Either you don't walk very fast or the village was further than you thought but it is dark when you get there. And this isn't the late night, street lights illuminating your way, stars are dimmed dark of the city streets you're used to. This is out in the middle of nowhere when-did-the-sky-get-so-big and OMG-what-was-that-noise?! dark. The village ahead is dark as well but, as you appraoch, you realize this is because it is surround by a large wall. Two flames illuminate a gate which is closed. You saw this in one of the Lord of the Rings movies, you'll need to knock and request entry. If you could speak the language. Perhaps you could pretend you're a deaf/mute. Or you could forget the drink, camp outside the walls, and look for help in the morning when the gates are open.

I'll knock and then act really dumb and helpless.

The forest is only a few steps, I'll hide in the bushes until dawn.