"Sometimes the preservation process creates beautiful patterns in the white, like snowflakes or pine branches," Long says, inspecting one of the sliced egg bits for such. "Not today, apparently. Alas."

The face Azkadellia made when she took her daring bite was incredibly eloquent. Long laughed-- not maliciously, just gently and mildly, a resonant chuckle accompanied by a little shake of his head.

"Brava, miss Azkadellia, brava," he murmured, eyes dancing. "You have experienced trial by egg. Cleanse your palate with the juk and the tea, as you are doing; our noodles should be here shortly."