Fire Tongue

Chapter 9

Smiling Hadrian slipped into the seat across from the man as Tom continued, "It takes a lot to be a strong soul such as you. Jasper will be lucky to have you of course so let's just concentrate on that shall we? Ah we are here."

Smiling Hadrian turned to look out the carriage window his mouth open in amazement as his eyes fell upon the most wondrous sight.

-This Time-

Before them was a large stretch of fields of corn and grapes stretched all the way up to a large mansion that looked to be several stories tall.

Smiling brightly Hadrian leaned out the window his smile wide and carefree. He hadn't been this calm and free in so long. Long hair blowing in the breeze he took a deep breath taking in the scents of the grapes and fresh corn. His horn sparkled brightly from where it was nestled in a crown of ebony locks.

He turned as Tom chuckled at him and he giggled lightly before sitting back down in his seat respectfully.

Tom smiled as they pulled up to the large Manor and he flung open the carriage door with a carefree grin," Welcome young Elf to Riddle Manor!"

Hadrian slipped out before bowing politely his soft voice speaking sweetly, "Hadrian, I am Hadrian Potter."

Tom nodded lightly before slipping out of the carriage himself and with a snap of his fingers several people stepped forward from the house welcoming.

Tom with polite bows and calm smiles, "Hadrian go with Patti she will see to you being cleaned up and fed then you shall rest for a few hours before preparing for the ball tonight."

With a nod Hadrian slipped forward only to be greeted by a calm blonde haired woman her hair graying slightly and her smile warm and welcoming.

She softly beckoned him into the manor and hurriedly rushed him down a larger corridor that was dimly lit with many pictures and portraits up along the walls.

Frowning Hadrian followed her, his ears twitching listening for any other sounds as keen green eyes took in his surroundings. From the dark green carpet to the darker green walls and silver edgings everything screamed power and money. Even as they approached a set of large wooden doors gold etched into the grain of the wood to create delicate patterns.

Sighing, the little woman opened the doors to reveal a large marble white bathroom that had a sunken tub in the very center already drawn up with warm inviting waters that smelled strangely like sage and thyme.

Patti wasted no time in stripping the clothes from his body and shoving him into the warm waters with a surprised yelp. With a whimper he surfaced and coughed looking up at the smiling woman.

Her cheery voice carrying through the bathroom, "You get washed up dear and I'll go fetch you something to wear, then I will take you to the kitchens to get some food into you."

With that she turned and left closing the door with a small click.

Hadrian sighed gently and slowly relaxed in the warm waters as his thoughts ventured towards the happenings of the past. So many things have happened since the night before it boggled the mind truly it did. But his mind could only relax and smile when he thought of seeing Prince Jasper he could not worry about anything.

Sighing, he slowly reached over to the side of the tub reaching for the small jars similar to those that Draco had him use. Opening the small jar he scooped some of the mint green shampoo from the jar to slowly place it in his hair letting it work on the dark black strands. The inky black tendrils floated along the water's surface playfully.

Smiling the young elf simply dipped under the water washing away the worries and stress and caked blood from his tanned flesh, the silvery glow of his scars starkly contrasting to the heated tanned skin.

It wasn't long before he slipped from the path reaching for one of the soft white towels along the edge drying of slowly before wrapping it around his waste in order to reach for the small silver brush and untangle his hair with long soft strokes.

A soft knock came from the door and he ushered a small 'come in' and the large door opened to reveal the small blonde maid who helped him before in her hands where a soft pair of black pants and shirt.

Smiling the woman handed him the clothes before disappearing with another click of the door.

Laughing lightly Hadrian slipped on the soft material before meeting the woman outside with a bright smile.

"Oh excellent dear, I see you dressed rather quickly. Come now you must simply come to the kitchens you need food I can tell, never can fool me oh no never. Not even Master Riddle can full this old woman! And believe me he has tried. Even as a child he always tried to sneak out of meals and the like," the woman laughed lightly and led him through several corridors and down a full flight of stairs, before leading Hadrian to a large set of white doors and into a sparkling kitchen full of bustling people and wonderful smelling food.

It had been a long time since he had felt at such ease and freedom. He didn't even know why he trusted this person so much but this inner voice just told him it was alright. He trusted his inner voice it had never let him down before so when he was handed a plate of delicious food who was he to question its taste. He simply smiled and ate the food eyes sparkling as its taste bloomed in his mouth. It was not long before he finished the meal and was led to a new room. When his head hit the soft pillow upon the bed his eyes closed and sleep over took him.

To Be Continued...