This is not mine. I didn"t ask to use it. I repeat it is not mine! I found it on one of my yahoo groups.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/aragorn-legolas/?yguid=148472202

From:  "tuxedo_elf"
Date:  Mon Dec 20, 2004  12:53 pm
Subject:  FIC: We Three Kings *Repost*









Sorry, the first version has errors that I missed!

*************

We Three Kings

Summary: Three kings journey to visit a newborn…

Disclaimer: Erm… I own nothing of Tolkien's – or the Bible's. *Cough*
Um, yes.

Rating: G

Beta: Eni

Warnings: Oh, God. Literally. If Bible humour offends you, PLEASE
click the back button now!

Author notes: Christmas Carols and IMs are a bad combination. I will
say no more!

*********************

"Why camels?" the tall rider said irritably. "They are so
uncomfortable! I much prefer horses!"

Next to him, his companion rolled his eyes. "You know full well that
horses could not go this far, or endure such conditions! So stop
complaining; we'll be there soon anyway!" he said.

"Good!" came the reply. "Apart from being uncomfortable, this smell
is bloody awful! The sooner I'm rid of it the better!"

Slightly behind the bickering riders rode a third, who had tried to
avoid the fighting by staying behind. Now, however, he spoke up,
sighing softly. "Remind me again why I agreed to this?"

The other two turned to him, one arching a dark eyebrow at the
question. "Because we are of the eldest and most respected," he said,
in a remarkable imitation of the one who had sent them here.

The first of the riders snorted, in a most unbecoming
manner. "Believe that and you'll believe anything! No one else would
go!"

"It is a great honour to be chosen!" The dark-haired rider protested.

"Then why didn't They have us arrive closer to out destination?" The
rider grumbled. "Instead of having us trek for miles, following *him*
of all things!" He pointed up at the night sky, where a single star
shone brightly. "Does he even know where he's going? It's not as if
he gets out much!"

His dark haired companion visibly bristled. "Of course he knows where
he's going! How could you doubt him?"

"Easily," the tall one muttered and then quickly rode ahead at the
glare he received.

Backing off a bit more, the last of the party left them to it again.
He turned his own gaze to the star above. "You had *better* know
where you're going," he muttered under his breath.

********************

Several hours later, the trio finally came upon their destination – a
small town, ramshackle by their standards, but a welcome sight
nonetheless.

"At last!" the tall rider was off his camel in an instant and rubbing
his sore behind.
"Come, let's do what we came to do and then find food and a soft
bed!" [h]{H}is eyes lit up at the prospect.

Getting off his own camel, the last of the riders finally rejoined
the other two.

Glancing around the town, he shook his head. "I wouldn't count on
that. The place looks pretty full to me."

"Typical," the dark figure muttered. "All this way and no where to
rest." He sighed. "Let's get this done, then."

The other two nodded and they began to walk into the town, still
following the bright star above them as it led them at last to their
destination.

When they reached it, however, the dark-haired one was less than
pleased.

"A stable?" he cried, outraged. "That is not a fitting place to birth
a child!"

"Hush!" The quiet figure whispered. "We have arrived; behave
yourselves!" he sighed. "Do you all have your gifts?"

They others nodded, though the first of them looked displeased. "I do
not see why I have gold. Mithril is much more beautiful and
valuable!"

The dark one groaned. "Didn't you listen to what we were told? The
world does not have mithril any more!"

The other gave him a condescending look. "Then Men must be stupid
indeed, to lose mithril!"

"Enough!" The last of them was sorely tired of the bickering. "We are
going in *now*!" He glared at them and both had the grace to blush.

Then all three straightened up and schooled their expressions into
serene masks as they slowly entered the stable, gifts in hand.

As they walked in, a young woman looked up, smiling in welcome,
though she clearly did not know them. Behind her, a young man stood
quietly, his hands on her shoulders.

"Welcome," she said softly, her hand on the manger in which her
newborn son lay.

The three bowed deeply and the first of them stepped up. "Greetings,
dear lady," h said. "I am Thranduil; my companions are Elrond and
Celeborn. We have come from far away to bestow these gifts upon your
blessed child."

"Does he have to be so pompous?" Elrond muttered.

Celeborn shot him a look. "It's better than one of your dull
speeches!" He hissed. "Now shut up!"

Elrond glared, but returned his attention to Thranduil, resolving to
have words with Celeborn later.

"I bring you Gold, to signify the Kingship of your child," Thranduil
said, handing the gift over and gesturing to the others.

"This is Frankincense, to show that your child is born of the One,"
Elrond told her as he placed it at her feet and moved aside for
Celeborn.

"I give you Myrrh, to remind you that your son is still mortal and
that this should never be forgotten," the silver lord said, smiling
softly.

The gentle woman bestowed a smile upon them. "I thank you for your
gifts and your words," she replied. "I promise I will not forget
them."

The three Elven-lords smiled, all touched by the purity and serenity
that the young woman radiated.

"Then we will take our leave," Thranduil said. "May your lives
forever be blessed."

"I wish the same to you," she said, bowing her head to them. "Peace
and thanks to you, my lords."

They stepped back, bowing once more before exiting the stable. The
exit was not quite as grand as it might have been, though, for Elrond
found himself try to tug his cloak away from the mule which had
started to chew on it without him noticing. Attempting to keep
smiling, he bit back a curse as a large part ripped off and left
swiftly, while Celeborn and Thranduil tried not to laugh.

As they walked away, Thranduil turned to Celeborn. "Tell me, do you
really think this child can save the world of Men?" He asked.

Celeborn sighed. "You just don't get it, do you? This child is a gift
of hope!"

Elrond smiled then, remembering another Hope, long ago. "That is a
heavy burden to live with. Yet I have a feeling that he will do just
fine."

"He had better do!" Thranduil retorted. "After all we've been
through!"

Celeborn laughed. "Do not worry! I think Elrond is right – this night
will not soon be forgotten!" He grinned. "Now, let's see about
something to eat!"

The three walked off into the centre of the little town and as they
did, Elrond, who was feeling in a much lighter mood, began to sing.

"We three kings of Valinor are,
Bearing gifts we travelled afar,
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
Following Eärendil's star!
Oh, Oh…"

"Oh, do shut up, Elrond." Thranduil said. "No one sings stuff like
that."

Unfortunately, none of them noticed the Shepherds nearby, who thought
that the song would be rather good, after a small change or two.

THE END