Scraps of fabric corresponding to a firelizard egg were hidden across 14 locations in the Tea Room. Participants were allowed a turn to search one location before another participant got their chance. Results will be listed with descriptions and inspirations at the end. Possible locations are as follows:

Glass Windchime

Near the door hangs a large glass windchime. More for show than sound, its long slivers of silvered glass catch in the sunlight, scattering it about the room in brilliant display. All the same, when the door opens, the breeze it brings sends the chime to gently tinkling away like a bubbling brook. It seems like there’s few places to hide anything, but the top is a complex mesh of woven reeds… Perhaps something hides in there?

Pile of Comfortable Blankets

A pile of blankets sit by the window - presumably put there to serve as a firelizard bed. How can you tell? Probably because of the ember-flecked bronze firelizard that’s curled up, sunbathing in the afternoon light. He looks comfortable - really comfortable. Tiny eyes are lidded over as his dark chest rises regularly in a slow and steady pace You wouldn’t possibly disturb him, would you?

Vivid Purple Pillow

There are many pillows strewn about there in the Tea Room of myriad colors. One, however, is particularly eye-catching. Vivid purple fabric covers over this large fluffy pillow, and an ornate winding design is picked out on its front, the color of a fine dark Benden red. Does fabric beget more fabric?

Tapestry of a Sunlit Lake

The piece hangs large upon the wall. Alternating hues of spring greens and soft blues in rippling waves dominate the piece, eventually blending as the faintest hints of pale yellow begin to come into the mix. The weaves are tight, giving it a clean gradient with the finest hints of shimmering gold at the top.

Embroidered Flowers

Upon the mantle rests a crisp white canvas upon which six sprigs of lavender are picked out in ribbon and thread. The piece is framed and set to the side of the mantle among various other baubles. Not much, but maybe something is hidden behind it?

Kettle Simmering by the Hearth

Hanging over the hearth, this black kettle has stood the test of time. Its surface is a deep black, marred by countless dents and scrapes, but hey - if it boils water, it boils water, right? And there’s no doubt about it - that pockmarked kettle can boil a lot of water. Or fabric.

Teapot With Golden Cracks

A lone teapot sits on a cabinet across from the door. Fine dark earthenware shimmers with golden hairline cracks across its surface. What once was broken has been mended into something far more beautiful than ever before. Small, certainly, but maybe there’s a scrap of fabric inside?

Under the Table’s Leg

The lone table stands on a single base. The polished wood - or at least what can be seen past the tablecloth - is a rich deep color, and a design winds up its base in a spiral, carved into the delicate wood. It looks heavy, sure, but there’s a lot of space down there to hide just a little piece of fabric…

Potted Cactus on Mantle

To the left of the perched emerald lizard is a small pot of pale magenta, decorated with black motifs about its whole. In the center of the pot sits a small cactus. It's spines are fine and white, numerous on its surface as trees in a forest. A vibrant flower blooms at the top. It probably won't hurt to touch the cactus…. Probably.

Underneath the Crisp White Tablecloth

Upon the sole table remaining in the shop is a crisp white tablecloth. The fabric cascades regally down from the surface, rippling softly in the gentle breeze emanating from the doorway.

Lone Pile of Saucers

On the table sits a pile of earthenware saucers, seemingly with no purpose other than to be piled there. Perhaps they’re being stored but… A tabletop is an odd place to store things, isn’t it?

Block of Ice in Preparation Area

In the back of the Tea Room sits a rough hewn preparation table. Knives, a loaf of bread, and variety of other implements of destruction are scattered about its surface, but the most prominent piece is a large block of clear ice. The top has already been repeatedly hewn, chipped away at over the day to fill countless drinks.

Pile of Dirty Dishes

In the back of the shop sits a small stack of plates, awaiting a wash. Crumbs of bread and cheese spot the surfaces of the plates and the faintest stain of tea still colors the inside of the teacups. A bucket of suds sits nearby, ready and waiting to be fouled with the refuse of the day.

