It was beautiful. More than the teenage drake could have imagined. Spike gaped at all the dragons, just like him. More pony-like, but still reptiles. The ones during the migration, as he'd been informed, where criminals, outcasted from this kingdom. These dragons were nothing like them. They wrote stories, painted pictures, played instruments, watered flowers, baked food. It was too much to take in. He felt like his head was going to explode.
"Spike, remember why we're here," Princess Twilight said "To sign a peace treaty with King Scultone, that's all."
"But Twilight," Spike replied, "These dragons... they're like me!!! Nicer, civilized, better. C'mon, Twi, please let me look around!!!"
"Fine," she sighed, "But I need you back here in an hour."
"Thank you!!!" Spike said, before running off.
The buildings were made of stone slabs, probably because they weren't flammable. Two young dragons ran by Spike, laughing the whole time. They seemed to be playing tag, or maybe cops and robbers? A chasing game, or maybe one was just following the other. He smiled, watching them, even as they were fare behind him.
Until he ran right into another dragon.
"Oh my gosh!!!" she exclaimed, "I'm so sorry!!!"
He looked at the dragoness. She had pretty blue scales, and a long, orange... mane? Oh, that's right. Spike had completely forgotten dragons could have manes. She was magnificent.
"No, it's my fault," he said, "I'm Spike."
"Topaz," she said, "Are you new in this area? I don't think I've ever seen you around before."
"Um, yeah," he said, "I come from far away, but I really like this city. Especially the docks, I found them intriguing."
"Intriguing?" Topaz asked, "Not that common of a word."
"Well, I did grow up with a librarian," Spike smiled, "Hope to see you around, Topaz."
"You too, Spike." Topaz said.
Alright, so what else could Spike do? Let's see, library? Overused. Party shop? No use. Grocery store, pizza place, gem cafe, pet sto- Wait, gem cafe?! That sounded like a great way to spend some time. He checked his pockets. Good, he still had the dragon coins. He had received them after giving the bank teller the equivalent in bits. He took out one coin, and tossed it in the air, catching it before it got too far out of reach.
The cafe didn't only serve gems. It also sold beverages, sweets, and croissants. Of course, the gems were their main focus. Sapphires, rubies, emeralds, amethysts. They all shone brightly from behind glass display cases. Spike licked his lips, hungrily.
"Hey, are you gonna buy something or what?" the dragon behind the counter asked him, "I haven't got all day, here."
"Yeah, how much for the... sapphire?" Spike asked