-I don't own Eragon, however Miranda is MY character ^_^-

The next morning Miranda awoke with gentle sun rays caressing her cheeks and the rhythmic breathing of Iraneth slumbering beside her bed. Sitting up Miranda looked over to where her clothes once were. Quietly she inspected the clothes that had been left their. Miranda knew that after traveling so often her usual dress was worn and the training clothes that she was given by the Varden, were old and well used. Lifting up the first item she noted the lightness of the fabric and also its softness. The blouse fitted her perfectly as did the trousers. They had also given her some boots that went up to just below her knee and were very easy to move in. Tucking the bottoms into her boots Miranda looked over at Iraneth. His glittering emerald head lifted and faced Miranda. He observed her new clothes and his only remark was;

That's nice.His head then tucked back under his wing. Miranda then stuck her tongue out at him as someone knocked at the door. Her tongue quickly returned to her mouth. She quickly went to the door and opened it softly. Her head peaked around the side so that she could see who it was. It turned out to be Ekar-finiarel, the elf that had shown her to her room. She said 'Good morning' in the ancient language and smiled at him kindly. He had come to collect her for her lessons.

They walked together towards Oromis' home. As they did the elven boy told her about the elves and their names for things. Occasionally Miranda saw somewhat negative expressions on the faces of passing elves. When she questioned Ekar he looked slightly embarrassed.

"You see Miranda, there were only three dragon eggs left in existence. All three of them went to human riders. We are a proud race and some think that elves should have been chosen. In fact i believe that an elf challenged Eragon on the matter. He was swiftly defeated." Ekar looked forward as Ormis' home appeared in front of them. Both Oromis and Glaedr were waiting for Miranda and Iraneth. Looking around Miranda saw no sign of Eragon. Oromis smiled and extended his hand offering her a seat. Ekar bowed and left while Miranda sat down.

"Do not worry your self, he is making his rider sword." Oromis then took a sip of his tea. Miranda smiled and nodded slightly to thank him for the information. She then nibbled on a strawberry that had been on the plate in front of her. Oromis watched Miranda carefully all the time.

Due to the information that Murtagh gave her she wont need much mental training. What she needs to do is train her body to handle her new found strength. She must learn the forms and raise her stamina so her magical skills will improve. Ormis then stood and Miranda looked up at him. Even though when he was stood up he was hunched he was sill taller then most humans.

"Iraneth shall now go and train with Glaedr while you, Miranda, shall stay with me and train your body in the traditional dragon rider forms." Miranda nodded and watched as the emerald and gold dragons flew of into the distance. She then stood and looked over at Oromis. He showed her the form in its entirety and then broke it down for her to try.

After several hours of practising the forms Miranda had finally gotten the hang of them. Although she was not as fluid as Oromis she managed to pull them off with relative ease. Once Oromis was satisfied they both sat back down at his dining table. He brought out some strange smelling tea and some scrolls. The figures of the two dragons appeared in the far distance. The loud pulsation of four large wings could be heard on the wind as the large beasts descended to the clearing that their riders presided. Both dragons took their places by their riders side. Miranda was given the scrolls to study and Oromis advised that she explore the city before going to sleep to get better acquainted with Ellesméra. The pupils thanked their teachers and proceeded to head back to their temporary home for rest and reflection.

When they finally reached their room Iraneth curled up next to the fire place and fell into a deep sleep. Miranda sat down at her desk and opened the first scroll that Oromis had given her. After roughly half an hour of study she had developed a mild migraine and decided to take a walk to explore Ellesméra like Oromis had advised. She informed Iraneth but he simply seemed to swat her away from his consciousness. He liked his sleep and even Miranda was not allowed to interrupt it. Miranda simply shrugged and headed out. As she went deeper into the forest-like city she only caught glimpses of the residents. Soon she came up to a warm place and found it to be a forge and remembered that Eragon was forging his own rider sword. Miranda walked slowly to the edge of the door not wanting to distract Eragon. She saw Saphira heating the furnace, the heat that was being emitted was so great that small beads of sweat emanated from her pores. Wiping it away Miranda continued to study the forge. In the corner an elderly looking elf was sat in her chair, she seemed to be asleep.

She must be old if she has that many wrinkles. Miranda quietly thought to herself. She knew that elves could live for many years without one appearing on their faces. In contrast she looked over at the other end of the opening to the forge their were two young looking elves that seemed to shimmer. In a scroll that she had read on elves it had told her that elves only mated if they truly felt the connection an the description of elvish children were quite detailed. Their was another figure that stood with them, she seemed rather feral and Miranda had no clue as to what she was, however she was adamant that she was not an elf, she then remembered one of the elves that had been in the Varden to was covered with hair and seemed very wild. All these thoughts seemed only to increase her migraine so she decided to ask Ekar about them the next time she saw him.

Her attention then returned to the forge. Eragon looked like he had been labouring over his weapon so a long time. For a single moment he turned and looked at Miranda acknowledging her presence. She then realised that he had probably known that she was there all along and left quickly to that he could carry on with his work.

