Gold rush

[Nephrite]

"It does seem that way." Moore says. "But my plan had been to use this to get out of Shar's clutches if we needed it... but maybe we should simply go there now and challenge ourselves."

[Anastasia]

"It may be time," Xandra says, "It may well be time. Do you feel prepared for it yet?"

[Nephrite]

"No." Moore says, honestly. "But I don't think I ever will. If she sends an avatar of herself there... I think we can deal with it, but we have to be careful. I honestly doubt she will send an avatar, she's arrogant but not foolhardy. She only attacked us when we were trying to find Mask because she had an advantage there. I think the five of us can handily deal with her if she decides to show up. I'll also be asking Selune for some insurance should she send something more after us."

A sigh. "I want to work on finding a way for us to enchant Kaja's weapons or create a weapon for him that can hit her more easily - something like an improved version of that spell that enchants weapons against Sharrans, but specifically designed to negate her ability to use shadows to dodge things." He says. "But I don't know that we have time to devote to that right now."

[Anastasia]

"We'll also want Sylvie back for it," Xandra adds, "Though I do not think matters will take her that much longer on Mineral."

[Nephrite]

"Yes, that's a good point. Perhaps in the meantime I can speak to Selune about my idea against Shar and see if she has any ideas." Moore says. "We may be able to be a bit more prepared for this than we thought."

[Anastasia]

"Then go," Xandra encourages as...

In that case, next move?

[Nephrite]

Lady Selune, good tidings on this day. I was hoping to come and speak to you at your earliest convenience. This is not an urgent matter of any nature, but your expertise as always on this subject is appreciated.

[Anastasia]

Her voice is in your mind, a question posed. 'What subject?'

[Nephrite]

'Everyone's favorite - Shar.'

[Anastasia]

'You have my attention. Speak of what you need.'

[Nephrite]

'I am familiar with your Shardread magic and was hoping you may have either been able to devise magic or a type of weapon to counteract her love of shadow dodging.' Moore says. 'I've been thinking of a way to limit her ability to evade as well as she does - I think that she relies so heavily on it that the rest of her defenses are not as strong, thinking that her shadows are impervious. I have not searched any wisdom within Celestia for this answer, but if you've any familiarity with this matter I would humbly request your advice.'

[Anastasia]

'Her shadows go stronger and to pierce them is not easy. I fear no mortal magic will do so easily now.' Is Selune's answer.

[Nephrite]

'Well, then it's a good thing we have things that go beyond that, I suppose.' Moore says, smiling. 'The best thing to counter a shadow is light so bright that shadows cannot be cast - I know where I must seek my answer. I will share the information should I find anything.'

[Anastasia]

'Good hunting,' Is Selune's answer.

Now what?

[Nephrite]

Moore simply turns up to the light of Celestia.

"Xandra, if you'd like to come with me you are welcome to - but I'm also fine on my own." Moore says as he starts to rise up.

His intent is to find light that can banish any shadow - even if just temporarily. Whether that be in the form of a weapon, of magic, or of something else.

Maybe even just the light that hope sheds itself is the key.