I had struggled to get the appropriate amount of sleep last night. The old book I read that listed off the different events that's prophesied to happen during ragnarök, and what signs we'd have to keep an eye out, leading up to the day where a majority of humanity will perish, and there will be few survivors; Odin and Thor, and more who are destined to die when the day comes.

There was so much to take in, I was indeed intimated with what's all to come; Although I know I shouldn't worry so much about it, knowing I won't be alive by the time ragnarök does come around, so its not like I'd have to witness just how chaotic ragnarök may be, and how it will very likely be one of the most gruesome phase the nine realms would be forced to face.

It'd probably be best if I didn't lie down all day, but find some way I can entertain myself, rather than sleep all day, and get no sleep at all tonight, completely throwing off my sleeping schedule I was just beginning to get back in order, so I'd wake up almost every morning with the rising sun.

I tossed the animal pelt cloth that was draped over my body, keeping me warm aside onto the bed, sitting up, giving my arms a good long stretch before I had dragged myself off the comfort of my bed.

The first thing I noticed as soon as I got up, was the cabin was colder than most mornings, which obviously meant it was cold outside, so I'd have to layer up if I wanted to get outside.

I shivered, displeased with the cold as I quickly scurried over to the long fur cloak I regularly wear to fight off midgards cold temperatures, pulling it over myself as soon as I took ahold of the wolf fur cloak, letting it hang over my shoulders, clipping the pins together, keeping it secured, the pin had runes carved onto it, runes for strength.

It was so cold, I almost wonder if it snowed over night, which is very likely.
While I was there by the window, I took a peek outside, and rather than seeing the usually ground covered with leaves, and a thin layer of frost most mornings with a light fog, this morning the ground and trees had a thick blanket of powdery, fresh white snow. The morning sunlight reflected off the untouched snow, the white blanket sparkled.

I was oddly enthusiastic about the snow. Leading up to the snow, I would complain about the cold, and pray that this winters snow wouldn't be so heavy as most winters- looks to be my prayers were not answered.

Perhaps it was the sight of the beautiful scenery that gave me a sense of joy, cause I know for sure, now that its begum snowing, keeping myself alive and making sure all the necessities were stocked up won't be as easy as I'd like; like the previous winters, I'll stick to what advice my father gave me before his soul left for the afterlife. His tips and tricks got me this far out here alone, I'd be better off sticking to it rather than risk dying out here in the freezing cold.

I wanted to be outside, even for just a short while. At the moment, I'd rather be out in the cold, than stay cooped up the rest of the winter, especially considering it'll just get worse as time progresses.

I wasn't going to wait inside much longer, so I scrambled around my small cabin and snatched everything I thought I'd need for the cold winter, layering up with thick cloth, fur pelts, shoes, anything I believe would be useful to keep me warm, while exposed to the harsh, snowy cold of midgard.

As soon as I had prepared myself for leaving the cabin for a while, for at least a stroll around the whitened woods, wrapping myself with enough clothing to keep a mortal man alive in helheim- okay, that was an exaggeration... It was enough to keep me warm enough that I van tolerate the snow and cold, and enjoy the scenery without complaining about the cold.

I didn't waste another second, as I was already skipping my way towards the door, but there was something that caught my eye, that was propped up again the wall in the corner of the cabin, a few beams of light shining upon it.
It was my father's old sword. He hand forged it, and I remember he took so much pride in that sword after it was finished; he put so much effort into it... I wish I could see his excited smile again...
I'm going to take it with me today. Since the incident with the draugr, I have felt unsafe leaving my cabin, so I will keep this sword in handy in case- not like I'd have anything to worry about, but I wouldn't be so anxious without it.

I picked it up from out of the corner, and it was quite heavy, but light enough I could hold it, and swing it if necessary. The scabbard that covered the sword was Aldo hand crafted by my father, made of leather, and multiple runes and designs carved into it.
For his first sword, this was surely impressive; an experienced blacksmith would have approved of this blade, made by someone with little experience, but had enough time on their hands to craft one.

I hooked the swords scabbard onto the straps over my hips, securing it, and adjusting it to fit me just how I want it; satisfied, the sword now practically dangling off my hip, ready to be used for any case of emergency.

I believed that I was set to go, and without wasting another second, I was off.
Wrapping my fingers around the bronze handle, I pulled opened the creaky, wooden entrance, almost immediately did I feel the harsh winter cold, sending a heavy shiver down my spine. 'Brrr'
The many layers of winter accessories, and clothing helped keep me somewhat warm, so the cold was bearable.

After shutting the door behind me,I stepped foot into the powdery snow, crunching underneath me; the snow reached to about above my ankles, and as I stood there, small, fragile snowflakes still danced from the sky to the snowy floor; perhaps not as hard as it may have been overnight.

I began walking away from the cabin, taking the path I usually take when I take a walk outside some days, leaving a trail of my footprints behind me as I marched along the snow.
It was clear to me I wasn't going to be out here nearly as long as I would have hoped, but I'll keep going til I decide I have had enough.

The woods were absolutely beautiful, and I was in complete awe at the sight; every winter never ceases to amaze me, yet I complain about the cold every year- you'd imagine living in midgard, in these areas, you'd get used to the cold by now?

It was quiet, as usual, so I knew I shouldn't be disturbed by any other sorts of life; I doubt baldur would come and startle me again like he did just yesterday, but if I'm being completely honest, I'd enjoy his company- wonder when I'll get to see him again?

Everything was so calm and peaceful; I was relaxed, content. It seemed as if nothing could disrupt this moment for myself.

I hear a faint noise...
I stopped dead in my tracks soon after the sound had caught my attention, my body naturally tensing up.
I steadied my breath, listening closely to what that sudden noise could be.
Goodness, (y/n)... It could be an innocent animal! Nothing to be afraid of!

But... This sound was familiar, not like the ordinary deer passing by, or a sly fox hunting small animals; it sounded more human than like any wildlife I have heard, but I know one thing for sure is that this isn't the first I've heard this sound before.

I kept myself quiet, to avoid drawing any attention to myself, and keep my ears opened, listening for wherever this thing may be.
From what I could hear, it was just behind a cluster of trees, just a few feet away from me, giving me a sinking feeling to my stomach.

This was a stupid move, one that could possibly get me killed if this was something I need to be afraid of, but with some hesitation, I pushed myself forwards, moving towards the source with light steps, stepping in such a way where I shouldn't be heard, something my father showed me to sneak up to your targeted prey so it wouldn't be alerted; the technique seemed to work so far.

I was just behind one of the tall white trees with unique black strips, decorating the log, bracing myself for the worst before I would peek my head outside the log, and see for myself what was making such a familiar, and unpleasant soft groaning noise.

Tensing my shoulders, feeling my heart beat pick up, and my palms sweat, I slowly popped my head out from behind the tree, just enough where I could get a look at this creature without making my presence obvious.

As soon as I saw the figure, I bit my tongue to hold back a gasp, quickly hiding myself behind the tree once more.
What are the odds??
A draugr? Here? Again? I thought that the last time I had run into a draugr would be my first and last time, clearly I was wrong.
Around here was usually safe, so no dangerous creatures should be able to get all the way over here.

I cringed at the rough hiss of the undead creatures breath, looking back to when one of them was so close to taking my own life with its old rusty sword.
I have the sword... Do I attack it? Should I sneak away and forget this ever happened? What'd be the best thing to do?
I don't wan to risk hurting myself anymore by fighting it, but I also would hate for more of them to draw in, along with more creatures I should be more terrified of; ogres, wulvers, or even trolls!

What would be the best route to take?