So hope you all are doing great! Been REAL busy with work, was almost afraid that I wouldn't' get this finished in time, but hey looks like another Christmas gift from me to you (at the time of this upload, anyway)
So wanted to say a few things about the poll on my Profile. I'm going to keep it open until the end of January, so you all still have plenty of time to vote in it if you haven't already. If you want your voice heard about the future of my fic then make sure and vote!
I also wanted to clarify the option of Luz going to the Boiling Isles. In case it wasn't clear, just because Luz is going to the BI doesn't mean we're suddenly going to follow season one of Owl House note for note. A lot of things are going to be different, and some things may change entirely! I don't want to talk to much about that because of spoilers, but I wanted you to be aware of that if you wanted to vote for that option.
Now on the opposite end if Luz were to return to Earth, things from season 3 of Amphibia would MOSTLY follow a similar story-line, but there would still be changes to that as well. Though I will say most things that happened in season 3 (so far, at the time of this upload it hasn't finished) will stay the same.
Aside from that hope you are all staying safe!
Old Friend, Old Vow
Deep in the small town of Swampshire in a small unassuming house Uodeela was sitting on a chair in the kitchen having just barely escaped an almost deadly ambush. A few hours ago she had tried to steal from a tax shipment in the Western Territory only to be routed and forced to retreat.
"So they got both your legs?" asked Emmanuel to Uodeela as she sat in a chair in his kitchen.
"Yeah, the whole setup was a trap," said Uodeela more frustrated than angry, "It seems Beatrix was getting fed up with my raids against the Western Tower and decided to do something about it personally."
"Beatrix was there?!" asked Emmanuel in disbelief.
"Yeah she was, and she is a lot tougher than her brother, that's for sure," said Uodeela.
"How did you get away?" asked Emmanuel.
"After she got my legs I used a light orb to blind her," began Uodeela, "then while she was distracted I summoned up an ice sheet and got on it, then I used wind to blow myself away."
"Didn't the toads chase after you?" asked Emmanuel.
"They did, but luckily I wasn't that far from a river. As soon as I got into the water I just kept blowing the ice sheet to put as much distance as I could between me and the toads," said Uodeela.
"It's a good thing you and I had set up a rendezvous point in advance," exclaimed Emmanuel, "otherwise I never would have found you."
"Okay I'm all done," said Lilly as she got up from the floor having finished bandaging Uodeela's legs (or rather what was left of them)
"Good job dear!" said Emmanuel, "why don't you head off to bed Lilly, Uodeela and I have important things we have to discuss."
"Awww but dad can't I be a part of these meetings, I'm not a kid anymore," said Lilly.
"Listen dear, it's best you don't hear what we talk about, it's all boring adult stuff that you don't need to concern yourself with." said Emmanuel.
"But dad I want to help!" protested Lilly.
"Lilly you've already done enough helping patch up Uodeela, here let me go and tuck you in," said Emmanuel.
"You certainly have grown Lilly," observed Uodeela, "It's been awhile since I saw you last. What have you been up to?"
"Oh not much, dad's been teaching some first aid, helping me learn how to patch wounds, identify bite marks, make a splint, stuff like that," answered Lilly.
"Oh very nice, I'm glad to see you learning new skills," said Uodeela.
"I've also been learning to cook, measuring ingredients, mixing things together, making new dishes, it's all very exciting," said Lilly.
"You know Lilly, cooking is a lot like mixing potions, you need a very similar skill set," said Uodeela looking between Lilly and her father as though trying to hint at something.
"Oh I know, that's why I wanted to learn cooking, I hope it helps me for when I eventually learn potions with you Uodeela," said Lilly in excitement.
"Yes, well as I was saying," interrupted Emmanuel, "Lilly I think you've done enough to help us. Thank you for bandaging Uodeela's wounds and helping her walk, but I think it's time for you to go to bed."
"Oh, alright," said Lilly as she allowed her father to lead her back to her room. A few minutes later he returned to the kitchen.
