It’s the next day, and you feel like you’re on top of the world. Applejack was ecstatic when you came back with Applebloom trailing behind you, naturally. And then Pinkie insisted on throwing a party...

Applebloom is the focus of attention among the young fillies and colts, of course. They crowd around her, asking her over and over to tell them what the boggies looked like, what they talked like, how they smelled and, most of all, what it was like to be rescued. You grin as you catch a bit of her latest tale; each time she tells another story, it seems to get a bit more outlandish and fantastic.

Twilight and the other ponies are all being honored too, of course. Everypony did their part to try and rescue Applebloom, and it wouldn’t do to forget that.

Still, every time you look up at the hastily painted banner that hangs from the rafters you feel a little thrill run down your spine. “THANK YOU CARROT TOP, HEROINE OF PONYVILLE” it reads in great block letters. You’ve attended plenty of celebrations for other ponies, but this is the first time you’ve been singled out for your deeds. Throughout the party, you’ve been approached by friends, neighbors, and even a few complete strangers, all eager to congratulate you for your part in saving Applebloom.

At one point during the party, Twilight leans over to you and asks, “I was going to write a letter to the Princess and tell her all about yesterday. You don’t mind if I mention you by name, do you?”

“There’s no need for that, Twilight Sparkle. I’ve already heard the news.”

“PRINCESS CELESTIA!” you gasp, as you and everypony else in the room fall to their knees at the monarch’s sudden appearance.

“Please everypony, there’s no need to bow.” The Princess makes her way over to where you and Twilight are standing. “Yesterday, I received word that a band of boggies had made camp near Ponyville. But when I got here, I found that the problem had already been solved, thanks to the hard work and quick thinking of Carrot Top here.”

You blush at the complement. “Thank you, my Princess.”

Celestia turns her attention to Twilight. “Now, I believe you had a report you wanted to give me?”

Twilight clears her throat. “Dear Princess Celestia,” she begins, earning a few chuckles. Looking at you and Applejack, she continues, “Today I learned that there are many kinds of friends. Some you hang out with every day, and some you only spend time with occasionally. But a true friend will always help you out when you’re in a bind.”

“And I learned that I’ve got a true friend in Carrot Top, here!” interjects Applejack.

Celestia laughs. “Well, it certainly seems like you’ve learned a lot! I must return to Canterlot now, but you all have my gratitude for taking care of the problem so quickly and effectively.” She turns and locks eyes with you, making you blush. “Especially you, Carrot Top.”

As Celestia leaves, you practically glow with pride; it’s not every day somepony gets a compliment from the Princess herself! All in all, you can’t imagine how things could have gone any better than they did. And now, you’re going to enjoy basking in a little well-earned glory.