A/N I'm not entirely sure how one goes about doing these, but I decided to post a teaser for Avatar: The Final Conflict, the fic that follows this short. Tell your friends to read A Word Between Friends and to keep an eye out for Final Conflict! Enjoy!

Iroh poured another cup of tea for himself and offered some to Pakku. The elderly water bender shook his head and politely declined.

"I've had quite enough, thank you," he said. "Does she know I'm here?"

"I didn't tell anyone I was expecting you," Iroh assured him. "Although I don't know why you don't want her to know. After all, this is her future." Pakku sighed and sat back in his seat.

"I realize that," he said, suddenly feeling drained. "But I didn't want to offer this to her until I was certain it would be there." Iroh stroked his beard thoughtfully and set his tea cup down.

"This is a great opportunity for Katara," he said. "I would never stand in her way, and I'm sure Zuko will support her, when the time comes."

"The time is now," Pakku reminded him. He closed his eyes wearily. "All this governing and politics business- it's a game for the young. Old men like you and I are getting pushed aside, and I'm not complaining, but I wish I could have prepared her more."

"I'm sure you've done your best," Iroh said confidently. "Katara is one of the finest water benders it has ever been my pleasure to encounter. And I've seen you in action."

"Katara is my best student." Pakku smiled proudly. "I've never had anyone catch on so quickly. She's creative and she has a stubbornness about her that I rarely see in water benders. She won't allow herself to do anything but succeed. It has served her well, and I'm sure it will continue to serve her well as she continues to grow into her abilities. However, her abilities as a bender are not what I'm worried about. She is young. There are some who won't like this."

"Yes," Iroh agreed. "But as you said, this is a young person's game. The Council and the leaders of the Water Tribes may have some objections to it at first, but Katara has proven herself not only a skilled warrior, but a stirring leader. As a diplomat, admittedly she has some learning to do, but she's still more qualified for this than just about anyone."

"Do you really think this will work?" Pakku asked, opening his eyes to look at Iroh.

"Do you really think Katara can handle this?" Iroh countered, taking another sip of tea. Pakku didn't answer him for a long time. Then a smile slowly spread across his face.

"I think Katara could bring nations to their knees if she set her mind to it," Pakku said. "But don't let her know I said that. I have a reputation to uphold."

"It seems we have our decision, then," Iroh said with a grin. He reached over and shook Pakku's hand firmly. "Now, how about a nice game of Pai Sho?"