Beneath the Green Hatchling on the Mantle

Upon the mantle sits a young green hatchling, emerald hide shot through with silver gleam. She sits in quiet repose, overlooking the goings-on of the Tea Room. Contented blue eyes whirl slowly with a regal detachment, and you might not be able to shake the feeling that upon crossing the threshold, she has deemed you a new subject, entering her domain. Surely she wouldn’t be hiding a scrap of fabric under those gleaming claws….

Basket of Firelizard Eggs

On the hearth sits six small pots, each filled with sand. Half a dozen eggs of myriad colors sit evenly distributed in them, basking in the warmth of the fire and visible for all to see. That's not really a place to be searching… Right?






It's a sunny day at Igen, but not unforgivably so. The tables of the Tea Room have been set up outside of the cafe, lined along its outer wall in the street - all the tables, spare for one, anyhow. As guests arrive, Midra collects the required entry - a very modest fee, she reminds those who complain - and gets their drink order. Beris is seen weaving between the tables and guests with heavily laden platters to deliver said drinks. When the time finally arrives, Midra moves to the front door that, up until this point, has remained closed. Veiled in scarlet and dressed in white, the young Steen waits for the quiet that naturally comes when an audience senses an event is to begin. "Thank you all for coming," She begins warmly, inclining her head briefly. "Within the Tea Room, 5 swatches of fabric are hidden behind various items. They correspond to five eggs incubating on the hearth." A pause. "To prevent a mad rush, an order has determined randomly. In that order, you all will be able to go in and search one place. We'll keep that up until all the eggs are found. Any questions?" In lieu of any, she calls, "Doji, you're up!"

Doji hadn't been to the Tea Room in far too long and tried to kill two avians with one stone this afternoon. First order of business, was to get some of that delicious mint tea. Second order of business, she had just finished working on another embroidery, this time a scene that resembles the star stones standing over the lake. Since the girl doesn't have anywhere to display it in the apprentice dorms, she thought that Midra could use it.Turns out there was an unexpected third order of business. Scavenger hunt for firelizard eggs? Too confused to say no, Doji pays the modest fee (there was tea included in that fee, right?) and takes her spot waiting in line. When she gets called first, she hesitates for a moment before heading straight towards the embroidered flowers and delicately looks to see if anything might be hiding behind the frame.

Doji will find it to be a rather brief search. The piece, upon being examined, will immediately reveal a piece of fabric beneath it. The fabric is a silvery white. Upon seeing it, Midra smiles and fetches a basket holding an egg of swirling gold and silver, handing it to Doji.

With the egg handed up, Midra turns, motioning Divale through the door.

While the Tea Room is a venue often frequented by Divale, the event currently underway is something of an oddity for her. Yet curiosity is a tempting draw and, with her duties completed for the day, she has decided to drop in. The 'modest' fee is paid without any complaint (verbal, anyways), she'll step inside, dark gaze sweeping the establishment with a studious, if not slightly guarded, air. Second thoughts? Maybe. Too late, she's spotted by Midra and, once waved through, she will continue forwards, rather than back. "Good day, Midra. Looks to be off to a good start?" she murmurs, before taking note of Doji's success. With a slight shrug of her shoulders, Divale drifts towards her choice of 'spot' to investigate; unsurprisingly, she goes right for the Potted Cactus on the mantle.

The pot doesn't seem all that special at first. The pot itself is pretty, of course, and the plant is nice, but nothing of the quarry stands out. Soil tumbles onto the mantle when Divale moves it about, but there is nothing about or below it. As Divale replaces it upon the mantle, though, they see what the soil was hiding - a scrap of dark fabric with brown stripes. When she spots it, Midra takes the fabric and trades Divale a pot with an ebony egg and chocolate ringlets across its surface.

Neryk has entered near the end of the group of people, eyes downcast as the youth hangs in the shadow of M'tej. The arguement that has preceeded thier arrival has now fallen silent as the fee is paid and the pair stands to the side. Unwillingly dragged here by his former wingleader has Neryk's eyes remaining fixed firmly on the ground while the bright bronze on his shoulder watches the proceedings with an unveiled delight. The sound of his name has Neryk starting slightly, then after a moment's pause, he steps forward, honning in on and giveing a bobbing bow to the pretty emerald lizard perched on the manta. He offers her another little bow, a tenitive hand reaching out to stroke the hatchling as Pollux fluttering down to greet her and perhaps to coax the little thing from letting his boy search the area she has so well under her control.

