[Author's Note: If you see this, it means I have put link to music that helps me into mood as I write this chapter. Feel free to listen to them as you read on. Let me know what you think! Happy Reading]

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The days after the secret council were spent with more and more training and strengthening my physique. I was pretty proud with my progress especially in sword wielding. I even surprised Boromir who I once beat on a sparring.

The truth is, I was cheating. Elrohir and Elladan taunted me by setting a bet between themselves and those who watched our sparring against me. They were sure that I wouldn't be able to take Boromir down. Not even once. Even the hobbits and Legolas also bet against me.

Unbelievable.

"Traitors," I grumbled, in which Legolas only smirked. Sam, the stout hobbit responded with a sorry look on his face.

"I'm sorry miss, but Aragorn bet on extra fine Old Toby weed for the journey, and we can't afford not to win," he muttered in a thick British accent apologetically.

Boromir gave me a lopsided, smug smile when he told me, "One more time for you to fall under the mercy of my sword, Leane, and I'll make sure the hobbits get their weed."

His taunts set me off. I decided to beat him at all costs. I raked my brain. Heck, I literally had hundreds of years ahead of him. There must be a way, any way that I can outsmart the Gondorian warrior. Calculatingly, I used a couple martial arts moves at the last seconds after I let Boromir think that I was on the brink of giving up. I feigned fatigue (dirty, I know) making an effort to really make it show. I heaved, barely dodging his attacks.

Eventually Boromir let his guard down, and that was where I came in. I let the tip of my sword fell to the ground, feigning hurt at one of his attacks. His eyes widened in alarm when I squealed, thinking I was in pain. As he came closer, I hooked my legs on Boromir's. The huge Gondorian man stumbled on his back as I used my weight against him. I tackled him to the ground, pointing my sword at his neck.

When he realized the dull blade that I placed under his chin, he looked at me with shock. He was stunned. I probably grinned like a Cheshire cat back then.

"Who falls under whose mercy now?" I said between my pants of breath proudly.

Boromir nodded approvingly with a blush and I sheathed my sword, offering a hand to help him up. I looked at the hobbits whose jaws were dropped to the ground, eyes wide. Legolas' looked at me with a stunned expression. I smirked at them all smugly.

How about that, traitors?

Elladan and Elrohir clapped their hands and exclaimed, "That's our girl! Our precious apprentice!" I laughed, blushing at their antics. I guess them betting against me was their way of motivating me.

I turned to Aragorn and told him, "Guess you won," I said still smiling, "So what do you get?"

"The legendary Old Toby weed from the hobbits, and Legolas' service to sharpen all my blades and sword," he said coolly, "I knew you could win."

"Thanks for betting on me, Aragorn," I said gratefully. Aragorn smiled warmly at me and clapped my shoulder.

"In all my years as a fighter, I never saw that kind of maneuver before," said a heavy voice behind me, "What was that?" Boromir asked.

"It's Jiu-jitsu. It's a martial art from my world. It is usually used without weapon, but I was determined to beat you so I used it as a last resort," I told him honestly and added, "Though I doubt I can beat you again next time."

Boromir laughed warmly and clapped me on my shoulder.

"You fought well, mellon nin. Your last move was unsuspected and impressive," muttered Legolas. I only smiled.

"It's a shame you bet against me. Have a little faith in me next time," I mocked him, winking, in which the elf just chuckled.

"Our dear, apprentice! We couldn't be prouder," said Elladan. Elrohir smiled proudly but abruptly turned to Elladan.

"Though using that move she did earlier–is that win still valid? She did manipulate Boromir by faking injuries," shrugged Elrohir. Elladan thought for a bit and opened his mouth to answer but I beat him to it.

"There was no rules that said I couldn't fake injuries and use a Jiu-jitsu move, in which case no violation is done and my win stands still," I protested, "Aragorn gets his weed and his blades sharpened," I said triumphantly, folding my arms in front of my chest stubbornly.

"She is right, Elrohir," Legolas commented with an amused face.

The twins grinned at each other and shrugged in an identical manner, causing the hobbits to groan loudly. Legolas only smiled.

"You seem cheerful for someone who just lost a bet. I take it you like sharpening blades?" I said sassily. Legolas looked down a bit trying to hide his amused smile but was failing.

"You surprised me, mellon. That is all."

Soon after we went our separate ways, each one to their own, though knowing the hobbits, I bet they went to the dining hall to get a second breakfast.

'Hobbits,' I thought fondly as the four hobbits chirped at each other about what they wanted to eat for lunch.

I went to walk to the direction of my room so I can wash, but took a longer way, still feeling giddy with the rare victory I had today. Boromir was twice bigger than me, stronger and was a seasoned warrior. Taking him down was definitely an achievement though I suspected he was also deliberately being easy on me.

I walked past a hall when I heard a sound of random piano keys echoed several times. I followed the sound to another part of a courtyard that I'd never ventured on before.

A gorgeous she-elf was cleaning the white grand piano with a small mop. I let out a small laugh of surprise. I was amazed. I didn't think they would have invented a piano here at this age.

I studied the musical instrument with admiration. The grand piano was exquisitely made. It was made of light-colored wood; it wasn't glossy like a modern piano, but still beautiful– in an elvish way. The sides were engraved with signature flowers and leaves of Rivendell. The keys seemed to be crafted from some kind of white and black coloured polished stone.

I ran my finger on top of the magnificent musical instrument. If this thing was about to be sold in an auction, it might as well worth ten times as the normal grand piano.

Now I wondered how it would sound like.

The elleth bowed courteously at me and I returned her graceful gesture awkwardly with a bow of my head. I smiled at her.

