The Path to Absolute Ice

Outside the cabin, the chill of the early morning air brushed against Maria's skin as she stepped out to find Mira already deep in concentration. Around her, the elements seemed to be in a state of flux, coalescing and dissipating in an intricate dance.

Maria watched, fascinated by the transformation taking place before her eyes. Mira now appeared as a conduit through which the elements flowed and merged. Ice no longer stood apart but served as the foundation upon which the others built, each element interweaving with the next.

However, it wasn't without failures, nor was she perfect. 

She seemed to be searching for the meaning of 'a singular entity' and 'earth(etc.) is ice'.

Was it as simple as lumping everything together?

No. If it were that easy, she would've already discovered the answer.

So, if lumping and forcefully combining the elements didn't work, then what did?