in game conversation

[Jahmba]

Greetings, I am new and I have 2 questions (probably more to come later):
a: what is the difference between the "envelope" button and the "2 people" button right next to it? (to the left of the little green men button)  I am getting the same result?
b: I tried an in game conversation with 2 people, now their names remain under the "conversations balloons" button? The conversation is over, How can I remove them?

Thanks in advance

[Geomaticus]

If you have an new unread chat message from another player, you will see an indicator over that envelope. If you have friends online, you will see an indicator where the two people are shown.

If you click on the red message button, the chat window will open and you can respond to the message. If you click on the friends button, you will see which friends are online at the time.

I don't think there is yet a way to remove people from the Conversations list. If there is a way, I am not aware of it.

Hope that helps.