The imperious little green is, at first, hesitant to move. A confused trill answers any effort by Pollux to draw her away, but when it finally becomes clear to the creature what they're after, her eyes gleam red and there's an offended murmur. She moves to the side, calmed only by Pollux's encouragement, but Neryk finds nothing in her wake.

It never ceases to amaze Ziniel that strangers will stare openly at her outrageous height. Her purpose? To visit her former fostermother, but low and behold there's a line up at the tea room and with a modest fee Ziniel finds herself in line for a scavanger hunt. A moment of time to just survey the interior of the shop, and a pile of comfy looking blankets is spotted. Zini heads for that to carefully check through them. What is she looking for? A scrap of fabric? Hmm…

Ziniel? Really? You're gonna disturb the poor thing? The dark ember-flecked bronze opens sleepy eyes as Ziniel paws through his bed. As Ziniel continues, the creature gets more irate, hissing in displeasure before he looks to Midra, who clicks her tongue disapprovingly. The firelizard hisses once more before launching into the air and vanishing. Midra still looks unimpressed as Ziniel drives off her 'lizard, though there's a touch of amusement in dark eyes as Ziniel finds nothing.

With Ziniel on her way out, Midra stifles the bile in her throat as she motions Ko'an forward.

How does one go about doing something the 'right' way? There are many ways to come about a firelizard egg, and needless to say Ko'an's methods don't tend to lean towards the more savory of concepts. Regardless, he stands beside the crowd that had gathered for the event of the Bazaar, leaning next to the door with his arms folded. Nonchalant, his brows faintly risen as he watches the other seekers come and go. Once summoned, he shifts to straighten, a smirk crooked on his face as he winks at Midra, yet uncharacteristically makes no further comment. He's actually here to participate; he has his reasons, despite his treatment of the scrawny bronze that follows 'neath his command. The dark-swathed man moves with his swagger through the tea shop, seablue eyes fainting over the various objects, lingering on those of more value, but reminding himself the point of the matter- Alright, so he doesn't quite make it past the teapot with the golden cracks. He lifts it slightly with a soft clatter on removing its lid.

As Ko'an turns the kettle over, the bottom appears unremarkable - or as unremarkable as such a piece could be. A search of the interior similarly reveals nothing. The teapot is glimmering and lovely in its own right, but it holds no prize.

As Ko'an finds nothing, Midra beckons D'reize to take his turn.

Oh, to have tea: even for a fee, the Tea Room's got the right stuff. D'reize'll put up his marks with no fuss, arching an amused brow at the idea of getting roped into going hunting for a firelizard egg while he's at it. The dignity conferred on a dragonrider is not at stake with this kind of game, now is it? One never kows what might set off the more conservative of Igen's lot of riders and residents. Being the easygoing sort, D'reize simply shrugs and goes along with the little game. Having gotten in the door, he'll meander over to the glass wind chime, for it is pretty, and contains so much to capture interest — and D'reize might want to see if there's a maker's mark to identify the person he might wish to proffer marks to to make him one. Oh, and see if there's something in that reed top.

D'reize has to pull up a chair, but with it, they can reach the windchime well enough. The only place to really hide the fabric is at the very top, but just a look there shows D'reize quickly enough that there's nothing to be found.

As D'reize finds nothing, Midra motions for Kairmine to take his turn.

'It would be good for you,' he said. 'Get out of the shop and leave the fish alone,' he complained so here a certain Weaver finds himself slowly entering. Fee paid, Kairmine stands out of the way with his hands resting upon his hips as he waits quietly for his turn. He glances around the shop, taking in a deep breath and holding it as he takes in the details of this place. Soon enough, the weaver is called forward and hesitantly, he makes his way towards the Crisp White Tablecloth. Kairmine shakes his head, there's a little snag in the cloth and now it can't be unseen. He does examine a little closer. Stubborn.