"Lilly is growing up, you can't keep the truth hidden from her forever," said Uodeela.
"I know, I know, but I'm her father, I want to try and keep her safe for as long as I can," replied Emmanuel.
"Listen…I'm sorry for bringing this up," began Uodeela, "but why didn't you tell her the truth after the incident at Toad Tower?"
Emmanuel didn't respond for several seconds as he thought, finally he spoke, "she was still too young at the time, and well I was going through a lot too having just lost Lupe…..I guess a part of me felt guilt over what happened, and I didn't want Lilly to hate me. If I told her the truth…..I worried that she would think it was my fault her mother was killed."
"If it's anyone's fault its mine," said Uodeela becoming both serious and sad, "I should have been there!"
"The raid happened so suddenly, I had no way to get a message to you," explained Emmanuel, "I had no way to let you know we were in trouble. Besides if you had come to try and save us you would have died."
"I have my heron form, I could have taken the whole army," argued Uodeela.
"Maybe if it was anywhere but Toad Tower," answered Emmanuel, "Uodeela you know the toads can repel heron attacks from the tower. It's a strong and defendable position! Maybe you could defeat their army in the open, but you can't when they're at the tower!"
"Even so I would have killed Grime and taken many of them with me before I fell!" said Uodeela getting a little angry.
"And if we lost you then the rebellion would have no chance!" countered Emmanuel, "we can't hope to succeed without you!"
Emmanuel and Uodeela realized they were both starting to yell at each other and decided to take a break. They both stopped speaking and took a deep breath before Emmanuel spoke again.
"So it goes without saying that our campaign in the Western Territory is a failure."
"I suppose, though I did manage to steak quite a bit of taxes from them," said Uodeela, "and hey now I know that Beatrix isn't a pushover like her brother, I think with a little practice I could eventaully beat her."
"Well the news on my end isn't any better," said Emmanuel, "I tried to run polls in the local papers to see how the frogs in that area felt about the toads. The frogs don't seem to want to say anything bad about them. I don't think they're ready to rise up."
"What about the leaflet campaign? Did you get any support from that?" asked Uodeela.
"Not enough," said Emmanuel, "there were a few frogs who were interested in hearing what I had to say, but once I brought up even the possibility of fighting the toads many of them said no."
"Hmmm I see," said Uodeela pensively, "I haven't heard from Valeriana in awhile, maybe I should check in with her and see what she's been up to."
"Good luck with that," said Emmanuel, "in the meantime what do you think we should do?"
Uodeela thought for a bit before replying, "I think we should try to focus on the Southern Territory again, now that I'm done harassing Beatrix I suppose it's only fair I go back to annoying her brother."
"Grime does seem like the easiest of the Toad Lords to steal from," said Emmanuel.
"Mostly because he's an ineffective leader, Grime only knows how to lead through fear, and that can only get you so far. We've had success in both the East and Western territories, but our best bet so far has always been the south," said Uodeela.
"It's where we have the most support so far," added Emmanuel, "even if the frogs have never met you personally, many of them have heard of the witch of wilds, who leaves money for them on their door steps. You certainly have built up a reputation."
"I'm just trying to help," replied Uodeela.
Emmanuel smiled at her before replying,"here I'll go make up the couch for you, you should stay with us until your legs grow back."
"Actually there's one more thing I want to talk with you about," said Uodeela.
"Oh what it?" asked Emmanuel.
Uodeela paused before speaking, "I haven't forgotten the promise I made to you three years ago…..after what happened to Lupe. I think Lilly is old enough for me to teach her."
Emmanuel didn't immediately reply, though after a few moment he said, "She's only just fourteen are you sure she's ready?"
"Yes," answered Uodeela, "I want to give her an advantage that few other Amphibians have, she will be safe with me, I promise I won't let anything happen to her."
"I know, it's just ever since losing her mother I've been a bit extra protective of her," said Emmanuel, hanging his head, "and in any case you made that promise in a rather emotional state, I never meant to hold you to it."
