AN: Thanx for the reviews, they inspire me so much, even to just keep writing. For all of you that think that she's not really dead, guess again. She's gone, forever and ever. I'm so terrible sometimes.

Blackhawk12340: I'm glad you like it. I'm really, really trying hard not to make it too mushy, but I'm just a hopeless romantic. If you're looking for something more...idk what else you would be looking for by reading romance fics, but hey, I'm glad you chose to read it, and I'm glad you liked it.

Raven The Black Rose: I'm sorry, but I can't help you out. I haven't even figured out exactly how she died yet, so yeah. LOL. I have a general idea, and I know who killed her, so maybe I'll think of something when I start reading Eldest. Trust me, while I was writing the tic-tac-toe line, I got a mental image of her, and I almost fell out of my chair laughing. The Murtagh butt thing would be funny tho...hehe.

daydreamin' angel: Yes, she's dead. Gone forever, lost in the spirit realm. How sad, eh? Ok, her name is spelled Aiedail. It means Morning Star in the Ancient Language, if you check the guide in the back.

Now, on with the story.

Chapter 8

Gone Forever

Dead. The word echoed through his head. It wasn't possible. How could she be gone, forever? No, it couldn't be. They were mistaken. Tears formed in his eyes as he stood there, motionless. Flashbacks from when he had first seen Arya, in that dream. The crying maiden he was holding brought him back to reality.

"I took her for granted, I didn't say sorry for all the fights we had, I was a terrible sister." Aiedail sobbed, her voice muffled by Eragon's shoulder.

"Can I see her?"

All she could do was nod and began walking back towards the elven city of Ellesmera. They walked through the empty streets towards the healers building. Eragon couldn't help but converse with a solemn Saphira on the way.

It's just hard to believe. When I heard Aiedail say that she was gone, I thought it was a joke that the three of us would laugh about in the tavern later, but now I know it is real.

It would have happened eventually. Death is inescapable, whether you are immortal or mortal.

But why today? Why not in a couple hundred years?

The best answer I can give you is that it was her time to go.

No it wasn't. She didn't deserve death.

I don't know what you want me to say Eragon! I'm not a god, I don't make decisions! I'm trying to console you but you won't let me! She's dead and there is nothing you can do. Please tell me you do remember Brom telling you not to try bringing back the dead?

Yes, I do. I just don't want it to be true.

Well, it is. I'm sorry to say it, but it is. You need to accept it if you are ever going to be able to say goodbye.

That's just it, Saphira! I can't say goodbye! I didn't even apologize for yelling at her the other day. In fact, I didn't even look at her. She died thinking I hated her.

Well, what did you feel about her?

I just don't know anymore! Emotions swirled around in Eragon's head. Why now? Of all the times, why did she have to die now?

"She's inside." Aiedail stopped in front of a door.

"Aren't you going to see her?" Eragon looked at her.

"I…I can't. I don't…I don't want to look at her. Knowing that she's dead is bad enough, but watching her lie there will be too much for me, at least with her death being so fresh."

"Are you sure? I'll be with you, and if it becomes too much, then you can leave."

"No, no, I don't want to. Not now."

"Alright, if you're sure."

"I'm positive."

"Okay then." He said, taking a deep breath. His unsteady hand met the knob on the door, turning it ever so slowly. The room inside was cold and had an eerie feel to it. Lying on the bed was the deceased form of Arya. She looked paler than usual. He strode over to the side of the bed.

"Arya, I'm so sorry, for everything. I shouldn't have yelled at you the other day and I should have apologized right afterwards, not waited." He found himself choking back the floods of tears that so desperately wanted to fall. He put a hand down to stroke a strand of hair from her face. Her skin was cold, lifeless. It was true, she was dead.

Eragon…I love you. The voice was but a whisper inside his head, but he knew it was her spirit, lingering still. A gust of cold wind blew over him, then subsided.

Arya! But there was no reply. She was gone now, resting in the spirit realm.

"I miss you." He whispered before turning around and leaving the room.

"Let's go home." He said, not looking Aiedail in the face. He was afraid he would find a resemblance in her face and that it would tear him up inside.

AN: Wow, what did you think? Now you have to wait for me to finish the next chapter. I expect 6 reviews at the least, that'll really get me going. 128 reviews on the other site, and a very pathetic amount on this one. Oh well, I like all my reviewers anyway.