Vargus and Rosaline approached the towering gates of Coiling Dragon City, their path flanked by the bustling crowds that thronged the city's entrance. The city, known for its neutrality in a world of factions and feuds, operated on a simple principle: gold could grant you almost anything, including anonymity.
As they reached the gate, a pair of guards clad in ornate armor scrutinized them. The guards' eyes gleamed with a mix of suspicion and greed, typical of those who manned the entry points into this massive trading hub.
One guard stepped forward, his expression arrogant as he held out a hand. "State your business in Coiling Dragon City, or pay the toll for discretion," he demanded, his voice carrying the confident authority of someone accustomed to being bribed.