"Emmanuel," said Uodeela in a serious tone looking him straight in the eyes, "no matter what you think, what happened to Lupe was at least partially my fault."
Emmanuel looked as though he was going to protest this, but Uodeela held up her hand to silence him.
"I can't make up for what happened in the past," she began, "but I can try and do better. I gave you my word that I would teach your daughter potions and curses when she was ready. She's ready now."
"You really think so?" asked Emmanuel.
"Yes I do," answered Uodeela, "the sooner she learns about potions the better, and honestly I think you should tell her the truth about what you and I are involved in after she's done with her apprenticeship."
"I'm not certain I agree with you about that," said Emmanuel, "but you are right about her being old enough to learn from you. She's getting older and I can't protect her forever. It would be best for her to learn potions, as it's a skill few others have. When can she begin training with you?"
"In the fall, she can stay at my house for the duration, and you are of course free to come visit her," said Uodeela.
"Okay, I'll speak to her about it in the morning, see if she feels she's ready," said Emmanuel.
"Thank you," said Uodeela, "I think it's time for us to turn in for the night as well, can you please help me to the couch?"
Emmanuel helped Uodeela as she struggled to move to the couch.
"I'm sorry for being a burden right now," said Uodeela as she tried to get in a comfortable position lying down, "I promise I'll be out of your hair once my legs grow back."
"It's fine don't worry about it, stay as long as you want," said Emmanuel, before heading off to bed himself.
As she heard her father pass by her door Lilly backed away slowly, she was relived her dad didn't come to check on her, or he would have noticed how she wasn't in bed and was instead eavesdropping on the conversation her dad and Uodeela had. Lilly had started listening in on these conversations recently and knew about the rebeliion that her dad and Uodeela were a part of. She hadn't told her dad anything and pretended to be ignorant because she didn't want him to worry. Privately she supported her dad's decision and knew it was the right thing to do. She also didn't blame either Uodeela or her father for what happened to her mom. She knew that they both cared about her mother, and that they both had expressed great sorrow at her death. She was excited to learn that her dad was finally going to let her start to learn potions with Uodeela. Lilly went back to bed a little more excited about the future.
Magic and Music
In the town square of Lillypaddington stood a strangely dressed toad. A toad that was using a strange contraption to play music. The device was a combination of a drum set, a horn by the mouth, a pipe flute, and an accordion strapped to his legs. The toad was trying to play this device and make it sound good, but wasn't having much success, as the noise coming from him could hardly be considered music.
"Boo! Get out of here!" yelled one frog who was passing by.
"Go back to Toad Tower and stop bothering us with your out of tune instruments!" said another.
"Dad I don't think the act is working," said a younger toad to the other.
"Maybe the drum isn't set up right, or maybe the horn isn't working," mused the toad.
"Uh while you have a look at that how about I give it a shot?" asked the young toad.
"Okay sure, go ahead," said the father.
With that the young toad pulled out a blue ocarina and began to play, the music he produced sounded much cleaner and more soothing than what his father had played. The young toad kept playing as a small crowd gathered to hear his song. Noticing the gathering crowd the toad continued playing putting more passion into his song. As he kept playing he felt a sort of energy in When he was done he received some mild applause.
"Thank you, thank you," said the young toad, "my father and I are traveling musicians going from town to town in the valley. We hope you enjoyed our performance today, and if you did…." the toad nudged his father
"Oh right," said the father, as he took off his hat and offered it out to the crowd, "we work for tips, any coppers you can spare would be appreciated!"
"Don't you get enough coppers from all the taxes we pay to the tower," said an elderly frog bitterly causing the small group that had gathered to disperse. Not a single frog threw anything in the hat.
"Gee I guess this whole traveling musician thing isn't working out so good," said the older toad as he stared at the empty hat.
"Well considering this is the third town we've been to and we have no money to show for it, I think that's an understatement dad," said the young toad sarcastically.
"Look I know you might not want to hear this," began the older toad, "but we could always go back to the Tower. My required time of service is over, but I could sign up for another tour and then we'd at least have a roof over our heads…."
