//------------------------------//
// A New Assignment 
// Story: Beyond Equestria 
// by Maladin 
//------------------------------//

	It was a beautiful day in Canterlot.  The princess had done a wonderful job raising the sun for today.  It had been a week since the incident with Sunset Shimmer, and it was time for the royal princess summit to reconvene.  However due to preparations for the Equestrian Games, Princess Celestia decided that it would reconvene in Canterlot instead of The Crystal Empire.  
“Well I hope this summit goes better than the last one” Spike said with hint of caution behind his voice.  
“Oh Spike I don’t think we really have anything to worry about this time” Twilight said with expressed optimism. “Celestia has taken every precaution this time, in fact we need to hurry or we are going to miss the summit.” Spike and Twilight hurried along through the streets of Canterlot to the castle.  
When the two of them arrived the other princesses were already deep in discussion about the next year’s tasks.  
“Oh Twilight I am glad that you are able to make it.” Said Princess Celestia.  Celestia had always been Twilight’s Teacher and friend even before she lived in Ponyville and before, she discovered she was to be one of the bearers of the Elements of Harmony.  
“I am sorry that I am late, the train ride was a little slow today” Twilight said apologetically.  
“That is quite alright we will fill you in on the details you need to worry about.”   After about three hours of discussion of politics and royal duties for the other three princesses Celestia decided it was time for a recess and they would reconvene in one hour.  Twilight left the throne room a little disappointed that the princesses had not gotten around to discussing what her duties were for the next year.  
“So have you been appointed over your own section of Equestria yet” Spike said sarcastically.  
“One I told you that would probably not happen for a while, plus they haven’t even gotten around to discussing what I am supposed to do” Twilight said disappointed. 
“Don’t worry I think we will get around to you eventually” Twilight turned around, and there was her old friend Princess Mi Amore Cadenza.  
“Cadence” Twilight said enthusiastically “it is so good to see you.” After a quick catch up Twilight finally asked the question that has been pulling at her for the past week,	
“so, do you have any idea what I am going to be doing for the next year?” Twilight said hopefully. 
“Honestly, I have no idea what you are going to be doing, but apparently it is something big, because it is all Celestia and Luna have been discussing” Cadence said just as puzzled as Twilight was.
“I still think that we should wait before we assign her this assignment” Luna said to her sister. 
“I understand your concern dear sister, but I believe she is ready for this assignment, plus after the recent events with the other world she is the best qualified for this mission.” Celestia said also a little unsure of herself. 
“Also what if something were to happen to her, it is a dangerous world out there” Luna said “She could discover something dangerous, or worse a greater evil then we have seen.”  Celestia noticed the time and saw that the summit was about to reconvene. 
“I do not think there is need for any more discussion”  Celestia said “We have kept Twilight waiting for far too long, it is time she learned what she is responsible of.  
“Very well, but she is not to venture too far especially if something were to happen to her” Luna said cautiously.  
“I agree, let us reconvene to the summit.”  
Twilight was extremely excited now that she was about to find out her new royal duties.  
“Twilight we understand that you are excited about this moment and we are happy that you are.” Said Princess Celestia
“So what will you have me do Princess” said Twilight barely able to hold back her excitement. 
“Luna and I have decided that we have been confined to Equestria for far too long, we wish to find out what lies beyond our borders, and if it is civilized, hopefully make peaceful relations with our neighbors.” 
“So, what does all of this have to do with me?” questioned Twilight.  
“By decree of Princess Celestia, and in agreement with Princess Luna we have decided to assign the task of exploring the world beyond our borders. 
“This is so great I finally get to do more research into the unknown” Twilight Said incredibly happy. Then she stopped to think about what she has been assigned.  “Wait a minute, you are telling me to leave Equestria!”  Twilight exclaimed.