A/N: This group focused on elements and dialogue. Requesters provided two characters and an element and I wrote them a discussion centered on that theme in 15 minutes or less.

For Middletails
Jade and Peony, Water

"You need to move on," Jade said as the two of them stood in the audience hall, staring out at the great waterfall that cascaded behind it.

Peony frowned, "The council put you up to this, didn't they?"

"No. I put myself up to this."

"I swore to her I'd wait for her, and I will."

"She has chosen another," Jade replied flatly.

"Only because of politics."

"Unfortunately, yes," Jade sighed, sliding his glasses back up his nose.

"There should be no politics in matters like this."

"If only that were so, but it's not. And you--"

"Spare me the rhetoric that I need to produce an heir."

"I will--for now. But please consider some other options. There are plenty of women at court who would be honored to sit at your side."

"Most of them are empty-headed heiresses without a geniune bone in their bodies."

"That's true, but they will at least produce a healthy child or two."

Peony turned to look at his friend, unfazed by his unusual sense of humor. "There are times I want to slap you, you know that?"

"I would willingly accept any punishment His Majesty were to exact upon me," Jade drolled with a grin.

"You'd enjoy it."

Jade gave a bow. "You know me too well."

For Satoasato
Asch and Guy, Wind

"You're still terrified of women," Asch said flatly as he walked in step next to Guy, the rest of the party ahead of them and Belkend on the horizon.

"Well..."

"I figured you would never really get over that."

"I probably won't."

A rare smile crossed Asch's face. "I've missed you, though you did have the replica to keep you amused.."

"I've missed you, too, and it really wasn't amusement. It was babysitting."

"I can imagine. They don't have memories..."

"Yes," Guy said tiredly. "I know."

Wordlessly, Asch clasped his hand on Guy's shoulder.

For Iyori
Van and Luke, Silk

"A present? For me?" Luke asked, wide-eyed that Master Van had even remembered his birthday, let alone brought him a gift.

"Of course," the man said with a smile as he handed the package to the boy.

Tearing it open, Luke hoped for a new practice sword or a spoil from one of his many adventures as a Dorian General. But alas, it was a jacket. He tried not to look disappointed.

"Do you not like it? It is silk."

"No, I love it! Thank you Master Van!" Turning it over, Luke's brow furrowed. His finger traced a strange mark that looked like an angry animal. "What's this on the back?"

"Just a decoration, I suppose."

"It's very strange."

"Yes...now are you ready for some practice?"

Luke slipped the jacket on and jumped up. "Yes Master!"