"Dad I hated it there!" said the young toad angrily, "anytime Bog or Fens was lead the training they always belittled and made fun of me. They said things about how I wasn't a "real" toad, they'd call me weak and useless, just because I wasn't as strong as the other toads. Whenever we did training exercises and I lost in combat it was always the same, "latrine duty Gustav!" Whenever we ran the obstacle course and I was always the last one to finish, "latrine duty Gustav!" Every time there was any sort of test of strength and I lost, "Gustav why are you so pathetic why are you so weak?!" I can't take it anymore! I couldn't wait until your service time was over."
"Son I understand, but if we aren't making money this way, what else can we do?" asked the old Toad, "at least at the tower all our basic needs are covered."
"Yeah, but at what cost?" answered the son.
Before the other Toad could respond a new creature came up to where they were playing, she was an elderly salamander that was bright red with black spots.
"Sorry for intruding," she began, "but I couldn't help overhearing your conversation. I must say young man that was quite an interesting song you were playing."
"Oh thanks," said the young toad, "I came up with it one day while I was in the forest. I haven't thought of a name for the piece yet, but I like playing and coming up with songs. My dad has an appreciation for music too."
"Yes I heard that," said the Salamander turning to the dad, "where did you get the idea for that interesting contraption?"
"Oh this thing," said the toad indicating his device, "yeah well I wanted to make a one-man band act and I figured why not invent a way to play all these instruments at once!" He began to play his instrument again, while many passerby's cringed at the music the Salamander was intrigued.
"Well I'm not quite sure if the instruments you have go well together, but I will say I am intrigued by the ingenuity it must have taken for you to build this thing," she said, "What's your name?"
"I'm Percy," said the older Toad, "and this is my son Gustav," he indicated the younger one.
"We both like music a lot, my dad encouraged me to learn to play an instrument and now we're out here trying to make our way as traveling musicians," said Gustav.
"I heard you said you used to live in the Tower," began Uodeela, "are you done with your required service then?"
"Yeah I am," answered Percy, "and as you heard Gustav didn't have the best time there, I thought maybe we could use a change of scenery and that we might bond some more if we came up with a father son act and took it on the road, but I guess it's not going great."
"Hmmm and why do you think that is?" asked Uodeela, clearly implying something.
"I don't know," answered Percy honestly.
"You can't even think of any reason why?" asked Uodeela again, trying to get Percy to think more about why the towns didn't like him. "Any reason as to why these towns, who mainly have frogs living in them, might be a bit resentful towards toads?"
"No sorry I can't," said Percy.
"Hmmm, okay well in any case, Gustav would you play your song for me again please?" asked Uodeela.
"Oh of course," said Gustav bringing out his ocarina. Gustav put the instrument to his mouth and began to play the song he had played earlier. Uodeela listened captivated by the music genuinely surprised at how well the young toad played. As he continued to play Uodeela looked hard at Gustav's instrument. She could see the faintest of aura's emanating from his ocarina, no one else noticed it, and Uodeela felt that if she wasn't herself attuned to magic she wouldn't have noticed it either. When the song was over she bent down to talk to Gustav.
"I must say I've never seen a toad play a musical instrument so well, forgive me for saying this, but I didn't think they had the heart for such a thing."
"I'm not like other toads," said Gustav, "I like a lot of things that aren't considered "toad-like" I'm always getting bullied for it, that's why I hate it at the Tower."
"Yes I heard your father suggest going back to the tower, but you didn't want to…." Uodeela paused before turning to Percy, "May I have a word with you in private?"
"Oh sure," agreed Percy. With that the two of them walked a bit away, Gustav could still see them, but couldn't hear what they were saying. After a while his father came back.
"So listen son I have some good news! I think there's a way for both of us to get what we want, Uodeela here has offered to look after you for a few months and give you training in magic, while I serve some more time at the tower, this way I can earn some money and you don't have to go back. And since I'm doing this on a volunteer basis I can quit when you're done with your apprenticeship."
