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Juanqu glanced nervously at Huohua as they made their way to the shop. Overnight, their four eggs had turned into five eggs, the new one unlike the others in pretty much every way possible. The colors were nothing like those of his own or Huohua's and that was the least of the differences. No, the large golden wings and halo would be the most obvious difference between this new egg and the four that had solely occupied the nest the previous day.

Though the new egg was strange, Juanqu felt that it had been left with them for a reason. The concerning part was that whoever had left the egg in their nest had managed to get the wards to allow them in. And while he'd personally checked each and every one of the other eggs, it seemed that no harm had come to them. Just a new egg deposited within the nest.

The Long hoped that Fei Yi would have some idea of what was going on. And where this strange egg came from. And why it had been placed in their nest.

((We'll let you know if anything needs tweaking, Irish.))

Fei Yi sighed, feeling the bright sun warm on his back and the gentle breeze that heralded autumn whispering along. It was a pleasant, enjoyable day to be outside, but he'd been uncomfortable from the moment he set foot on the path. It was the first time since the Wei Kun Lian opened that he could recall leaving the restaurant in the care of his apprentices, and though he knew that Heimei and Xingyun now knew the menu's recipes backward and forward, part of him still felt that he should be back in the kitchen, overseeing things and ensuring that everything went smoothly.

But he'd felt the draw of power last night, a faint tug just before he drifted off that he almost thought he'd dreamt... until he woke and felt it again. It was like a thin string tied around his heart, pulling him forward along the path until he encountered Juanqu and Huohua and the egg that they kept with them, nestled and warm. The sight of it, and the wards that surrounded it, all carefully keyed to keep it from general notice so that his eyes seemed to slide off it, almost unwilling to rest there, told him more than the new parents probably ever could. He could see the way the wards had shifted, the magic colors of them aligned with both parents so that their eyes were not pulled away, and they could see the egg as it truly was. Skillful magic, indeed...

"I heard congratulations was in order," he said to his two regulars by way of greeting, nodding at them. He didn't smile. He couldn't, not yet.

Huohua was so deeply in thought in regards to the possibilites of what that lovely egg could mean to her, Juanqu and her clutch that when the words "I heard congratulations was in order" were spoken Huohua was startled causing her to jump slightly.

Looking up she saw Fei Yi and was surprised. "I'm sorry for jumping but you startled me when you spoke, I was so deeply in thought I did not notice you entering." "Thank you for your congratulations I am intriqued and apprehensive as to what this egg means not only to my clutch but to me and Juanqu as well." she said.


Turning her head she saw Juanqu watching the eggs. "Wonder what he is thinking?" she thought.

Juanqu nodded when Fei asked permission. He was shocked when the Long continued on to say that they could turn their backs on it. "But... it's just an egg!" He sputtered, appalled. How could they turn out a defenseless little egg, even if it was different? Fei had said that it was no danger to them, but... it brought danger with it?

"What do you mean it brings danger with it? Do you know what it is? And who brought it here? And... why?"

One thing was certain, Fei decided as he carefully cradled the egg in his hands, examining it carefully. The person who'd left it, whoever he or she was, had chosen the right parents to watch over it. Their reactions, the way they got so offended at the thought of abandoning the eggs, showed just how good they were. Lips finally curving in a smile, Fei turned to Huohua first. "With any luck, they won't be. But... go back and get them. Bring them to the restaurant, please. I'll make certain you and your clutch are protected," he promised, hesitating a moment before offering the egg back to Juanqu.

"As to your questions... well, I'll answer them in due time. But for now, your main concern is bringing your clutch to the Lotus. Once they're in my restaurant, I'll be better able to keep them safe from whoever might be searching for this one. Will you do that?"

Huohua was surprised by Fei's request to gather her clutch and bring them to the safety of his restaurant. "Wonder why he wishes for them to be there?" "He rarely goes to the restaurant now doesnt he?" "His apprentices seem to be running it or am I not seeing what they want me to see?" she thought to herself.

Feeling a nuzzle she turned and saw Juanqu. Smiling she thought how perfectly happy she was with him though not mated he seemed to be all she was wanting in a mate.

Watching as Juanqu accepted the egg's return he suddenly stroked the shell as in a caress and wondered outloud who would want to harm the egg. Huohua was proud that Juanqu was so protective though not a egg from their clutch he did not treat it any differently then if it was.

Turning she walked over to her clutch and started to lovingly gather them so they can be moved to Fei's restaurant.

Juanqu was glad when Fei moved to help. Five eggs would be hard to managed between the two Jiao Long. Still hoping to get some answers about this new egg and why it was here and in their nest and loads of other things, Juanqu followed along after Fei to the restaurant. For now, it seemed he'd have to wait for his answers.

Once they arrived, Fei showed them to a smallish, comfortable room in the basement. It was cooler there than it was outside, and Fei offered them a nesting box near the freezer. "Hopefully, the cold as we walk in and out should help them to hatch," he said, though he didn't know for certain. "If it doesn't, I'll arrange for them to go up into the rain," he promised at last, his mind already going to what magics it might take to ensure that the eggs would be safe. "That egg," he noted, however, as he looked at the winged egg, "would probably be best not hatching with the others. Keep it in here for now. I've warded this place heavily, but you should ward it as well.

Sighing, the chef began to turn, then looked back at the two of them. "You'll get through this safely. I'll see to that." The promise weighed heavily on him as he turned once more to go.