The sun hung high in the sky, casting golden light over Sweet Apple Acres. The orchard stretched far and wide, rows upon rows of sturdy apple trees swaying gently in the warm breeze. The air carried a familiar blend of earth, fresh-cut grass, and the sweet aroma of ripening apples. It was a scent Applejack knew better than anything—a scent that meant home. Above, the sky was a perfect, uninterrupted blue, thanks to Rainbow Dash’s hard work clearing the clouds earlier. Even as a Wonderbolt, she still found time to keep Ponyville’s skies clear. Applejack smirked to herself. "Guess bein’ famous ain’t changed her too much. Always gotta make sure the sky’s just right."

Wiping her brow with the back of her glove, she exhaled, glancing at the basket beside her, already half-full of bright red apples. "Ain't nothin' like a good day’s work," she muttered to herself, adjusting her hat. "Sun’s shinin’, trees are heavy with fruit—reckon it’s gonna be a mighty fine harvest this season."

She reached up to pluck another apple when her ears twitched at the sound of approaching footsteps. The crunch of boots against dirt, steady but unhurried. Applejack paused, lowering her arm as she turned her gaze toward the entrance of the orchard.

"Now, who could that be?" she murmured, shifting her weight and hooking her thumbs into her belt. Visitors weren’t uncommon, but she always liked to know who was wanderin’ onto her farm. With a relaxed stance, she waited, green eyes sharp and curious, ready to greet whoever was comin’ her way.