Hands: The Sword of Equestria · 12:32am Nov 15th, 2019
*At a special ceremony in Canterlot... Andrew stands nervously. Rarity fusses over his outfit while the other Mares wait with smiles*
Twilight: This is so incredible! Actually being awarded by the Princess herself! I'm so excited!
Pinkie: Me too! Do you think the medal will be made of chocolate?
Twilight: Wha-Why would it be made of chocolate?
Pinkie: Because that would be awesome! AND delicious!
Andrew: Just don't see what the fuss is about. You guys have saved the world, what, three times now?
Applejack: Yeah, but it's the first for you.
Dash: Hmph! We had to save the world like twice before we got rewarded! Guess humans really are special!
Andrew: Well we do have hands. Extra special. *Wiggles his fingers*
Fluttershy: We should be proud of him...
Dash: I am! But I have to rib him.
Applejack: Maybe they'll give ya a job? Since you haven't been able to do any work fer the last... I dunno, few months?
Andrew: I've been a bit distracted with your crazy shenanigans, you know.
Twilight: Your crazy shenanigans?!
Andrew: *smiles and reaches out to rub her head* Our crazy shenanigans... Sorry.
Twilight: *sighs happily*
Rarity: AHEM? Mind holding still?
Andrew: Ah, sorry! Sorry...
*Later, at the grand ceremony, Celestia presents Andrew with a medal in front of the gathered elite of Canterlot*
Celestia: For your honor and courage, Andrew Shepherd the Human, I present the Medal of Valor... *She smiles and places it over Andrew's head, which he gratefully accepts* And another. Too long have you been a stranger in our lands.
*Twilight's eyebrows raise. As do Andrew's*
Andrew: Er...
Celestia: *More firmly* Your race, from our records and from your own testimony, can be violent. Brutal. Warlike.
Andrew: *winces*
*The rest of the ponies look confused*
Celestia: And yet, your race united and defeated the Changeling invasion. And for beings who are not your own people... You risked your life to save us.
Andrew: ... *Swallows* You... Are my people. *Said with utter sincerity*
Celestia: *smiles* Good answer... With this in mind, given the threats we face and the terrors we fight... While friendship is our greatest power... There is wisdom in strength. In having a shield... And a sword.
Andrew: Ah...
Celestia: To this end, I name you, Andrew Shepherd the Human, Sir Shepherd of the Royal Guard of Canterlot. *Smiles* As Shining Armor was our shield... I believe you will serve as an able sword.
Andrew: ... *bows his head* I am honored..
A reference to that game?
Ohhhhh Reference! Though from what is slipping my mind at this moment
Oh thats where his title came from
Celestia also just scared the >Beep< out of Shepard. And Shining is going to show up to do his physical Therapy, put him through boot camp, and generally give him hell.