As usual, nothing belongs to me. Everything, of course, goes to Charlain Harris, Allan Ball, and HBO.

I know I haven't updated at all and I feel so bad about it, especially since I was beginning to enjoy writing this series of little one-shots and getting feedback. I've been really busy lately and there's a lot of life changing stuff going on (I'm serious) and it's really taken a lot of my time.

Thank you guys, for giving this fic a chance, for the feedback, and I'm glad you guys liked it.

I truly am sorry that I left you guys waiting around (and possibly violently swearing at the laptop) for me to update.

Since I have about two months before I go to school and a lot of free time, I will TRY to update as much as I can and to develop the discipline to finish things I started. I can't promise that this will be updated on a regular basis though.

Anyway, thank you Bkaa19 for suggesting I write a war one-shot about Eric in the good ol' days when he was a Viking.

Actually, I have been thinking of doing a war one-shot, but I never really set myself to writing one because I find describing battles to be quite difficult and I think my usage of words tends to be awkwardly placed or off.

But then again, I tried. So I hope this is fine.

This is a made up scene taking place shortly before Eric's flashback scene in Never Let Me Go when he and his two comrades are in the forest. I had a feeling they were in battle just before that since Eric was dying at that point so this story could have actually happened.

The names of the two men with him aren't their official names and I just randomly got them from the internet.

Hope you guys like this!

War

The air was heavy with the heat of combat and filled with the cacophony of dying screams and metallic clanging as he staggered across the battlefield. His men were being killed off at an alarming rate and legions of enemy warriors were closing in on their unit. Though there were some of his men who fought valiantly in an attempt to hold off the incoming forces, he knew that they would soon be finished.

The blood was flowing heavily and freely from where an enemy blade had slashed him. He could hear his heartbeat thudding violently in his ears and his vision grew blurry and reddish at the edges. Though the wound was just below his heart, it was deep enough to speed up his journey to the halls of Valhalla.

He stopped when he saw the rival chieftain standing before him, his scarred face twisted up into a sadistic grin with his sword raised to end his life.

The sight of the bastard's expression and the crushing threat of his entire tribe's enslavement made him realize that even at the brink of death, he could not give in. His people entrusted their faith in him to defend them and he would fulfill his promise to ensure their safety, even at the cost of his own life.

He was a warrior, and a warrior must go down fighting up to his very last breath.

He drew a deep breath, rallied his resolve and remaining strength and charged with a roar at the chieftain. A fierce battle ensued, the metallic ringing of the swords as they clashed against each other accompanied by their animalistic roars.

Finally, it ended when he managed to gain the upper hand and with one swift movement, he sliced the chieftain's head off.

He tried to stand straight but found himself unsteady on his feet. He then collapsed heavily to the ground, most of his strength having been exhausted in the fight and having lost so much blood.

Ingvar and Olaf, his two generals, saw Eric's fallen body and thinking him dead, ran to claim him before their enemies had the chance to drag him off.

Ingvar flipped Eric onto his back and listened to his chest to see if he was indeed dead. Relief flooded him when he felt it rise and fall, albeit weakly.

Knowing they had to get away before they were seized, Olaf pointed to the forest and with great effort, hooked his arms under Eric's in order to help him stand.

Making sure they were not seen, they took off into the cover of the trees, away from the bloodshed.

I'd really appreciate reviews, suggestions on one-shots, feedback on my writing, and support! :)

P.S. Are you guys excited for the upcoming season 5? : I know I am. I was practically squealing at the computer screen while watching the first trailer.