Title: A Birthday Wish

 

By: Carol (e-mail kjcarjo@cox.net)

 

Rating: G/AU

 

Betta: Trinka

 

Spoiler: None

 

Disclaimer:  I am not Tolkien or in and way associated with the Tolkien Enterprises. I am not profiting in any way from writing besides the joy I receive from doing it. I do not own any of these characters although I would not mind having an elf of my own.

 

Summary: Legolas, Elladan and Elrohir play a birthday prank on Aragorn.

 

Warnings: None

 

Note: This story is for San who offered me this challenge Hope It lives up to your expectations.  To Claudia a special Thank You for your knowledge of herbs and to Trinka for your encouraging words, help, and ideas. And to Emily thanks for the little conversations and laughs. You girls are the best!

 And last but not least I would like to Thank You dear reader for taking the time to make this all worthwhile.

Please review and let me know what you think.

 

 

 

A weary and tired Aragorn looked up as he grew closer to the gate. He had been riding for days and wanted nothing more then to be home. For months he had been riding with the rangers but had promised his Ada he would be home in time for his birthday. He knew his family would be throwing a huge party to celebrate, but in his heart all he wanted was a hot meal and a soft bed. It was only the letter he had received from Arwen in Bree that made his heart leap. She had promised to be in Rivendell to help him celebrate and had promised him a special birthday gift.

 

Riding up to the stables, he wearily swung from his saddle and turned his horse over to an awaiting elf.

 

 “Welcome home Estel and Happy Birthday!” the stable hand greeted, him with a huge smile. “Thank you, it is good to be home,” he replied as he turned to make his way inside.

 

 

Legolas had been at the window watching Aragorn’s return. He had noticed the way he slumped in his saddle and so knew he must be tired from his travels. “He has arrived!” he said. Turning to the twins, he noticed their evil grins. “Are you sure you want to do this?” he asked.

 

“Of course we do. I told him he was going to pay for that little prank he pulled before he left’ didn’t I?” Elladan replied. He handed the small canister to Elrohir. “Attach the note, and let’s get out of here!”

 

Elrohir opened the canister and sprinkled a fine powder into the lining of a dark blue tunic and matching breeches. Grinding it into the fabric, he folded the clothes and placed them on the bed, laying the note up against it. “You’re not going to chicken, out are you Legolas?” He turned to The Mirkwood Prince waiting for an answer.

 

“No I am no chicken!” Legolas looked at the canister and began to smile. “Are you sure that is going work?’

 

Elladan’s eyes began to gleam. “I am positive; the seeds of the Dog Rose bush have been known to make even the strongest of all elves insane from the itching.  Elrohir had the pleasure of falling into a dog rose bush last summer and spent the next two days in agony!”

 

“Don’t remind me brother,” Elrohir sighed. “You do have your part ready, don’t you?’ He turned to Legolas and looked at him with a curious expression.

 

Legolas reached into his pocket and withdrew a small bottle containing salve. He held it up for the twins to see. “You should have seen the healers face when I asked them for It,” he said with a chuckle.

 

Elladan looked at the grey paste and wondered aloud, “What is in it and what will it do?”

 

“It’s a simple blend of ash water, honey, and sand, and you will see soon enough what effects it will have!” Legolas replaced the bottle in his pocket. “We had better go. He will be here soon.”

 

 

Aragorn’s feet drug across the ground, sending up a small puff of dust with each step. As he approached the steps he was greeted by a familiar friendly voice.

 

“Welcome home, my son!” Elrond opened his arm waiting for his son to step into them.

 

“Thank you, Ada! It is so good to see you,” He stepped up and wrapped his arms around Elrond’s shoulders. “It has been too long.”

 

Elrond couldn’t help but notice the weariness in his voice and gently pushed him back him to an arms length. “Are you feeling ill Estel?” he asked as he placed a hand upon his forehead. “You do not seem to have a fever.”

 

“Nay, Ada I am just tired.” Aragorn sighed and a yawn erupted from his mouth.

 

“Then you should go upstairs, bathe and try to get some rest before this evening.” Elrond took him by the shoulder and began steering him through the door. “You will need your rest before the feast begins.”

 

“Aye, that sounds like a wonderful idea. Has everyone arrived?”

 

“Legolas arrived this morning, but I will make it clear that no one is to bother you until this evening.” Elrond gave him a small push towards the stairs. “Now go.”

 

Aragorn smiled and started up the stairs. He was looking forward to the bath and some much needed rest. There would be plenty of time to socialize later.

 

Legolas and the twins had just made it through the door and into the room attached to Aragorn’s when they heard him enter.

 

Aragorn walked and went straight in to draw a bath. He added some eucalyptus oil to sooth his tired and aching muscles. He undressed and slipped into the water letting the aroma and warmth overtake him. After soaking for a while he climbed out, wrapped a towel around him and

re-entered his bedroom. He had just grabbed some clothes from the wardrobe and had turned around …when he noticed a tunic resting on the bed. Next to it was a small letter. Picking them both up, he turned the letter over and began to read.

