Bound by a Blade (PauPat)

Chapter Four - Small Things

"Mama!"

The boy cried loudly, trying to escape from the alleyway. He called out for his mother, as he was pulled back into the alleyway by a strong hand that had grabbed the back of his shirt.

"Shut your mouth, brat!" one of the men shouted. "Give us the ring, now!"

The child screamed at the top of his lungs, trying to hide his hand from the street thieves that surrounded him. "No!" he cried. "It's from-"

"Give it here!" The man grabbed at the young boy's wrist, causing the defenseless child to yank his arm away.

"Get away from me!" he shouted, trying once again to make a run for it.

Before he could get very far, he was pulled back once again. A knife was held to his throat, causing his breath to hitch.

"You think you're clever, eh?" his attacker sneered. "Little bastard."

The boy didn't dare struggle as he panted heavily, staring into the man's eyes.

Pain suddenly shot through his face, causing him to cry out in pain. Warm blood seeped from where his chin had been lacerated by the large knife. Tears fell down the helpless boy's face as he was shoved to the ground, the pain from his fresh wound worsening.

The last thing he saw was his left hand, barren of his mother's ring.

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Pau woke with a gasp. "Mother-"

Through his blurred vision, he could see a silhouette standing above him. "Relax," the figure whispered with a soft shush.

Pau closed his eyes gently. He could feel an ache on his chin, the mere memory of that night causing the pain to return. "Sorry," he apologized breathlessly.

"Don't apologize." The medic hummed.

Pau let the voice register with him for a moment. Pat, he recalled. "What happened?"

"You were hurt in battle," Pat responded without missing a beat. "You fought well, but you were reckless."

Pau cracked a smile. "Well, I'm used to just collecting a payment and leaving. I wasn't even expecting to be back here, so I suppose I didn't care if I got hurt."

Pau's comment left the two of them in an uncomfortable silence. Pat's face was void of emotion. It was almost frightening.

The mercenary simply stared upward until Pat stood up. Pau glanced at him and noticed Pat wasn't wearing his robes. Just before Pat turned around, Pau caught sight of a marking his upper arm. Upon his tanned skin, there was a beautiful brand that resembled a double axe surrounded by flames.

"You're staring at me," the cleric commented, causing Pau's face to go red with embarrassment.

"Sorry," he stammered. "I was just looking at your arm."

Pat's shoulder's rose with tension. "Ah..."

"Sorry if it's a sensitive subject, you don't have to-"

"I'll be back in a moment."

With that, Pat left the tent. Pau sighed in defeat, alone now that the cleric had left. "Damn it," he groaned.

Loneliness, his thoughts told him. This is what your mother did to you.

"Mother," he whispered, closing his eyes. Although vague, he was still able to create a blurred mental image of his mother.

A strongly built woman, taller than average. Brown hair, not dark but not light, like coffee with just enough cream to appease anyone. Fair skin that shone in the gentle moonlight. Beautiful, gentle face, despite the scar over her eye. A loving expression on her face, completed by warm blue eyes.

Pau never wanted to admit that most of it was what he wanted to believe his mother looked like. He hated that he couldn't remember more about her. In reality, he wasn't even sure if her hair was dark or light, or if her eyes were blue or brown.

All he knew was that he hoped to the gods to see her again someday.

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Short chapter today, and another slow update. It's been a while since I wrote a fanfic, so I guess I just need to get back into an update schedule. Thanks for bearing with me, and thank you so much for reading!

For those of you who are anticipating some gay shit... patience. You'll get your gay shit soon.