I could still vaguely hear the rowdy Main Hall, but I blocked it out and let the night air settle around me. I was just starting to doze off when the sound of footsteps crossing the courtyard roused me. I didn't want to be found out here alone, so I shuffled around the corner of the verandah into the deep shadows cast by the moon.

I could hear two sets of purposeful steps, then they stopped and with it being so still their conversation come clearly to my ears.

"When did you get back?"

"Earlier today, during the trials."

"Why didn't you find me sooner?"

"Oh dear little lord, have you missed me than much then?"

I clasped my hand over my mouth.

I knew those voices.

I knew THAT voice.

It was...

Him.

"Damn it Saizo, what game are you playing now?"

"Me? I'm not playing any game."

"You know what I mean, why didn't you come back sooner?"

...Silence...

"Did you know she was held captive by Kenshin and almost killed?"

"Yes."

A part of me was horrified, his voice sounded so flat, so uncaring.

"Then why didn't you..."

"I was on a mission remember, I couldn't just leave."

...Silence...

"She knows about you and the Princess."

"That's unfortunate, but..."

"You're a cruel man Kirigakure Saizo" Yukimura cut him off. "She's going to war with us."

"What?"

"Saizo, she's ...since we found her ... Tamara's not herself, she's ....'Sigh' ... it's like she's so strong and yet about to break."

"And your point is?"

I was caught in total stillness at their conversation and how cold and indifferent Saizo sounded. It was so long since I had heard his voice and now it was like a knife to my throat.

"The point is, what are you going to do about it?"

"Me? Doesn't seem to be my problem does it dear."

"Saizo! You can't mean that!"

I couldn't take it any longer, I stood up and walked around the edge of the verandah and strode back to my room. I couldn't see them but I knew their eyes were following me.

"She heard us." Saizo's voice was now low.

"No, not from here." Said Yukimura

"I'm telling you, from the way she was walking she understood every word."

And with that I slid shut my door.

I thought I would cry, get angry, weep or something, but no, it all just pushed itself into another corner of my mind. I found myself thinking more about going to war - and that night I decided it would be my last moment in this world, to die fighting for the Takeda Clan, to die in battle.

For some reason a part of me wanted Lord Shingen's touch, the strength of his embrace, but it was just a passing notion and sleep soon found me again.