You follow the cobblestone road north to a staircase, which leads you down to the temple grounds. There, you find a few ponies sitting under the orange-leaved trees surrounding the grassless yard, some having a chat, others reading a book.
 
As you approach, a mare in red uniform, just outside of the temple’s large wooden doors, offers you a gentle nod, and a smile that warms the heart.
 
Mare in red: “Welcome to the Abbey of Astora, travellers. May I help you with something?”
 
You introduce yourselves to the mare, and ask if she can help you find your bearings. She takes a moment to give each one of you a good look, and memorize your respective names.
 
Mare in red: “Trailblazer, Moonflower, and Apple Basket. It is a pleasure to meet you all. My name is Clear Fountain, and I am a cleric of the Order of Dawn. Now, what would you like to know?”
 
At the mention of the Order of Dawn, you decide to start with that.
 
Clear Fountain: “The Order of Dawn is the name given to the ponies who serve the Crown, from clerics such as myself to the paladins who protect our cities, including the Crown himself. Members of the Order are housed in temples like this one behind me, so if you ever have need of us, we are always nearby.”
 
You ask Clear Fountain about what she does as a cleric.
 
Clear Fountain: “Well, my role is to aid the ponies of Astora with any worries that may befoul their peace of mind. We clerics typically offer counselling for all kinds of issues, as well as healing for the injured and the sick.
 
We do our best to extend our help to travellers as well, though we are not qualified to deal with anything magic-related. I am sure you understand.”
 
Speaking of magic, you tentatively ask the unicorn about her stance on it.
 
Clear Fountain: “My stance? Hmm… on one hoof, this kingdom was built by wise ponies who chose to renounce sorcery after a long history of magical tragedies, and I respect that. On the other hoof, I believe that any source of light will cast a shadow, be it magic or something else.”
 
You can’t help but wonder whether that statement is controversial, especially coming from a cleric.
 
Clear Fountain: “What? Oh, heh heh… I see what you mean. No, the Crown does not mind anypony debating his views on magic. In fact, he welcomes it, and encourages ponies to challenge each other’s beliefs. Some spend many years in our laboratories doing just that, and we have only gained from it.
 
That said, please do refrain from using spells outside of town if you can. Our poor farmers already have enough to worry about.”
 
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