Tentative steps brought Samir through the mouth of the cavern, his head ducking low out of instinct rather than necessity. His nerves were already high despite the light of the surface still illuminating the entrance to the subterranean world below. Still young, Samir had only ever ventured a few tens of meters below ground and always in the company of another. But this time he was on his own, finally gaining the confidence to act with independence. Tossing his head to reset himself, Samir took a few quicker steps forwards into the gloom. Mismatched eyes adjusting to the dark, he was pleased to see that there were torches here and there marking the way to the deeper parts of the dungeon's upper level. 

What was there to be worried about anyways? He'd been this way before and so was fairly certain there wasn't anything that could be truly unexpected or that he wouldn't know how to deal with. Samir's own internal monologue kept him moving forwards, courage growing with every uneventful hoof step. It wasn't until an unfamiliar noise, a sludgy, *gelatinous* slurp, sounded behind him. Starting forwards, Samir took several galloping strides before skidding in a sharp turn to face whatever had made the sound. His eyes widened, the white sclera stark next to the color of his irises as Samir took in the sight of the neon green cube. Dancing from foot to foot nervously, the young courser tried to will himself into calm, bracing for the attack he knew was inevitable.

But the gelatinous cube never moved towards him, instead it stood by idly as if also considering its next move. The two stood in silence for several dragging moments, their bodies seemingly frozen in time. Eventually Samir tentatively broke the silence. 

"Uhm... hello? A-are you going to attack... or...?" He trailed off, his lack of certainty evident. 

The cube slid slowly forwards a bit then wobbled back and forth in a way that Samir found almost endearing. Almost. He took a single hoofstep backwards and, noticing this, the cube ceased moving. It was curious - Samir had never heard of a gelatinous cube that was peaceful before. He considered the being for a moment, head tilting in quiet contemplation. 

"You seem friendly enough." He stated at last, taking a few small steps towards the cube, his head lowering to get a better look at it. The cube seemed delighted by this, oozing forwards in its alien not-quite-a-liquid way. It came within reach of Samir, causing a wave of panic to wash over the nervy man. He managed to a quick smile though and then, bucking up all his courage, extended his nose to the gelatin-based lifeform. The cube extended one of its corners until the two made tentative contact. It was cool to the touch and as smooth as one might expect. Samir had also expected it to be sticky, however this wasn't the case. Perhaps the cube could decide whether it wanted to ensnare something or not? He wasn't certain, all he knew in that moment was that this particular gelatinous cube was friendly. He felt more at ease as the two ceased their strange greeting. 

"I'm called Samir, do you... have a name?" The courser was obviously met with silence from the cube, the monster only swaying gently back and forth as if in thought. Eventually it fell perfectly still, or so it seemed. Within the cube's bulk Samir could see movement, its inner contents swirling to produce an item that had been contained within. Revealing the trinket, the cube displayed it for its new friend, indicating as best it could to the item. Samir's eyes lit up as he recognized the small copper coin. 

"Penny? You're called Penny?"  The cube withdrew its coin and seemed to dance in place, swaying and twisting with delight. Samir joined in, giving a joyful whiny as he reveled in the wonder of making a new and unexpected friend.