"Wait what?" began Gustav, "teach me magic? I….I don't know that I can even do magic," said Gustav.
"Amphibian magic is all about brewing potions and casting curses," said Uodeela walking towards Gustav, "anyone can learn to do that if they have the right aptitude and mind set for it, and I think if you can play an instrument, then you should be able to pick up potions no problem."
"I'm not sure though," said Gustav wearily.
"Listen kid, I heard what you said about how you've been treated at the tower, I'm sorry that happened to you, but you can't let it discourage you from trying things," said Uodeela. "I wouldn't have suggested this if I didn't think you were at least capable. And hey I like to think I'm a good teacher so don't worry I'll help guide you. Who cares what those others toads say? Maybe you have more brains than brawn and it's time for you to try an activity that will further expand your mind."
Gustav looked into the salamanders eyes, eyes that were starring back with kindness at him. After thinking for a bit he finally replied, "Alright I'll give it a try."
"That's the spirit kid!" said Uodeela.
"Great! Hey Gustav why don't you go back to our tent, I have a few more things I need to discuss with the nice lady," said Percy. With that Gustav left back to the campsite.
"Remember, I'm not doing this for free," began Uodeela once Gustav was gone, "I expect you to hold up your end of the bargain."
"Look I promise I'll do what I can," said Percy, "it's just getting the tax schedule is a bit tricky if you aren't on tax collection duty. That's usually Bog's department, why do you even want it?"
"You really have no idea who I am do you?" asked Uodeela surprised.
"You know you do look a little familiar," said Percy scratching his chin, "I think I've seen pictures of someone who looks like you at the tower, but I can't remember why Grime had them up."
"That's probably for the best then," replied Uodeela, "I'll be in touch, let me know when you have a lead on getting that tax collection scheudle." With that Uodeela went on her way, as she left she thought about the aura she had seen come from that toad's instrument.
I have heard theories about how there may be other forms of magic in Amphibia besides potions and curses, she thought, heck I've come up with some of my own, that kid must have some affinity for magic, maybe even a type of magic that isn't widely known here. This will require more research.
A Father's Request
Valeriana pulled the reins on her snail as it stopped outside a rather seedy looking pub. As she did so, another figure hoped off her wagon and cast a glance towards the pub.
"So this is the place?" asked Uodeela.
"Yes, I made sure of it," answered Valeriana, "I don't suppose you'll reconsider meeting with him."
"I've come this far," said Uodeela, "may as well see it through to the end. You'll be out here in case there's trouble though, right?"
"Yes, I vill keep watch," assured Valeriana, "though I doubt you'll need my help. He's an upper-class newt who spends all day playing beast polo, hardly a threat to you."
"He managed to contact us through my underworld channels," said Uodeela, "he may be more savvy than we give him credit for."
"Well only vay to know is to go and meet him," advised Valeriana.
Uodeela nodded and made her way to the door of the pub. As soon as she opened it all the patrons gave a brief glance to her. They were a motley sort of various thieves, cut-throats, and mercenaries all of whom had a rough disposition about them. The group mostly consisted of toads, though there were a few Newts sprinkled about and one or two frogs. Though they all looked at Uodeela as she entered they quickly returned to their business not sparring much thought for her. Uodeela kept a tight grip on her staff and pulled up her cloak making sure it hid her face as she made her way through the group trying to find the one who had requested a meeting with her. Eventually she found her way to a booth in the corner a newt was already seated their, he was also wearing a cloak that covered his face, though Uodeela already had a strong suspicion as to who it was. Her suspicions were confirmed as she sat down and the figure removed his cloak to reveal a green newt with messy hair and a goatee.
"Alister Light," said Uodeela, a hint of contempt in her voice, "I thought it was you, I must say aren't you worried about being seen in a place like this?"