 

My love,

 

  Happy Birthday!! I have missed you so and have been counting the days until we were once again reunited. I have made you a special birthday gift. I hope you will choose to wear it tonight for I look forward to seeing it on you. Until tonight.

 

                                                                                                     With my love,

 

                                                                                                                      Arwen

 

Aragorn donned the outfit and turned to admire himself in the mirror. The gentle smell of roses filled his nose.

 

“Roses? Why would she want me smelling of roses?” he wondered. Shaking his head he decided it did not matter. He would do anything for her, even if it meant smelling like a garden. Removing the tunic he placed it across the bed and, wearing only the breeches, laid down falling to sleep immediately.

 

Hours later he was awoken by a soft knock at his door. Legolas stuck his head in and peered at Aragorn. “Wake up, birthday boy! Everyone is waiting for you downstairs.”

 

Aragorn slowly rolled off the bed stood. “I am awake; and please do not call me birthday boy. I am no boy,” he grumbled. He still did not understand why no one seemed to acknowledge that in human years he was a full-grown man. He started towards the door.

 

“Aragorn, surely you are not going dressed like that, are you?

 

Looking down and seeing his bare chest Aragorn groaned and reached over for the tunic.

 

Dressed in fresh, clothes the trio started for the dining hall. On the way down Legolas could not help but notice Aragorn reach down and scratch his leg. Suppressing a laugh, he walked ahead of Aragorn so he would not notice.

 

Elrond glanced around the room at the party guest. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. The dinner had gone well and the food had been delicious. He looked over to the table where Aragorn was sitting with Legolas. The opened gifts were spread across the table and parchment paper was scattered across the floor. Aragorn seemed to be admiring the new Elven knife he had given him as a gift. But as Aragorn held it up and showed Legolas, Elrond noticed a small look of discomfort cross Aragorn’s face. Thinking his son had not received enough sleep and was merely sore from such long ride, he didn’t give it another thought.

 

Elladan and Elrohir, of course, knew the reason for his discomfort. They had been sitting across from Aragorn and had watched as their brother’s scratching increased as the night had progressed. They were hardly able to control themselves as they watched his hand constantly moving between his chest and his legs, trying to relieve the itching.

 

Aragorn began pulling at his tunic. "Legolas, where is Arwen? He asked.  She said she would be here tonight."

 

"I do not know. From what I understand, she was unable to make it. I believe she was needed in Lothlorien,"

 

Aragorn sat and pondered this news." But if she is in Lothlorien, then where did the present come from?"

 

Legolas turned with questioning eyes. "What present would that be?"

 

Beginning to think something was not right, he glanced over at his brothers. "The present that was awaiting me in my room. This tunic!

 

“I am afraid I do not understand. I know nothing about this present.”

 

Aragorn glared across the room in the twins’ direction. Reaching up, he began to scratch the back of his neck furiously, while signs of agony clouding his eyes.

 

Legolas sat stone-faced as he realized the itching was suddenly turning into pain. Leaning close to Aragorn and whispering softy, asked, “Aragorn, are you alright? You seem to be in distress.”

 

“I am fine Legolas. Reallyhe replied, while scratching his arms. “It is just these clothes. They feel as though they are lined with splinters.”

 

“Then perhaps you should go and change again.”

 

He started to say “No, I will be…” when Legolas cut in with a smile, saying, “I know just fine! You know with each year your stubbornness seems to grow with you!” Aragorn quickly reached over and tried to slap Legolas on the back of the head. Easily ducking, Legolas laughed. “Your aim and speed also seem to be growing slower!”

 

“Keep it up Elf and I will pin you to the wall by your pointy little ears!”

 

“Ha! Now that I would like to see! That is, if you think you can catch me?”

 

 Legolas rose from his chair and began to slowly back away. Aragorn jumped up and started chasing Legolas around the table.

 

Legolas slipped on a piece of parchment littering the floor, allowing Aragorn the chance to catch him. The ranger reached over and wrapped his arms around the elf’s waist, pulling him to the ground

 

 As the two of them rolled, Aragorn noticed the itching was quickly turning into a hot, burning sensation. Pulling loose, he looked at Legolas and mumbled, “That’s it! I can take this no more. I will be right back. I need to get out of these tree riddled clothes!”

 

“Wait! I will go with you!” Legolas ran after Aragorn.

 

Glaring at his brothers as he rushed by, Aragorn muttered, "I do not know how you have done this, but I swear you are going to pay!"

 

The twins watched their brother tear from the room and burst into laughter. Then rolling their eyes and shrugging their shoulders, they quickly rose and followed.

 

 

Once inside his room, Aragorn began tearing off the clothes and throwing them to the floor,

Legolas gasped as he noticed a fine red rash had appeared all over his body. Aragorn, upon hearing the gasp, looked down at his body. For a few fleeting moments, Legolas felt guilty about partaking in this particular prank… until the twins came bursting through the door. Their look of shock and innocence was almost convincing.

 

"Estel! What has happened to you?" they both shouted in unison.

 

“What do you mean what has happened? This is what has happened!” Grabbing the tunic from the floor he thrust it at them. What exactly is this, anyways?”

