A/N: Thank you for all of your comments to my poll! Keep them coming. At the end of this chapter there will be a sneak preview of my next story!

Chapter 9: Life and Death

When Eragon and Saphira arrived back at the tree, Eragon found a fancy scroll lying on his bed. The queen's seal was neatly printed on the front, and he picked up. When unrolled, the scroll revealed a formal invitation:

Dear Argetlam,

The Elves of Ellesmera cordially invite you to the fifth annual Vanyali Ball: The Ball of the Elves. Please present yourself formally with a partner. The ball begins at midnight tomorrow.

Se mor'ranr ono finna.

QUEEN AIEDAIL ISLANZADI

Eragon froze. The letter dropped from his hand and he suddenly started to laugh. Saphira twisted her neck around over his shoulder to look at the scroll. She read it quickly, and smoke started to stream from her nostrils. She let out a sound like a derisive laugh, and stomped to the corner to curl up.

Do they expect me to present myself at a fancy ball? I'm no good with those sorts of things! Eragon cried.

I'm going, too, Eragon. Saphira reminded him.

But you don't have to find a date, or dress fancy. All you have to do is show up.

True. But I'm sure you can handle this. It's not like you have to battle Galbatorix or Murtagh. It's just a party.

I think I'd rather battle Galbatorix.

Saphira was amused at this, but didn't pursue the subject further. Instead, she fell fast asleep. Eragon, however, was far from sleepy. He leapt from the tree to take a long walk. His journey led him to the sparring grounds, and he unsheathed his sword to battle with an imaginary opponent.

His blows were quick and sharp, and soon all troubles were washed from his mind. Suddenly, a cloaked figure rushed out to meet his blade. With surprise, Eragon parried it, and swung around for a new advantage. The figure was an exemplary fighter, and their style was vaguely familiar, but Eragon got the upper hand, and slashed them to the ground.

"Very good," said Eragon, holding Liduen aloft, "but not good enough. Who are you?"

The stranger stood and shed their cloak. Eragon smiled as Arya's soft face was revealed. "I should have known," he murmured, and smiled. "What are you doing here?"

"I should ask you the same, but I will tell you. I was restless and needed to walk," she said.

"As was I," replied Eragon, sheathing Liduen promptly.

"Why put your sword away, Shur'tugal?" Teased Arya. "What else do you have to protect yourself if you do? Your dragon is obviously not here."

Eragon grinned and pulled out the sword again, then took a small step back. "Could you take another beating, princess?"

"I'll get over it."

At that, the two lunged at each other, and they each were equally strong. When they struck swords for the fourth time, they held it there for a moment. Eragon took advantage of this time.

"I thought you didn't wish to see me anymore," he said, swinging out and coming back in to strike her on the side.

"I couldn't help myself," Arya said, seriously, as she blocked the move and twisted around to get a new opportunity.

"I'm glad."

The two fought for hours, until Arya hit Eragon on his thigh, stopping the battle. Eragon smiled, and put Liduen away.

"Well, I might as well kill two birds with one stone while I'm here," said Eragon. "Well, the thing is…. well…. I need a partner for the Vanyali Ball. Will you go with me?"

Arya's smile evaporated, and she put her sword down thoughtfully. "I'm…. not sure," said Arya, losing her complacent manner for a moment. Eragon let her think, and soon Arya opened her mouth to speak again.

"Do not forget my words in our last meeting," she warned. "All things considered, I am going against my better judgment. But to answer your question, Eragon-vor, yes, I will."

A veil of ecstasy swept Eragon and he bowed. "I will see you then. Good night, angel of the night."

A small trace of a blush showed on the elven maid's face as Eragon walked away.

The next day Eragon awoke feeling refreshed. Only when he remembered that the ball was that night, did he panic. He rushed around, combing his hair and washing anything he could. Saphira was awoken by the noise.

What's wrong, little one? Asked Saphira, alarmed.

I have to get something to wear for the ball, and I have to get it now! Eragon replied, pulling on an elven tunic.

Don't lose your head. If in doubt, wear your armour.

Thanks. I'll see you later, ok?

Yes.

Eragon hadn't walked in Ellesmera often, but when he did, he never saw any shops or emporiums. The paths only ran alongside trees and growth. To save time, Eragon ran. No stores were seen. Finally, he saw a small building amongst the trees. It was hidden in vines, and almost unrecognizable. A sign hang from it, a sign that read: FROLE UN GAMME. Confusion swept him, but nevertheless, he entered.

It was empty, but for a mannequin sitting in the back, on an aged chair. Eragon approached it slowly. It was a pale, female elf with long silvery hair. But Eragon's gaze met its eyes, and he cried out. The mannequin's eyes were without any pupils or iris, instead, it was white, as the snow. Its soulless stare looked straight ahead, and didn't waver.

Seeing nothing of interest, Eragon turned to leave. Suddenly, a voice entered his mind.

Welcome to Life and Death, Shur'tugal. I know what you seek. Turn and I shall give it to you.

Eragon froze, unsure whether to obey or run. Gripping the hilt of his sword, he turned, and only saw the mannequin. In her hands, though, was a beautifully woven silk tunic, with a mail sheet inside of it. Eragon reached out slowly and took it, and carefully folded it. He started to leave, when the voice contacted him again.

Be careful, Argetlam. Great perils wait around the corner. I await your return. Eragon.

The last word was spoken slowly, and eerily. Eragon shivered as he walked out, and started to run back to Saphira. The ball was nigh.

First Date: (The preview of my next story!)

Eragon's palms sweated as they walked. Arya and he had thought a stroll through the mountains would be nice, and Saphira, Eragon's dating advisor, had supported it. However, the two didn't speak much, owing to the fact that they were both nervous.

Suddenly, two dwarves ran by. A female was chasing the male intently.

"Come back, Orik-poo! Seven minutes in heaven is a fun human game!" Cried the woman.

Orik screamed bloody murder and ran out of sight. The pair stopped and both held in laughter.

"Funny," Eragon thought out loud. "I thought Orik's betrothal would be cute."

"You know what?" Arya replied. "So did I."

Saphira chimed in. Did you see the way her fat jiggled when she ran? It's like her body went one way, and she went another!