I'm back! I know this chapter is really short, but after this one, there are only three more! All typed and ready to go!

Disclaimer: (Insert really witty disclaimer here about how i don't own the Inheritance Cycle and all that)

Miranda woke latter than usual the next morning. Eragon had already left for testing. Interested in seeing him fight Arya, as he would, Miranda rose and dressed and asked a dwarf for directions. She and Thaw then went down to the field. Thaw had once again grown and was about the size of a Great Dane.

They made it down by the time Eragon and Arya started the duel. It was awesome. Eragon was obviously giving it all he got. He flowed from one pose to another, recklessly combing poses, but no matter what, he couldn't get through Arya's defense. She was there, blocking him at every turn. They danced their dangerous dance until Arya executed a magnificent move and brought her sword up to Eragon's jawbone. There was a moment of total silence for a moment. Then everyone broke into wild applause. People pressed forward to congratulate Eragon. Miranda held back, replaying the fight mentally. She wanted to try some of those moves.

A hand on her shoulder startled her out of her revere. She had turned around and had her sword drawn before she realized whom her "attacker" was.

"Were you planning to attack me?" Ari asked dryly, looking from Miranda's unsheathed sword to Thaw's bared teeth. "Because I may have just been allowed out of the sickroom, but I am still superior in strength and skill."

"Oops. Sorry, Ari. Heh. That rhymes. But really, I didn't know it was you." She amended under Ari's withering glare.

"And you couldn't have just checked my mind for my intentions?"

"Well, you're an elf, so I doubt that, but I suppose. I will next time."

Ari smiled. "I am not truly mad. I only want to make sure you stay safe. You are important. In fact, Ajihad has asked me to test you as the Twins and Arya tested Eragon. But perhaps we should go where there are fewer spectators." Miranda nodded in agreement. Ari then led her to a mostly secluded spot and tested her. It was almost exactly like Eragon's, just shorter. Miranda was amazed by how much she could do.

I've only been a Rider for days, she marveled to herself.

Yes, but you've been learning the ancient language for longer than a week and your stronger than you were before. Together it's like you've been training for weeks, Thaw pointed out.

I guess.

They fought afterward. Miranda fought as hard as she could, using what she'd just seen from Eragon and Arya's fight, changing the moves so that they better fit her style. She still lost.

"You fought well. I'm proud of you, you have done well in the situation you were dumped into."

"Thanks Ari." She was suddenly at a loss of what to say. "I, um… You doin' okay?"

"I am fine," Ari replied. She seemed to sense how uncomfortable Miranda was. "Does it disturb you to see me so?"

"It's kinda disconcerting, yeah."

"It is still me. I may look different and speak differently but I am still Ariana."

"But that's the thing. You're Ariana. What happened to Ari? You never go by Ariana. So why does everyone call you that?'

Ari smiled. "I understand." Her voice lost its musical quality and became more human, like she had sounded… before. "You know, Miranda, even if I look and sound different and go by Ariana here (you still don't get to call me that. Don't tell anyone, but I prefer Ari), I'm still the same person. Nothing'll change that. I'm still your friend."

Miranda nodded, mouth open slightly. So much for elflike. "Why do they all treat you so reverently?"

"They didn't expect me to come back. People don't come back from your world very often."

"Oh. Thanks."

"Of course." Her voice came formal and musical again, elfin. "I am glad to help you." With that she turned and walked away.

She changed, Miranda remarked to Thaw.

Yes.

She's more commanding, calm, certain.

You've changed too.

Yes.

Let's go back to the dragonhold.

Yes, Miranda agreed, but she didn't move.

Come on. We have a big day tomorrow. And I'm tired.

That woke Miranda from her staring into space. But you didn't even do anything!

So?

All right. Let's go.

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