When it becomes clear that Kairmine wants to look under the table, Midra approaches to pull aside the stack of saucers, with an amused look of disapproval if he tries riffling through them first. Kairmine is then free to begin investigating the tablecloth, looking under the edges, the trim, and finally, pulling it up completely to reveal… nothing.

Midra motions for M'tej to take a turn.

Having arrived with Neryk, or perhaps more accurately having herded Neryk to the event, Mtej does manifest more interest in giving his drink order to Beris rather than the eggs or small firelizards perched around the place. The Oldtimer had grinned, though, at the organization and moreso when those before him had come out clutching a fabric and basket. His attention mostly follows the dragonless rider, Neryk. A green lizard already sits on Mtejs shoulder, curled against his neck with a possessive tail necklacing the mans dark skin. No doubt Mtej had his drink by the time he was called, and some mild surprise registers that his number has been reached, with eggs yet unfound. But hell shove himself off and trek over to the door, with a nod to Midra, Maam. Just that, before he pads in and considers. Not long, really. Mtej does glance at the dirty dishes, then looks at the pile of saucers. Mona, the green on his shoulder, hisses, and tightens her tail around his neck. With a grin, then, Mtej heads toward the dishes and rolls up his sleeves, before dipping his hands in there, and feeling around.

As M'tej approaches the stack of dirty dishes, Midra raises an amused eyebrow. "Interested in helping me with the chores, are you?" The plates are sticky with the juice of various fruits, honey, and who knows what else. The aroma is less than pleasant - these seem to have been here for a bit. Nonetheless, as M'tej reaches the bottom of the pile, he'll find a soggy scrap of fabric inky black fabric that earns M'tej a pot with an equally dark firelizard egg.

After handing off the egg, Midra motions for Ione to search.

Ione is just here for tea — or at least she thought she was. But the intrigue of an egg hunt is something the goldrider can't resist. Not that she particularly needs more of the beasts, of course, but they're so cute when they're little. And then they grow up. Good thing Ione is the live-in-the-moment-with-no-foresight type of girl, so the promise of yet another obnoxious mouth to feed isn't the least bit daunting, even when it should be. When it's her turn, the redhead steps forward, surveying the area with a slightly narrowed gaze. That focus finally falls upon the block of ice over in the preparation area — because if there is an egg there, it should be rescued ASAP before the poor creature freezes in the shell.

Upon arriving to the table, the biggest problem becomes clear - finding the scrap isn't the challenge, but getting to it. Ione heaves and grunts and finally the block moves, shifting to the side. If Ione isn't careful, though, the whole block might slide and shatter upon the ground. All the same, she'll retrieves a sopping wet scrap of vivid green fabric, which is then traded for a basket with an egg of similar hues.

Midra motions for Neryk to take another turn.

That he is again motioned to surprises Neryk, he had slunk back to M'tej, quietly congradulating the man on his find, but go again? How many eggs where there. Pollux flutters up and chooses for him, settling on the vividl purple pillow that most certianly clashes terribly with those bright scales. Neryk scuttles over to scoop the bronze up before he starts shredding it, but might as well check here while he is here, right?

The pillow squishes satisfyingly under Neryk's hand, stuffed full of wools that it is. As he turns it over and investigates the back, they'll discover a small scrap of fabric stashed in the fold of the pillow cover. The fabric is a creamy lavender. Upon seeing it, Midra smiles and hands him a pot with an egg a swirling mix of bright lavender and green.

As she hands the egg to Neryk, she comes to the door, calling attention. "Neryk has found the last egg, so the hunt is officially over! Thank you all for coming. The Tea Room is open for normal business now, so feel free to remain, if you so wish."

The green lizard on M'tej's shoulder is NOT congratulating M'tej. She has taken to fluttering, hissing, from one of the man's broad shoulders to the other, crimson-eyed and sending as nasty a look as a firelizard can manage, to the basket M'tej holds. The brownrider claps Neryk on the shoulder, then laughs, before shooing his own green off, and looking around, "Right, lass. Hang on. Yes." Spotting the weaver who had looked under the tablecloth that M'tej had been about to check, the Oldtimer steps over to Kairmine, "Lad. Here. I've already got a woman who runs my life. Good luck." Basket and fabric are proffered.

