The gate, when you reach it, is closed. And locked. And barred, and possibly blockaded, judging from the amount of time and effort it takes the guards to open it. It is clear they were not expecting to see the two of you again - and not all of them seem overly pleased about it, either.
Still, they do have a few small cells they can lock the were-rats into, and there is at least one guard who is happy to see the two of you (or Lauren, at least,) unharmed.
The guards are not entirely pleased with the brevity of your explanation of events. But Lauren is cheerfully playing the part of distraught noblewoman; a role that sheds questions like a duck sheds water, while still making the pair of you seem such obvious upstanding citizens that the guards can't even bring themselves to ask the two of you to stay for the watch inspector.
Back at the inn, however, it becomes clear that the night is not yet over, for an elegantly dressed courier, in the brown and green of the local lord, awaits the two of you.
"Milady is invited to dine with the Duke. We would not be so remiss as to fail to extend every courtesy to such a distinguished visitor."
He bows low, and awaits a response.
"While I would be delighted to accept his invitation, I must warn him that I have been greatly fatigued by my journey. I will need some time to freshen up, and will most likely have to retire early." Lauren replies.
"Of course, Milady. Please, this way."
The courier leads the two of you out of the inn, and further south, to a great mansion built up against the edge of the fortress.
"Bad placement," mutters Lauren under her breath. "A determined force could take that fort in half an hour with this mess giving them an open path... Though I suppose a city this far south doesn't have to worry about orcish war parties."
Eventually, however, the two of you are deposited in adjoining guest rooms in the Duke's mansion. It takes Lauren another ten minutes to convince the provided ladies in waiting to "go away already!", though of course she uses much more elegant language to their faces.
"I don't suppose you happen to know anything about this duke? His name, perhaps? I've bought us at least an hour to decide why we're officially here." Lauren pulls a dress out of her backpack, and retreats behind a curtain to change into something more suitable for dining with a duke.
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