 

“It appears to be a tunic. Wouldn’t you agree, Elladan?’

 

“Aye, brother. That is what it appears to be me as well.”

 

 Aragorn shook the shirt and watched as a fine layer of dust began falling from inside. “I know what it is! What I want to know is which one of you did it, and why?”

 

Putting on a serious face, Elladan leaned forward. “Oh how the mind goes with age. Perhaps it is payment for cutting the back out of my breeches and letting me walk down to breakfast that way while the housemaids laughed behind my back.”

 

Aragorn smile at the memory. “Now that was funny! Especially when the new maid fainted and you bent over to help… and presented Ada a nice view of your full moon!”

 

The room burst into laughter. Aragorn sat down on the bed and once again began to furiously scratch his chest.

 

“What am I going to do about this?” Sighing, he started up. “I should go see Ada.”

 

“No, don’t do that! Do you not remember what he said the last time!” Elrohir straightened his back and did his best Elrond impression. “I am getting rather tired of having to patch you boys up every time I turn around. Please try to start acting more your ages!”

 

“He is right, Estel. I do not think your father will find humor in this. Perhaps I have something that might help.” Legolas headed for his room and returning a few minutes later carrying  the small bottle. He tossed it at Aragorn. “This should help. Put on a thick layer and rub it around until it has almost absorbed. You will need to leave in on for about 10 minutes and then you can wash it off.”

 

“Thank you my friend.” Aragorn opened the bottle and raised it to his nose.

 

“What?  you do not trust me?” Legolas stared at Aragorn and tried his best to look as hurt and insulted as he could.

 

“At the moment I trust no one!” Aragorn held his friend’s eyes for a moment.  “But considering my current situation, I have no choice.” He began to rub the salve all over his body, enjoying the coolness it brought to his skin. Laying back on the bed trying not to think of the itching, he missed the small looks that were being passed between the twins and Legolas.

 

After a few moments, Legolas headed to the freshening room. “I will draw you a cool bath.”

 

 

Aragorn sighed as he slid into the cool water. Leaning back, he closed his eyes. The burning had started to cease a little and he leaned back, allowing the water to gently clean the salve from his tender skin.

 

Legolas grabbed Elladan’s arm and started pulling towards the door. “Come,” he said. “ We had best leave before he returns.”

 

The twins followed him out the door. Elrohir stopped at the top of the stairs and turned to face Legolas.

 

“So tell me something. I understand my brothers need for revenge, but what is yours?”

 

“I am not out for revenge. I merely wish to grant a wish Aragorn made as a child.”

 

“A wish? And exactly what did he wish for?”

 

Legolas began to smile as he remembered a summer he had spent in Rivendell with Aragorn.

Aragorn had been about sixteen then and was just beginning to reach puberty in human years.

They walked out into the garden as Legolas began to tell then his tale…

 

It had been a hot day and he remembered that he and Aragorn had decided to seek relief in the cool water. As was custom when no one else was around, they would often strip their clothes off without fear of being seen. Everything had appeared normal. Relatively routine. But on this day, when Aragorn was lying on the bank drying and  Legolas slowly emerged from the river the young human looked at him and sighed.

 

“What is troubling you, Estel?”

 

“Nothing. I am fine.”

 

“Estel, I can always tell when something is troubling you, so you might as well save me the time of prying it out of you and just tell me.”

 

“I was just thinking how lucky you are.”

 

“Lucky?”

 

“Yes. Look at you and then me.”

 

Legolas looked down at himself and then at Aragorn.

 

“I still do not understand, what is wrong with you?”

 

Aragorn ran a hand down his leg, smoothing the hair on his calf. “This is what I am talking about. At this rate I will look like an orc in no time!”

 

Legolas laughed. “Yes are becoming a rather hairy human.’

 

“Do not laugh at me Legolas. It is not funny. Look at you. You will never have to worry about this.”

 

“You can not help who you are, anymore then I can.” Legolas sat beside Aragorn and placed a hand on his shoulder hoping to console his best friend.

 

“I know, I just…” Aragorn began, but didn’t finish. He shook his head instead.

 

“You just -  what?”

 

Aragorn lowered his head and whispered. “I just wish I was an elf.”

 

Elladan laughed as Legolas finished his story. ”Poor Estel. He has always wanted to be that which he may never be. But I still do not understand how you are going to help him fullfil his wish.”

 

“What you do not understand is that the salve is what our healers use to remove the hair from ones body around a wound so they may close it up and avoid infection.”

 

Aragorn had finished soaking, climbed from the tub and wrapped a towel around himself. He walked into the bedroom and stood in front of the mirror to see if the rash appeared to be fading.

 When he dropped the towel to inspect his body, he was shocked at the sight that stood before him.

 

Suddenly a voice pierced the quiet evening air. “Legolas Greenleaf!  You son of an orc!  I am going to kill you for this! I swear.”

 

Legolas and the twins looked at each other and began to laugh. ”I bet, Elladan managed through a gale of laughter, “that is one wish he thought would never come true!”

 

The end