Now it had come to pass that the Antrozi had gone their own way after the Naming Day nearly three hundred and seventy years before. They had splintered into smaller and smaller covens until such point that each coven contained less than fifteen members. One of these covens had made their home in the very same cave that Princess Luna had taken refuge, and they pondered anxiously as to what she would do when she woke up. Would she be angry at them, and tell them to leave their home? Attack? They were unsure of any action, so they waited. The Princess did eventually wake up, and she was surprised to find herself in the company of the grey furred, leathery winged bat ponies before her. She looked at each of them in turn, and each of them continued to look at her.
“Who be ye,” she asked them inquisitively.
The Antrozi were timid to answer, save one; the youngest among them, a mere colt of five years, walked toward her. With no doubts about his actions, he came right up to the Princess’ face and booped her on the nose, “We’re the Antrozi, purple lady! Who are you?”
His parents and elders tried to scold him for such a greeting, but the Princess simply chuckled to herself, “No, please don’t reprimand the little one! He is young and honest, and both are commendable qualities. I am Luna, what is your name?”
The young bat pony stood proudly and flared his little leathery wings, “My name is Orpheus!”
“It is wonderful to meet you, Orpheus,” the Princess said while smiling warmly.
An elder Antrozi, the Covenmaster, stepped forward as well, “We know who you are, Princess of the Night. We are blessed that you would take shelter in our home. If it is not so bold of me to ask, would you please allow us to keep this cavern as our home?” Perplexed by this request, Princess Luna was initially stunned to momentary silence. The Antrozi, taking this silence as a sign of the Princess’ rising anger, took several steps backward and covered their faces with their wings, for they had heard of the great power that the alicorn sisters held in their hooves. Orpheus, both brave and innocent, was the only one to stand before the thoroughly confused Princess now.
She leaned forward and whispered to the young colt, “Why do your relatives act so timid? Have I wronged them in some way?”
“They know you are powerful; we’ve heard stories of what you can do, even here in the Everfree Forest.”
“Only monsters need fear my power, little Orpheus, not you and yours.” Directing her voice to the elder coven leader she spoke, “We mean you and your kin no harm. What is your name, Covenmaster?”
“Acaeus, your grace.”
“By the powers invested in me as Princess of the Night and Guardian of all Dreams, I, Luna, will never seek to harm you, and will provide protection for you and your kind. This I solemnly vow on my mother’s spirit.” The Covenmaster and other bat ponies were put at ease when this declaration was made. “Pray tell, meek Antrozi, for what reason do you take shelter in this barren cave?”
“We fear for ourselves; all other ponies that we have encountered have treated us with unfounded distrust and aggression. We have found over the years it is simply safer to hide ourselves away from where others may find us. We are without want here; we have food and water plentiful enough, and we are safe.”
“We have not heard of such things from others! Why have you not sought sanctuary with my sister and I in Everfree Castle?”
“We were afraid to approach you, believing you to be of similar mind to your subjects.”
Princess Luna stamped her hoof, and she flared her wings, “You are my subjects as well, and I will not let this injustice pass. You will come back with me to Everfree Castle, and we will settle this mess properly. What say you?”
Orpheus looked up at Princess Luna with curiosity, “What is it like at Everfree Castle?”
Princess Luna looked down at the little colt and smiled, “Everfree Castle is large, full of tapestries and grand chambers with large stained glass windows. It is warm and safe. The moonlight illumines the halls with beautiful patterns, and there is a large tower from which you can see the stars throughout the entire horizon.”
“What are stars?”
“Soon, I’ll show you.”
“I’m afraid that I must decline this hospitable offer, your Majesty,” Acaeus spoke up, “I fear for my kin, in that we would still face recriminations for our appearance.”
“If you encounter any such cruelty, you will speak to me, and I will set it right.”
“I’m still very apprehensive of this decision, your Majesty.”
“Then I hereby order you to join me in Everfree Castle for the time of one fortnight, and then you may decide whether to stay or go.”
All the bat ponies were jarred by this decree, while Orpheus was absolutely delighted. Acaeus was resigned to the wishes of the Princess. “As you command, Princess; we shall follow you.”
“Splendid. Now if you could be so kind as to lead us out of this wild part of the Everfree, we shall be on our way.”