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// Entry 106: Considering Tethys’s Offer 
// Story: Samudra's Journal 
// by vren55 
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Hello Diary. 

The peripheries continue to be under attack by the kelpies and I have to always been on the move. I haven’t been back to the capital in some time, given how often I have to go out and counter Tethys’s moves.

We are still winning more battles, but not by much now. We especially lose battles when I’m not there. I don’t think my own forces can deflect or even hold off Tethys’s forces unless they are in significantly higher numbers now. Whenever Tethys is there, my Aquestrians have to run.

But now, even when we outnumber the kelpies 4:1, my forces have to retreat if I’m not there. We can’t beat them, unless in massive, sheer numbers. They’ve developed enough of a tactical coordination to be able to counter us.

Lately, I’ve been considering Tethys’s offer more seriously.

I’ve not gone crazy, I’ve had more than enough time to think on it. Frankly though, I think there are more things going against agreeing with Tethys than fighting her.

Which is frankly, something I didn’t expect. I was always taught that the Old Ones cared nothing about life in the sea, but that isn’t the case.

I would still never agree to Tethys’s agreement. To submit to the Old One who threatens to kill so many of my seaponies and deep ponies? That’s a terrible idea. 

However, I must admit, I do not think Yoth-Atal will instantly kill all of my deep ponies and sea ponies. They are her creations and she… she feels an attachment to them, I’m not sure how so, perhaps as a mother to her distant grandchildren? Maybe as a master to pets? The point is, she thinks they are hers and she will protect some of them. If I agree to her, it isn’t inconceivable she will actually try to improve the sea ponies lives in some way. 

Of course, that raises the question as to why did she design creatures that need to feed off of others to survive. Are the kelpies her weapon to reclaim the seas?

To put my rambling to a stop, Yoth-Atal’s creation of the kelpies and her intent in reclaiming the seas through unleashing these dangerous creations, are the key reason why I would never side with her. Furthermore, her ability to dominate the minds and wills of others is alarming and she is known to use that when necessary. After all, she inflicted me with nightmares and hallucinations for years on end.

However, I must admit, there are too many unanswered questions and only Tethys and Yoth-Atal have the answers.  I… I am going to have to try to ask Tethys about Yoth’s aims, the next time we fight.