Your first instinct is to open the door, and explore what lies beyond. On the other side stretches a hallway with a dozen more doors, half of them labeled with a name or two. You walk lightly across the creaky floorboards, careful not to wake up the sleeping household.
 
At the end of the hallway is a staircase, which you climb down to the parlour. Colourful party decorations come into view, from banners and streamers hanging from the walls and ceiling, to bouquets of balloons floating above the furniture.
 
Suddenly, colts and fillies pop out from all around the room to greet you and Honourshine with a cheerful “Surprise”! Soon after, Matron Kindleheart arrives from the kitchen with a freshly baked cake, and a sweet aroma following close behind.
 
Time passes by as you and Honourshine partake in foods and games with all of your friends, celebrating your first anniversary at the orphanage together.
 
Indeed, it has already been a year since you were welcomed into this new, loving family. And though you have yet to learn where you both came from, you hope to someday learn about the grizzled unicorn who is said to have brought you here.
 
Matron Kindleheart: “Honourshine, Trailblazer! It’s time to open your presents!”
 
At the mention of presents, everypony gathers around the matron, curious to see what they will be. It is not every day that the orphanage can afford anything more than wooden toys, and anniversaries always are such a special occasion.
 
With a nod and a smile, you let Honourshine go first. The filly gingerly undoes the ribbon atop her wrapped gift box, and opens it to reveal its contents; a beautiful pair of round glasses. She eagerly tries them on, and begins to look around the room in awe.
 
Honourshine: “Wow! This is incredible, everything looks so… detailed now, even up close! Thank you so much, Matron!”
 
Matron Kindleheart: “Aww, you’re quite welcome, my dear. With how much you’ve been reading recently, I couldn’t think of a more fitting gift.”
 
After some cheering from the small crowd, the matron hooves you a present in turn. You open it to find inside something that will change your life forever; your very own compass!
 
You get Compass!
 
Matron Kindleheart: “You know what this is, don’t you? With this, you’ll be able go play outside of town without fear of getting lost.”
 
You thank Matron Kindleheart with a big hug, and receive an affectionate pat on the head. The other foals excitedly break out into chatter about all kinds of rumours and stories surrounding the region.
 
Matron Kindleheart: “Speaking of outside, it’s a beautiful day today. Let’s head out and enjoy the sun, everypony! And don’t go too far, you two. I expect you to be back by lunchtime.”
 
You promise to return before noon, and as you join the funnel of ponies headed to the playground, you begin to think about where you’ll go exploring first.
 
To the north are grassy plains, ever windswept by the chill of winter.  
To the east is the countryside, and a peaceful verdant forest besides.  
To the south and west are weathered mountains, overflowing with mud slides and shallow puddles.
 
 
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