Unfortunate Remnants
Far too often, war leaves many homeless, destitute, and dead. Parents are left to mourn their fallen sons and daughters. Countries are forced to rebuild with little more than rubble and misery. Indeed, the dogs of war are a vicious breed, and they have no regard for what or who they tear apart. Among the most unfortunate and depressing remains of war are orphaned children; children who, had war not arrived at their doorsteps, would have had a bright future. After their caretakers are dead, what hope is left for them?
To ease the burden of these poor children, both the Horde and Alliance observe Children's Week, during which kind-hearted adventurers take care of them and show them what the world outside their orphanage is like. There are many whose hearts go out to these unfortunate children and do their best to make an impression on them. What happens when Naetrhim, a Knight of the Ebon Blade, decides to make such an impression.
Shattrath City, the Lower City
Salandria could barely contain her excitement, an adventurer was going to be her big brother for the week! She had spent half of the night making a list of things she wanted to do and places she wanted to visit. If only he would arrive… "Salandria," called Matron Mercy, "your sponsor is here to pick you up!" "Coming!" she called back. Finally! I get to meet my new big brother!
Naetrhim stood outside the Shattrath Orphanage, leaning on his Runeblade. Matron Mercy was in the process of describing his young charge, "…She is such a sweet child. When she heard that she was getting a sponsor, she literally jumped for joy…" The sound of shoes running across stone drew his attention away from her. A young Blood Elf was standing dutifully next to her, and was staring at him with curiosity and barely contained excitement, "Matron," Naetrhim interrupted, "my apologies for interrupting, but it is impolite to talk about someone like they aren't here when they are standing next to you." She blinked in surprise and looked down, "Oh sorry dear, I didn't hear you coming. Salandria, this is Naetrhim, he is the kind adventurer who is going to be your sponsor for the week."
Salandria looked up at her temporary caretaker, and gasped in surprise at both his race and his eyes. She had seen many Blood Elves pass through Shattrath and there were several who lived at the Orphanage, but all of them had had bright green eyes, not the chilling blue ones that he had. "Why are your eyes blue?" she blurted out without realizing it.
Naetrhim's response was slow in coming. Most people, even children, had at least heard rumors of Death Knights, but the surprise that she hadn't wasn't what stayed his tongue. Memories of the life that had been torn from him were suddenly and violently brought to the surface. Memories of the Scourge's invasion of Quel'Thalas and of the family he had fought to protect. A vague memory of his newborn child sleeping peacefully in her cradle, and arm around his wife's shoulder as they bid her goodnight for what they hadn't known would be the last time. Her name had been Salandria…
While Naetrhim was dealing with his inner demons, Matron Mercy interpreted his extended silence as anger. Death Knights weren't famous for their compassion or tolerance of others, "Sir Naetrhim, please forgive her. She is but a child and has yet to learn self-control…" Naetrhim snapped out of his daze and kneeled in front of Salandria, totally ignoring the Matron's pleading, and he gave her half of a smile. "Let us say that it is simply because I am… different from most Blood Elves. We should get going, it would be rude to keep Matron Mercy from her duties any longer than necessary." "Okay! Let's go!" Naetrhim stood and walked off with Salandria close. Such a generous man, giving his time to her so willingly.