Pinkfire

The lights, the sounds, the sunset in blazing reds and salmon hues, all saturated and crowning the golden sun. Pinkfire was delighted by the city.
The city, where unfortunately, a hotel cost more treasure than she could afford for more than three days. The city where she'd have to leave before she got to see half of its structures and understand exactly what they got up to, here.
But she had enough for three days; so she stayed for three in the hotel to drink in the hustle and bustle, and then three more in a less comfortable place. In the caves along the beach, which were filled with the sounds of bats and other creatures, and which also flooded with saltwater when the tide came in. But it kept her close to the city. To the sounds of ships coming in and out of port, to the constant trade, to the beautiful sunsets that shone with the dust kicked up by hundreds and hundreds of roaming dragon feet over the course of a day.
She loved it, sure, but there's only so long one can sleep in a cave without a proper bed before one begins to think that it might be time to... For starters, get a proper tent. For another, to get along and back on the road.
But she certainly liked the city. Perhaps she'd find enough money to establish herself properly here in the future, so she could find an apartment, get a job, and stay.

The city stood proudly over the sweeping lands it guarded. High walls patrolled by guards that were only specks from this distance, soaring roofs covered in shingle, and terraced farms on the outskirts lent beauty to the landscape.
Pinkfire could sense something was off, however. What it was, she couldn't say, but she was wise enough to not approach the city. A flying patrol dipped low over her head, missing her in the shadow of the bushes she was crouched in - two Imperials and a coatl. There was something deadly about the coatl, and something terrifying about one of the Imperials. This city wasn't as idyllic as it appeared.
The moment the patrol vanished over the horizon, Pinkfire leapt to the wind and soared away as quickly as she could. There was no safety for her here.

She was back. A place that should've been home, but wasn't. Not anymore. The once-great city stood in ruin, a crimson tent the only indication of life. It was safe, but she didn't want to stick around too long. She had come back only for a visit anyway. She still had places to see.