Dear Journal,

I must apologize for my absence from writing. Yesterday marked a significant milestone for me—I ventured into the dungeons for the very first time. I know, I know… This might come as a surprise, but please, allow me to explain later on.

The dungeons, as I had always imagined them, seemed like a place of fearsome darkness and rugged stone. Yet, to my astonishment, I found them to be remarkably enchanting. I entered the dungeons not far from home, and instead of the grim environment I anticipated, I was greeted with a vibrant tapestry of greenery. The stonework down there is not uniformly natural; some parts display intricate carvings and detailed patterns, hinting at a bygone era when these dungeons were perhaps part of something that is too big for us to understand.

As I marveled at the lush moss, intertwining vines, and delicate wildflowers, my contemplation was abruptly interrupted by a thunderous clatter. At first, my heart raced with fear, imagining the presence of some ominous creature ready to confront me for my intrusion. In a state of heightened anxiety, I considered escaping but then decided to investigate the source of the noise.

It turned out to be an old piece of horse armor—a chanfron—that had somehow come loose and was shifting about on the ground. To my surprise, a crab had taken refuge inside this abandoned metal piece! When I tried to help the little creature out, it retaliated by pinching me with its pincers. The pinch stung quite a bit, but it was a minor discomfort compared to the thrill of my discovery. The crab, clutching the metal fragment, scuttled off into the depths of the dungeon, vanishing into the shadows.

This encounter left me pondering the adaptability of life in such an environment. I have heard tales from wandering horses about crabs using shells as their protective armor, each shell boasting unique shapes and colors. I now wonder if these crabs have repurposed discarded metal scraps as their new homes in the dungeon’s labyrinthine depths.

I feel like now is the time to explain why I have delved into the unknown. I realize I have broken a promise to my mother—one I have upheld for the past ten years. My mother has always harbored a deep fear of the dungeons, a fear rooted in a tragic event involving my father. The memory of that incident is a painful one, and she has always cautioned me against venturing into those dark depths.

But there has always been an irresistible pull for me. It feels as though the dungeons call my name with an almost magnetic force. Over the years, despite my best efforts to ignore these whispers, the allure only grew stronger. As a foal, I would hide behind my mother, hoping to drown out the echoing voices that beckoned me closer.Yesterday, I could no longer resist. I took a cautious step into the dungeons, remaining close to the entrance as a precaution.

Even in that brief time, I learned so much. The experience was both frightening and exhilarating, a fascinating glimpse into a world that remains largely unexplored. I can't help but wonder if what horse-kind has seen is just a fraction of the dungeon’s vast expanse or if this is merely the beginning of a grand adventure.

I hope you understand the reasoning behind my actions. It was driven by an insatiable curiosity and a quest for knowledge that felt too important to ignore. I promise to be more mindful of my choices going forward, balancing my thirst for discovery with my responsibilities and the concerns of those who care for me.

For now, I must return to my studies. I hope you are not too disappointed in me. This journey was for a greater purpose, and I am determined to learn as much as I can from it.

Until next time,

Mahogany