A broad smile is given to those that were fortunate enough to win an egg as Ziniel turns to head towards the bakery. She slips through the bakery door, and is gone from sight.

Divale offers her usual vague, shadowed smile as Midra approaches to hand her the pot with an egg inside. Well, damn? She'd not expected that much good fortune or, let's face it, dumb luck! She'll step aside with her claimed winnings tucked securely against her by her arm. There is a bit of a look given to that cactus too, but it'll be safe. Maybe. There's still a chance the bloom on top of it will be gone by the time this event comes to an end. Right now, the brownrider is content to fade more to the sidelines, both to examine the egg she's won and, for the lucrative bonus of being able to people watch. Her favourite pastime! Quite a few faces are familiar enough to earn a nod or shadowed smirk in greeting from her.

Don't mind Ione as she completely shatters the block of ice all over the ground. But hey, at least she gets an egg out of the bargain! Bad luck to anyone who was hoping for a cold drink, though. "I'll pay for that," the goldrider chimes out, before she heads to collect her winnings. She's only a little wet.

D'reize will now settle down with his tea — good thing he prefers his warm. Thanks, Ione. Crossing his legs elegantly at the knee, he raises his little teacup to the winners of the impromptu contest. "Well done, all." He chimes in with a mischevious grin. "Well done." And now, for that refreshingly spicy tea he ordered. Sip. Sip-sip.

The bronzerider had remained standing near the teapot accented in golden line, taking up his space in all the dark, pompous air he carries. And when the last of the bits of fabric are found, he tips his head a bit with an up-turned gaze swept across the lingering sea of 'folks. Ko'an has other business to attend to, his tether tightened today, his chain constricting, to pull him towards that which awaits his time before later evening falls, and his singular lighthouse may guide him home. His form shadows the tea room's doorway once more before he disappears into the Bazaar streets.

For a moment, Kairmine is startled by the sudden interaction with M'tej and he manages a kind smile at the least. He was too busy debating if Midra would sell him the table cloth to cover the fish with, keeping it's judgy eyes at bay. Maybe even a little bit of confusion washing over his face. "Thank you, Sir." Do women particularly ruin lives? He wouldn't know, it might as well be a foreign language. Now the weaver glances around the room, still confused, at all the women folk and failing to see what sinister acts he didn't know existed. Maybe he's already doomed with the egg in his possession?

M'tej claps a hand on Kairmine's shoulder with a nod, before turning back to Neryk and heading over in that direction. He'll linger for a few moments, and admire Neryk's new egg, and then make his apologies, turning to head out.

As M'tej gives his prize to Kairmine, Neryk hums happily, after all Kairmine needed freinds. More Friends. He nods to M'tej as the rider exits, the new egg cradled in a hand and is lifted to show to Pollux. See? What was Castor going to say? Bah, it didn't matter. A new addition to the family. Neryk slips into the street to escape the teashop's peopleness.

Kairmine watches the rider leave and after a quick glance around the room, he moves to the door to make his own departure. This place is too comfortable, he'll lose track of time. Best to come later.






Egg Descriptions

Note: Characters listed are those that the egg ultimately ended up with, not necessarily who first found them.


Character: Kairmine

Color: Green

Description: Long, graceful lines define this tired green. At first look, she seems wearied, eternally exhausted by the weight of the world. Even at a young age she’s an old soul, dismal cynicism in every move. Her hide is a dull, dusty green in direct sunlight, but in just the right light - as candlelight glints off her hide or the last vestiges of dusk scatter across her hide - she’s a creature of incomparable beauty. In those fleeting moments, her hide becomes the deep, rich green of a boreal forest. She is a creature that desires - nay, demands - her space, treating others with a mild hostility, but in time, fierce loyalty can be coaxed from her.

Inspiration: This green is based on Dulcinea/Aldonza from Man of La Mancha.



