Dear Synkarin,

Again, you are being ignorant. During the final Ascension challenge, I
did lead our forces, despite having already made arrangements to defer
and expecting to follow Hallifax' lead. It was my own idea and strategy
to summon the staff holder away, and I had to push him off the node
myself to do it. Let's just keep the facts straight.

I have never boasted to be the best, at combat or tactics or otherwise.
I am not the strongest, nor the smartest, nor the best in any field or
occupation, and I make plenty of mistakes. And yet, I stand up and
accept responsibility and lead when others do not. If I have nothing
else, then it is tenacity, and I bear no shame in that.

In the end, leadership really has little to do with combat or tactical
prowess, though you do not seem to think past such primitive bloodlust.
For me, to lead is to inspire a cause. Those who would follow me into
battle, elect me to political office, or support me in any way, know
that I give everything that I have and that I do not yield in the face
of adversity. Celest will rise above, be it tomorrow, the day after, or
in many days yet to pass.

With dignity and my best,
Lady Kelly McCloud

Penned by my hand on the 5th of Tzarin, in the year 379 CE.