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// Entry 65: The Benefit of Allies 
// Story: Samudra's Journal 
// by vren55 
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The kelpie incursions have continued, and show no signs of stopping, but in these past few decades… they still remain few enough that most of Aquestria is unaware. I have also yet to see a queen resurface.

Celestia and I have continued to meet over the decades. … she reminds me of myself when I was younger, more innocent. I… I like being reminded of that, though, part of me… wonders… wonders how would she… I… feel like if I saw myself now.

I know I am justified in my actions. I have no other choice to safeguard the rest of Aquestria. But still… to kill all the kelpies… is there another option perhaps?

I have wondered if I should broach this with Chamelia at times. She’s the most powerful member of the Changeling Council now and far more mature and wiser than Celestia. Granted, this is because Celestia is… well I’m not exactly sure because the alicorn hasn’t told me everything, but she’s young according to the standards of alicorns and has only started ruling Equestria for less than a century.

Speaking of the changelings, Chamelia and her councilmembers have rarely seen kelpies though. Most of the veterans of that conflict, such as Thera, have died of old age (as they were already veterans of some massive inter-changeling civil war). Chamelia is one of the few left and often when there is a kelpie incursions, she has to deal with it herself, as her hive is the strongest.

There are some things that I can’t discuss with Chamelia though. She’s far too canny at drawing other species secrets from them. It’s… insidious, and one doesn’t even notice it at first or for maybe even a year later. She just makes them feel comfortable, feel welcome, feel like they’re free to say anything without any reservations. It’s part of how she presents herself, how she treats you to a snack or a drink, sets the environment up for you to be as comfortable as possible and to feel in control, when you are not.

As such, I tend to be more reserved around Chamelia. With Celestia… I feel a little safer. We genuinely just like to learn from one another and to discuss simple little day to day events. She is… an open book, while also being blunt and honest in her questions and opinions. Not necessarily a good thing, but she’s not stupid. She’s just that kind of pony.

And although I cannot tell them about the kelpies, it is good to find some good allies and friends to talk about other things. Better things.