So...

[humanesqueheartstrings]

Archives are open again, huh?

Maybe this time I'll find something even cooler down there. Anypony care to keep a mare out of trouble while I delve and loot everything that doesn't move?

Comments

[forwhomthebelltolls]

Hy suppose hy could. If hyu still needed somevun.

[humanesqueheartstrings]

Sure, I don't mind! Everypony keeps saying I'll get into trouble down there.

[forwhomthebelltolls]

Efferyvun might be right. Iz not de safest uv places.

[humanesqueheartstrings]

I have to admit its less safe than other places I've been...

[kind_to_all]

Lyra...

[ Her tone is somewhere between worried and amused. ]

[humanesqueheartstrings]

Fluttershy I promise I'll be careful. That's why I'm asking for company this time!

[kind_to_all]

I know. I just... wish I could go with you. But I don't think I would be very much help down there...

[humanesqueheartstrings]

Hmm... if we get a few more people to protect us, would that be easier?

[suiseinosenshi]

[A concerned Ami appears on the scroll.]

It would be a wonderful opportunity to be able to study some of the artefacts that I understand have been secreted away there by a well-known historical pony, but don’t you think that…well …just taking them is wrong?

[humanesqueheartstrings]

Well the thing is is that it seems like there's a lot of recent damage to the archives. It's falling apart, and finding something that works would be really great. And hey, I'd rather see stuff not go to waste if it's falling apart. We could put it in Pinkie's museum!

[suiseinosenshi]

Oh I understand! It would be a devastating loss to the academics and historians of the world if such artefacts became damaged or destroyed. It would be very important to secure them and transfer them carefully to a museum while we have the opportunity to do so.

Are you an archaeologist by any chance?

[humanesqueheartstrings]

I am not, but I've been known to participate in dig sites at times when I'm world traveling. I don't think we've been introduced either: I'm Lyra Heartstrings, one of the world natives here. Pleased to meet you!

[mylittleteensie]

[Ping'd!]
What are these... archive-way about? I've ust-jay come to town.

[humanesqueheartstrings]

[Fancy speech he had there. Color Lyra intrigued.]

The Canterlot Archives is a huge magical floor-by-floor dungeon underneath Canterlot itself, built by Star Swirl the Bearded before he passed away. Before it was closed a while ago, you could find a lot of interesting stuff from other worlds he visited and took things back from. If you're lucky, you can find something neat there, or, conversely, more things from your world.

[appletastic]

...never heard of these archives.

What was so cool you found the first time?

[humanesqueheartstrings]

It seems to be the native Star Swirl's creation. It's a place where Star Swirl took things from other worlds, and placed them into the dungeons. He also created yogurt zombies for some reason.

I found bottled Squink which lets me manifest my thoughts, some Kamen Rider and Sentai stuff, and a box of delicious cookies.

[appletastic]

You ate cookies from an ancient dungeon?

And, uh. This Squink stuff sounds kinda dangerous. Heck, the whole place does.

[humanesqueheartstrings]

Yeah, they were really tasty too.

The Squink's not bad, it seems like it's actually pretty useful for making lists. And yeah it is kind of dangerous for the unprepared.

[turnbuckle]

I'll go with you, if you're still taking volunteers.

[humanesqueheartstrings]

Sure, I don't mind! The more the merrier, right?

[turnbuckle]

There we go! Truth be told, I actually haven't been there before--I mean, given how it's all the way in Canterlot and I don't really get out much.

You mind showing a girl around?

[humanesqueheartstrings]

Not a problem, we can make a day of it then!

[trustme]

[He slaps his forehead.] Oh I nearly forgot about the archives! Are you still gathering companions? If you don't have room for another it's alright- I can always go with others. However, either way, perhaps you can do me a favor?

[humanesqueheartstrings]

I am actually gathering people! I'd like to go in a few times. Anyways, what did you need, Doctor?

[trustme]

Oh! Well then, I'd love to join you on one of your trips, if that's alright.

I'm looking for electronic technology- if you know what that is. I can always explain. The last time I went to the archives I discovered some such devices and I am hoping to find more on my return trip- before the archives close again. I'm building a machine that can sense the rainbow energy that moves ponies between worlds and across Equestria. I need more parts though.

If you find anything of the sort- even just scraps- that you have room to carry, I'd really appreciate it if you could get them to me.