"My dear Uodeela," began Alister, "it is an accepted, though often not talked about fact, that any newt family that wishes to remain in the upper echelons of society must maintain a list of….shall we say…..less that reputable contacts. There is always information to obtain and dirty work to be done. A newt needs the talents of the unsavory from time to time. I assure you I am not the only newt who uses this place to meet their underworld contacts, and if another newt was to see me they would know better than to bring it up in polite society."
"I hope you didn't call me here to add me to your list of underworld contacts then," said Uodeela, "I have no interest in that."
"But you do have an interest in money?" said Alister, bringing the conversation back, "or at least having enough to finance your ever growing campaign agaisnt the toads, yes?"
"Considering the toads are the ones who collect taxes for you I am surprised you sought me out," countered Uodeela, "or is that why we're here? You wish to pay me to cease my fight against them?"
"Heavens no!" said Alister, "I have no interest in the outcome of your crusade against the toads. It hardly has an effect on our lives, and I doubt you will ever become a significant enough threat to prove otherwise."
Uodeela was a bit shocked to hear Alister say that, she wanted to say something back to him, but couldn't think of anything, so Alister continued.
"In any case, the reason I am here is to ask you to take my daughter under your tutelage and train her in the use of magic."
Uodeela was a bit taken aback by this offer, "really that's all you want? Why this elaborate set up then?"
"You didn't really expect me to just wander up to your house in the woods and knock on your door did you?" asked Alister, "this elaborate set-up as you call it was so that you would take my offer seriously."
"And what if I say no?" asked Uodeela.
"You won't," replied Alister with certainty.
"How do you know that?" countered Uodeela.
"It's very simple really," began Alister, "you need money. The campaign you are waging against the toads is costly and you won't get far without money. Not only that but I am also aware of your charitable activities. You have too big a heart to refuse a chance to give even more money away to those frogs you love so much for some reason."
Uodeela didn't immediately respond, she took in all that Alister said before replying, "you must really want your daughter to learn magic if you went to all this trouble. Why do you want this for your daughter?"
"Because none of the other elite families have thought of it," replied Alister, "As it is magic users are rare so finding one is a challenge in and of itself, but more importantly having my daughter learn magic will give her a skill that no other elite child will have giving her an edge against them. If one wishes to remain on top one must always be looking for ways to rise above the competition."
"Sometimes I wish the elites were more open with their methods," said Uodeela, "all the double crossing and backstabbing that goes on among you, shows just how cruel you really are. Yet you all hide behind the mask of "civilization" claiming to act "proper." At least the toads are open about their cruelty."
"And that precisely is what separates from the toads Uodeela," countered Alister, "we conduct ourselves properly out in the open. We keep all our unpleasantness under the rug, away from the light. I rather like that system. Besides the toads are all about barbarism and savagery. Us newts know that in order to be truly effective with malice it requires a certain…finesses. One should not wield cruelty around like a blunt weapon trying to do damage. One should use it to find the weakest points in a body and strike with precision! In that way you can inflict the most pain!"
"Makes me glad I'm not a part of that system anymore," said Uodeela.
"If you wanted to see it for yourself you should have stayed in the palace," said Alister, "I must say I've heard some interesting rumors about how you left. I wonder If any of them are true?"
"Enough about that, let's get back to business here," said Uodeela.
"Indeed," agreed Alister, "how much to train my daughter?"
"One thousand gold coins, all in advance," said Uodeela quickly.
"Done!" said Alister without any hesitation, he pulled a large bag of coins out from under his cloak and gave it to Uodeela.
"I always come prepared," said Alister in a smug tone.
"I see," said Uodeela a little shocked at how easy it had been to get him to agree.
"When can I send my daughter to you?" asked Alister.
"In the fall, let me give you the location of my house…" began Uodeela.
"No need, I assure you I already know where it is," said Alister catching Uodeela off guard, "I have ears in many places to stay up to date on any information worth knowing. And the location of your residence is information worth knowing."
Uodeela paused before continuing, "I must admit that now I'm a bit curious as to what other information you possess."
"Knowledge is power Uodeela," said Alister, "and in my case knowing your enemies strengths and weaknesses can give you the edge you need over them. Are you surprised at how much I know?"
