Recently Princess Luna undertook her first oversea diplomatic visit in over 1000 years. Her diplomatic mission is to Senta the Southern Kingdom of Zebras. There's been a recent archeological discovery at the ruins of Kintu an abandoned zebra city that was consumed by the desert 500 years ago. Princess Luna visited the city several times when it was functioning, thriving metropolis. So the team has reached out to the Princess of the Moon for her assistance since she's the only immediately available individual who has living memory of it.
Luna is honored that she's been invited to come and visit, but at the same time it's a bittersweet journey for her. What seems like only a few years ago in her mind has been over thousand years. What was once vibrant, bustling city is now a sand choked, wind worn, abandoned collection of ruins. It is further proof of how much the world changed during her exile to the moon.
This is a proper diplomatic mission so Luna has brought most of her Night Court with her. Since Applebloom holds a position of importance in Luna's court she is accompanying the princess on her journey. Joining AB is Stone Mane. For the two foals the trip is being treated as oversea studies when it comes to their schooling. A chance to learn about foreign culture, history, geography, and the arts.
Since Applebloom has been taking dance lessons in the palace and other places >>2032560:https://derpibooru.org/images/2032560 she taken an interest in the high court dance style of Wata-Kinal. Effectively belly dancing for ponies. She's found it fun. She's made some friends in the Senta Court while learning it, and Stone Mane is thoroughly onboard with supporting Applebloom's newly discovered pastime.