Well over the course of the next few hours, things will average out anyway. So if you like, you can gloss over what you do over the next few hours, until dinner rolls around and your patrol members are assigned. I would also take a moment to check your gear and buy whatever non-magical goods you need at a 40% discount, and possibly pitch in towards something like a Handy Haversack or healing items.

I might have to come up with a cleric or druid, as well as a ranger type NPC to join your patrol.
...as well as generate some of the creatures you'll run into when you leave Cloak Wood.

So far I haven't had much homework to do, but now it seems that will change.
Time to get focused and rustle up some baddies.
Hopefully we will have a fight or two next week.