"A little, I'm more surprised that if you know so much why you would be okay with me teaching your daughter, and why you don't seem to care about the fact that I steal from the toads. They gather taxes for you and the elites, surely you hate the fact that I steal from them."
"Oh sweet ignorant Uodeela," said Alister in his most condescending tone, "you really have no idea how the world works do you?"
"I've been around the block more than a few times Alister," said Uodeela her temper rising, "Don't presume to tell me how the world works!"
"For someone who claims not to be ignorant you really haven't thought this whole rebellion thing through a lot have you?" asked Alister.
"What do you mean?" said Uodeela.
"My dear Uodeela," began Alister, "there are only three possible outcomes to this "uprising" you are fighting and none of them will give you any benefit."
"Since you seem to know everything, why don't you enlighten me about these so called results," countered Uodeela.
"Very well, if I must," said Alister, "Result #1. You get too cocky on one of your little tax raids and make a mistake causing your death. Without you the rest of the rebellion falls apart, now too afraid to take on the toads. Everything goes back to the way it was. Result #2. You manage to become an actual threat and inspire the Toad Lords to unite! Once that happens not even your Red Herron form will be enough to turn back all of them. They lead a large united army to your house and kill you, and then things go back to the way they were. Result #3. you underestimate the strength of the toads, and in your first large scale battle against them it all goes wrong. The casualties among the frogs are so high that they become too demoralized to fight anymore, the rebellion falls apart, you are never able to put it back together, and then things go back to the way they were."
Alister stopped talking letting his words have an impact on Uodeela. He could see the wheels turning in her head as she tried to think of something to say in response to him, but couldn't.
"As you can see," he said smugly, "there is no scenario where this works out in your favor. I'd have thought someone as smart as you would have realized this, but If you wish to keep believing that someday you will overthrow the toads and all will be well in the world then by all means continue believing it. But that is why I don't care what you do in regards to the toads, all I care about is making sure my daughter has an advantage over other newts. She represents the future not only of the Light family, but of all newts. Making sure she ends up in a position of power and influence is all that matters."
"You seem to have thought of everything," admitted Uodeela, "I should find it interesting to play a game of flipwart with you."
"I wouldn't mind that, I think you might actually give me a challenge," admitted Alister, "in recent times only the king has been able to beat me in a good flipwart game. Sometimes it's hard being so intelligent."
"A pity you don't put that intelligence to better use," said Uodeela sadly.
Alister glared at her before replying, "if our business here is concluded then we have nothing more to say to each other. I will contact you with further information regarding the specifics of my daughter's training."
With that Alister stood up from the table and pulled his hood over his face before adding, "you can see yourself out." With that he left the pub.
"So he wants you to train his daughter?" asked Valeriana.
"Yes, it seems he wishes her to have an advantage over other elite newts. I shouldn't be surprised by that," said Uodeela.
"Are you going to do it?" asked Valeriana.
"Well considering I took his money I guess I have no choice," said Uodeela holding up the bag of gold coins Alister had given her.
"You could always take it and then not train her," said Valeriana.
"No I don't think that would be a good idea. Alister is a lot more clever than we gave him credit for. After the conversation I had with him, I think having him as an enemy would be unwise," said Uodeela.
"So you will train his daughter then?" asked Valeriana.
"I will," answered Uodeela, "and I think training her might help the rebellion too."
"What do you mean?" asked Valeriana.
"Something Alister said got me thinking," said Uodeela, "I think that in order for us to truly win we may need to change the hearts of the elite newts."
"Ahh I see, that's why you want to train the daughter, while she's still young and impressionable," said Valeriana.
"Yes, she represents the future, and I think only by getting people like her to see what's wrong in the world will we truly make any progress," said Uodeela. With that she turned back towards the pub thinking of the conversation she had just had with Alister.
You may know a great many things Alister Light, thought Uodeela, but you don't know everything, I will see to it that your daughter gets a good education, in more than just potions.