The dawn had come. Narwen was ashore, dressed in what would hopefully pass for merchant attire, and with a bag of jingling gold at her waist, ready to be emptied in the pursuit of knowledge. Specifically, knowledge reguarding the state of the tower guard.
The streets of Dol Amroth were clean and in good repair, with various shops, inns, and taverns lining the wide ways. The smell of salt was in the air, borne on the sea breeze. Many people were on the streets, going about their everyday business. Good. She could easily blend in. No one would remember her.
Taking a side turning, she came upon a likely looking inn. The sign hanging above the door read, "The King's Sword." Through the windows, she could glimpse the patrons inn, mostly sailors and merchants, but a sprinkling of locals and foriengers promised much information. Pushing open the heavy wooden door of the inn, banded by finely ornamented iron, she was greeted with a babble of talk.
Quickly locating a group of merchants at the bar, she walked over and addressed them in what she hoped was a cheerful manner. "Gentlemen! How do you do? Could I perhaps buy a round of drinks for you?" The men turned around, and one of stood and bowed. Narwen smiled inwardly. It had been a long time since she had ever been bowed to. He replied to her, "Thank you..." He paused, inquiring her name.
"Narwen," she replied. He moved out of the way. "Please, sit down. I am Fazhul, a merchant, and these are my friends." He indicated the other men with a wave of his hand. Several rings flashed on his fingers. She sat, and placed five gold coins on the counter for the drinks, which were promptly brought and distributed among the men.
Eventually, after the formalities, she managed to turn the conversation towards the city itself. "So," she asked in a casual manner, "what do you think of the city? Do you think is it well protected enough? I have heard rumors that much of the guards have been sent with the prince."
One of the men nodded. "Indeed. Only a handfull of guards are left, and they have grown lazy from the peace that the reign f King Aragorn has brought. If anyone did attack, the city would be very poorly defended." Narwen nodded, to encourge the man to say more, but he turned the conversation to other things. After a while, Narwen managed to excuse herself by saying that she had other business elsewhere in the city.
The sky was darkening, stars growing in the sky when she returned to the ship with the news. The attack would begin soon.
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