Superior Scepter

The Elements are a group of four; always have been, always will be. They're not necessarily meant to break off into two groups of two, but Dominia has taken her stint as leader to mean a duty toward function instead of form. Namely, if they work better with the subdivision, it's all the better for everyone.

Besides, she'd much rather Kelvena be by her side than have to chase around after Seraphita and Tolone through all their idiosyncratic foibles.

Yes, the obvious demi-human is the chief of staff, as far as Kahr is concerned, but in the eyes of all their foes, the one who calls the orders is the one in charge, and Dominia does that. She took her Jugend training seriously. She takes the events of the wars seriously now.

It is her connection with Elly that makes the confrontation over that first Anima Relic so tense. Dominia holds the force of all the Elements' convictions, bearing twice the standard share just for herself. She was an orphan, a left-behind and a have-not. She knew all of this truth now laid bare better than anyone.

Not that it's a competition. How pitiful a display of strength, if even suffering is to be meted and measured. Rather, Dominia nails herself solemnly to these crosses, that she may never forget what it is that drives her, even beyond Ramsus's ultimate fate.

She's supposed to act in sanctuary and rememberance of the departed, many of whom were those too weak to defend themselves, but if she should yield their fates as more exalted than her own, where will she wind up? Who will say a prayer for her, if she fails?

No one. No one, because she would never let herself fall while Kelvena yet stands.

Always, Kelvena is here alongside her, quiet and constant.

Redeem the dead. No one can redeem the dead.

Earth and Water, grounded and low. Dominia feels her emotions, while Kelvena absorbs them. Of course: the emotional core, and the voice of reason. Bladegash and Marinebasher can join and walk in a pair, though this is little known.

But why should the Elements explain themselves? Why shouldn't they completely embody their own ideals, as soldier elite?

No, they'll show their power only when it's needed. They won't waste time. They'll see the fight through, victorious.

And yet.

Dominia won't deny that at times she becomes more invested than she should in the act of exposing and describing their ideals to the Lamb-defending rogues. She reels out their manifesto, line by line, daring Fei and Elly to successfully defend their ridiculous position.

The advantage inherent in each statement she makes can either redouble or be yanked away, reduced to ash.

That's where Kelvena comes in, displaying total command of the situation. She silences Elly's feeble protestations in an instant underneath a masterful wave of the truth.

People must be able to stand on their own in any circumstances, Kelvena reminds them all (six of them, three and three, a captive audience, just as she deserves). The basic human will, desire and need, to be independent can be stunted by overprotection.

It would be all too ironic, were the Elements not a four-layer force to be reckoned with. All things in balance; they simply stand up for themselves.

Kelvena, beautiful and unassailable, omniscient with all eyes closed. What a wonderful bastion for Dominia's survivor pride.