The last of the harvests were being collected, a few farmers cursing their ill-luck as
almost-ripe produce frosted fast upon the fields - one less meal for hungry children, though certainly the town would do it's best to not let these noble people starve. Hoes and rakes were to be gently packed away, into oiled cloths and chests to stave off moisture and rust.
To put away impliments of creation, and to bring out the tools of War.
The militia was gathering this day, a slow trickle at first - then more, as farmers came in from their homes - many bringing their families. Some men had been lured back, but not all; and more had resigned, with the news of Helstone's recent governance.
But these men - and sometimes women - came, and the face of the town was to change.
Mish-mash armors of leather and amatuer mail were donned, fine weapons bought with money from the coffers of Houses Sleipner and Guillame combined were saddled upon many a hip - skinny or bulging - all overed by hastily-made tabards of white.
Old carts, crates, and bits of thin metal would find themselves confiscated, hammer weilded against it until they formed heavy barricades - alleys filling with such makeshift things, kept until a time when they would be needed - and some were already pressed into service, many a townsfolk finding familiar paths altered, guarded by apologetic - but firm - militiamen.
Orders and the sound of hammers rang, but it would not prevent any from reading the many signs posted - and those lucky militiamen who could read willing to shout it above the bedlam.
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By the hand of the Council of Defense, headed by the General Eriks deMord Sleipner:
an anouncement and heartfelt apology.
Due to outside - and inside - threats to Myrkenwood, it is with deepest regret that the town's safety be bolstered and made more certain against any who would Threaten Her People.
Entrance in and out of the city shall hereby be heavily monitored, and a Cerfew is to be instated for the times between nightfall and daybreak. Houses of Pleasure and Drink may remain open during these hours, but shall not accept nor turn out any persons during that time, and Medical Emergencies shall not be penalized.
Any complaints of business lost due to these changes may be made, judged, and will be reembursed if the cause is found fair.
May Myrken ever prosper, and her Enemies and Tormentors be Crushed.
- 'General' Eriks