Character: Doji

Color: Brown

Description: The brown’s hide walks a fine line between being conspicuous and being too conspicuous, managing to settle at a modest, tidy compromise. It’s a fine cinnamon through and through, unmarred by injury or time alike. He’s a good-natured creature, friendly to all and loathe to quarrel, even at the worst of times. He looms large for a brown, but it’s not evidenced in how he carries himself - he bounds about with all the energy of a hatchling. It’s only upon direct comparison with brown, bronze, or gold that his size is clear. Whirling blue eyes look out upon the world with sly amusement, as if he knows some secret joke that none will ever hear. Incidentally, he’ll never mate.

Inspiration: This brown is based on the Padre from Man of La Mancha.



Character: Neryk

Color: Blue

Description: A cloudless sky of brilliant blue - that’s what first comes to mind when you see this ‘lizard. Streaks of lighter blues wind across his form from blunt nose to tapered tail tip, as if to visualize the very breezes that bear him aloft. He’s about average size for his color, though particularly long of neck and tail. His personality is as bright and sunny as his hide. A touch fussy, the blue is particularly helpful, fetching food and small things if he senses even the barest suggestion of need from his bonded - and even sometimes when he does not. He doesn’t steal - or at least, not usually - but if he does, it’s only because he has the best of intentions! With a strong hand, though, he will easily be one of the best trained firelizards around.

Inspiration: This blue is based on the Innkeeper from Man of La Mancha.



Character: Ione

Color: Brown

Description: In Igen’s frequent sandstorms, it’s unlikely that you’ll keep track of him. Well-kept hide is a dusty brown, plain and simple. Pale sands dust his pinions and neckridges, with a liberal helping scattered about his head and down to his muzzle. On his shoulders, just about where wings meet his frame, the sandy hues turn the faintest shade of worn green. From the moment of his hatching, this brown has an insatiable appetite. All the dieting in the world will not dispense with the belly. Perhaps in his time away, he’s constantly hunting for a fresh meal? Or perhaps his metabolism is just a little slow. Whatever the cause may be, he’ll carry a hefty belly with him all his life. Because of it, he struggles with flying, opting instead for a friendly shoulder more oft than not. But this is not to say he’s a poor companion - he’s the most steadfast, loyal beast you’re likely to meet on this side of the Southern Sea.

Inspiration: This brown is based on Sancho Panza from Man of La Mancha.



Character: Divale

Color: Bronze

Description: From the moment that he hatches, this bronze looks old. An angular muzzle ends in pewter. Thin wisps of hammered silver trail from his muzzle like so many whiskers. Silver-grey fades into the polished rust of an ancient breastplate, long since forgotten, that covers the rest of his form. Wide wings gain a coppery translucence, speckling the rust in irregular patches. Despite his eternally woeful countenance, the bronze features a youthful, albeit clumsy, exuberance. No challenge is too big, nor hope too small - he will do what he can for his bonded, when he can, and then some. His claws are small and dull, his frame naught but bones, but he will flaunt himself like the largest of his kind, bold and brave. Trouble is his constant companion, even as he is yours.

Inspiration: This bronze is based on Don Quixote De La Mancha from Man of La Mancha.



Character: D'reize

Color: Bronze

Description: Broad of chest and wide of wing, this bronze’s coppery hide shines like a polished mirror on the sunniest of days. He’s hard to behold, even without oil bringing his hide to an easy gleam. Burnt bronze veils his head, and the firelizard has a streak of cruelty as broad as the dark bronze that continues along his back from veiled muzzle to whiplike tail. Even his bonded will find the occasional indifferent claw thrust into their flesh and may even sense that he delights in it. That is, of course, when the creature will approach another. Proud and aloof, the beast carries his own importance as if afraid of breaking it. Only mating will find him drawing near another creature willingly.

Inspiration: This bronze is based on Dr. Sanson Carrasco from Man of La Mancha.

Note: D'reize won the interesting item contest with the following entry:

It's a box — made of scraps of skybroom and fellis trees, patterned like paisley. The lid is hinged, its front held closed via a shining metal fastener. Inside, a small drawer can be seen, sectioned off to hold small-ish treasures of varying sizes, while leaving room beneath for larger bits of keepsakes.


Thanks a bunch to Erikkhan and Onari, who gave me the firelizard eggs that allowed me to run the event! And thanks to everyone who came!