Aeneid the Marvelous (Too much? She's still workshopping it) trots with majestic pride into another cavern. Her previous dives had done nothing to deter her, nay, they had only served to strengthen her resolve! Sure, there'd been some... embarrassing moments... but every good adventurer has a rocky start. Surely this must be a universal truth.

Her pondering is put on hold as she quickly noticed the area around her. The discarded barding would have held some interest, were it not for the fact that this place was crawling with bugs. She lets out a somewhat nervous huff, stomping her hooves down in an attempt to scatter the masses. But yet, her giant self did not seem to do much to frighten these beetles- and she soon saw for herself why. The tiny soldiers were fiercely engaged in some sort of battle royale, clashing against each other in brilliant strokes of color.

There was uncertainty here. Should the great and mighty Aeneid intervene, drastically changing the course of some insect society's game? Or would she merely permit herself to be nothing but an observer, a lone pair of eyes to witness what was surely one of the grandest displays nature had to offer. Why, it seemed fate would choose for her as a little red beetle is abruptly flung into her hoof, bouncing off of it with a determined hiss. Aeneid carefully steps back, slightly startled by the sudden impact but all the same unwanting to bring harm. What a brave little creature!

Permitting herself to aleviate some of her curiosity, she bows her head down to inspect the beetle. It does not seem to pay her much mind initially, seemingly more intent on making its way back into the depths of combat. The mare lets out a light huff in an attempt to get its attention once more, dragging a hoof against the ground behind it. When it does turn to look at her once more, she dips her head- an action the insect reciprocrates. Surprised by this, she watches as it bounces up and down a few times as though it were trying to convey some form of message. Unsure on how to respond, she cautiously mimics the motion- her reward being revealed in the form of clear delight from the insect.

Seeing the friendliness this creature displays, Aeneid lowers her head so the battle-worn beetle may crawl atop her snout, poised proudly like the mighty warrior it most certainly was. Noting that it seemed keen to join her for the moment at least, she turns back the way she came, beetle now on her person. A sidekick just for her! Exactly what every mighty adventurer needs, of course!