The cool evening air was refreshing from the blaze of the forge. Silently she walked through the city and admired its natural beauty. She loved the way that the elves worked with nature to live in harmony with it. Everywhere she had lived previously had been made from cold stone or hard wood that had been taken from nature and completely manipulated into something that didn't seem to fit with the way nature worked. Gently she stroked the tree's as she passed them and felt the living spirits inside them. After a little while Miranda looked up through the emerald canopies and saw millions of diamonds in the jet sky. She knew that she had been out longer that she had meant to be and then...

Miranda? MIRANDA?! Where are you?! Iraneth had just woken up to find his rider missing. Miranda smiled to herself as she tried to calm her distressed partner.

I am here Iraneth, I am on my way back. The city really is beautiful.Miranda stated as she walked in Iraneth's direction. She told him all about the tree-buildings, the elven children, the elderly looking one and constellations that she recognised in the sky. As Iraneth listened he noticed that Miranda's vocabulary was beginning to improve and her mind seemed to be becoming sharper in many areas. He could tell that it was coming from all the information Murtugh had bestowed upon her. The knowledge that spread through her mind was distinct ally different from Miranda's and Iraneth didn't like anyone in Miranda's head but him, yet Murtagh's imprints seemed to be everywhere in her mind. Miranda had stopped talking about her exploration and had drifted into other things. Iraneth noticed she had begun to think about Murtagh and wondering if he was well. The possessive dragon he was, Iraneth distracted her by asking her questions about the things she had described. She answered him gladly and didn't realise what he was up to.

Soon Miranda opened the door to her room and was welcomed by Iraneth. She was drained from her walk, she then proceeded to change into her night gown and sat at her desk brushing her hair. As she did do Iraneth crawled up beside her and gently placed his large head on her lap.

"Whoa! Iraneth when did you get so heavy?! OW! Your crushing my legs!" He lifted his head off her and went back to his nest. Miranda's eyes softened, she put the elven brush back on the desk and went over to Iraneth. She stroked his neck as he had tucked his head under his large emerald wings. She felt his emotions, he felt like he was being replaced and that Miranda liked Murtagh more than she liked him. She smiled and comforted him.

Iraneth, He peaked his head out a little but not fully. You are my dragon, we have an eternal bond that can never be broken. Even if the man is question is very desirable. Miranda teased him. Although he was not impressed with the last few words Iraneth felt comforted.

After several days of study and forms Eragon returned to the clearing where Miranda and Oromis were training. She noted the gleaming sword that was in Eragon's hand but continued the form Oromis had taught her. Eragon looked over and smiled at the memory of when he did the form with Oromis. He then began to converse with the elven rider and unsheathed his sword. Suddenly it burst into bright blue flames which took Miranda by surprise and she fell over. Oromis said that it was fine for her to stop for now as he wished to speak to both of the human riders. Like clockwork the silhouettes of Glaedr and Iraneth approaching at great speed.

When all the riders were sat with their perspective dragons beside them Oromis began to speak. They inform the two young riders that both Oromis and Glaedr have decided to come out of hiding and openly oppose Galbatorix in battle. Then they began to talk about Glaedr's heart of hearts or Eldunarí. They said if they were to fall they didn't want Galbatorix to add Gleadr's Eldunarí to his arsenal. He said that he wanted to help Queen Islanzadí take Gil'ea. Eragon knew that he had to return to the Varden as he was needed for the seige of Feinster so he couldn't demand to go with him. However Miranda was under no obligation. She stood and slammed her hand on the table.

"We are going with you and there is nothing you can do to stop us!" Their will was so strong that when Miranda spoke aloud Iraneth spoke mentally making their voices sound like one. Oromis and Gleadr both knew that they could not refuse so they allowed it. Then Gleadr removes his Eldunarí and gives it to Eragon and Saphira.

The next day Miranda and Iraneth packed all their belonging that were needed and met with Eragon, Saphira, Oromis and Gleadr. They all flew together and then parted ways. Miranda wished Eragon and Saphira good luck whereas Iraneth simply said Don't die ok?

With that they parted. Both Gleadr and Iraneth flew swiftly and soon arrived with the elven forces at Gil'ea. She got straight into the battle as the two ripped the enemy apart, quite literally. Then the thunderous sound of a savage roar was heard. Her eyes widened as she slowly turned around to see a crimson dragon racing towards the battle. She couldn't move. Her eyes were glued to the rider. Iraneth had to fend off the soldiers as he knew Miranda was dumbfounded. The crimson dragon rider tore into the elven forces and then plunged into Oromis and Gleadr. She watched as they fought furiously and then Iraneth's voice awoke her from her trance.

Miranda they need help! Get a hold of yourself! He is the enemy! With that Iraneth flew towards the battle in the sky. He roared loudly and then stopped, dead. The presence that they felt was different from Murtagh. Miranda recognised the cold, merciless and slightly insane mind that had possessed Murtagh. Galbatorix. Murtagh's face turned and looked at Miranda and Iraneth.

"Ah, so not only have the elves delivered the last rider from before the fall but also the new generation. How thoughtful of Islanzadí." Suddenly they began to fight again but before they could help Oromis dropped his sword and was cut down by Galbatorix using Murtaghs hands. Tears flooded her eyes and they charged at the crimson dragon and the minds astride it. Several blows were thrown but Miranda was only a novice and not match for Murtagh let alone Galbatorix. Soon a strange incantation was muttered by Galbatorix and Miranda's world went a silent black. The last thing she saw was a tear running across Muragh's cheek and a horrified expression.