The crystals hung from the trees and chimed softly as the wind blew. Cherry blossoms drifted down among them, forming a fragrant carpet beneath her feet. The tea set sat upon a rock, awaiting her attentions to the proper ceremonies. The koi fish swam to and fro beneath the bridge as she crossed it. Her hair was shiny and held up in a beautiful arrangement. Her kimono was flawless. She shone as much as did the crystals and blossoms. The only thing marring her was the slight frown pinching her brows. Yes, it was all perfect, but still he had not allowed himself to be lured forth. All his files showed that this would be exactly the sort of setting that might bring the hermit from his cave to share tea with the beautiful girl who was coming to visit him, and yet, he remained locked away where she could not reach him.

Inspiration: Breeze outside.
Story Potential: Medium.
Notes: VR or somesuch. Science fictiony. Still not that good.

The frog lazed on his lily pad. It was a pretty cushy life, all things considered. Flies were plentiful, he could watch carp swimming below his lily pad when he got bored, and he'd always loved basking in the sun. He was probably having the time of his indolent life, Li-Chang thought, as she watched the koi pond from her balcony. She, on the other hand, was not. A missing prince had complicated her life greatly. She knew he wasn't missing, but she could hardly tell his imperial majesty, her insufferable older brother, that the prince he'd imported to marry her was buys eating flies. And she knew he wouldn't believe her if she explained that it was because they had been cursed.

Inspiration: Frog-print address labels
Story Potential: medium
Finished Length: Short story.
Notes: Would need to do a fair amount of research to get the Asian fairytale tone right.