"Greetings, my lady. Is there something you need that I can help with?" she asked politely.

"No, thank you. If it's alright, I just want to see the piano. It's beautiful," I said dreamily.

"Aye, my lady, it is."

"Do you play?"

"Nay, my lady. It has been hundreds of years since someone ever played the piano," she informed me, a reminiscing look passed on her lovely face.

"Why, that's a shame. It's a really beautiful piano, unlike what I've ever seen before. I wonder how it sound like."

The elf perked at my words and asked, "You've seen the other three pianos, my lady? I wish I could see them and hear the music coming out of it again," she said longingly.

"Three?"

"Aye, my lady. There are only four pianos ever made in Middle Earth. One here in Rivendell, one in Lothlorien, one in Woodland Realm of Mirkwood and one in Gondor," she told me. "The great Lindirin himself made these instruments and invented the music and its language," she said smiling.

Wow, so it was an elf who invented piano? Somehow, I wasn't surprised.

"Only four in Middle Earth? That's a shame, he should've made more," I shook my head, sighing.

"He sailed to Valinor long ago, my lady," she said wistfully.

The female elf looked somehow disheartened at the subject, apparently to elves, sailing to Valinor was the equal of death. So I started another conversation, hoping to take her mind off of the subject.

"My name is Leane. It is nice to meet you," I said bowing a bit at her. I already gave up telling people here that I am Leigh Ann. Besides, the way people called me Leane sounded somehow more pleasant as the name rolled of the tongue more fluidly, especially when said by elves. At least here, I can be Leane. Like a new identity.

The beautiful elf looked shocked and somehow horrified for a reason I didn't understand and quickly replied.

"Why, my lady! I've forgotten my manner! I'm Lillith, at your service," she said bowing with such grace, "Please forgive me for my manner, Lady Leane," she said apologetically.

"That's okay really. And please just call me Leane," I said smiling. She looked at me confused, but I continued, "May I?" I asked the elf. She was pulled away from her thought and looked at me questioningly.

"Can you play, my lady?–um, Leane?"

My name came out doubtful from her mouth but I beamed at her.

"I'm pretty good at it," I said with a wide smile, "Though I might be rusty." I took a seat in front of the piano, facing the view of a small, miniature waterfall located just behind where the piano was, no longer bothered to wait for her permission as my eagerness to play excited me.

I played the lullaby I loved and knew well. The piano didn't just look beautiful on the outside. It also produced the most hauntingly beautiful sound. The tune was calming, brightening my mood. Right then I realized just how much I had missed playing my piano.

I loved music and it had been my best friend since I was very young. I played cello and guitar too, but piano was by far my favorite instrument. Being an introvert that I was, I often poured my feelings on music that I played. I even managed to turn it into a brief career as well by being a piano private tutor (the fee was handsome) when I was in college.

I regretted the fact that I just discovered this beauty after weeks of staying in Rivendell. As I played the beautiful tune and reached the end of the last note, I felt so content and let out a happy, yet slightly melancholy sigh. I stared the piano dreamily, my fingers caressing the pale wooden material with care.

Oh, by the way– I was a musical nerd.

When I was finally able to tore my eyes away from the most exquisite piano I've ever had the honor of playing, I turned to Lillith who looked like she was about to cry.

Naturally, I panicked.

"Oh my God, are you alright?" I gasped. "Did I overstep my boundaries by playing the piano? I am so so sorry, I didn't mean to upset you!" I apologized profusely.

I kicked myself inwardly. This elleth might as well be Lindirin's mate and by playing the piano just upset her. Stupid me! I can't be held responsible for making an elf fading out of mourn because of my stupid musical impulse! Now I made an elleth cried.

Right then I heard someone behind me clearing his throat and I turned, shocked at my finding. At least a dozen pair of elvish eyes stared at me with unreadable expression on their faces. Among them was Legolas and Lord Elrond.

I gulped and timidly looked at Lord Elrond with a chagrin, "I'm sorry," I whispered, thinking I was in a trouble.

There were only four pianos there in Middle Earth. I should have known that it was supposed to be something exclusive, if not sacred, that not everyone, even a title-less mortal like me should even touch. But Lord Elrond quickly made me forget all those internal battles I had in my mind. His eyes softened at me as a small smile played on his lips.

"Do not feel sorry, young one. You did nothing wrong," he explained, "We heard the music and couldn't help ourselves but to come and listen."

"Oh," I replied dumbly, but relieved.

Lord Elrond's eyes twinkled in amusement as he glanced at Lillith, saying, "I believe it is a tear of happiness on Lillith's eyes, for I know she longed to hear the sound for a very long time," he said. "Not many elves can wield such a complicated instrument. Imagine my surprise to hear someone does with a remarkable skill. A mortal," he smiled. "Rivendell has not heard such beautiful music for almost a thousand year, until today," he added.

"Oh," I blushed at the flattering compliment. "Thank you, Lord Elrond," I said with a visible relief.

"Would you be so kind to play some more?" asked Lord Elrond.

I looked nervously at the elves that gathered there and at Legolas who nodded at me. He gave me his signature lopsided smile, encouraging me.

"Gladly," I smiled, returning to the piano. I played a slower tune and tried to focus on the song rather than the eyes that I knew burned a hole in my back. As I played, I was oblivious to the growing number of audience that had gathered to listen to me play. At the end of the mellow, sweet melody, the Lord of Rivendell approached me and took my hand.

I felt a wave of sadness and gratefulness  rose within my soul. It felt oddly nostalgic, like reminder of an old would, a scar– almost bittersweet. The confusing emotion came as soon as Lord Elrond took ahold of my hand, making me frown at the sheer hurt that suddenly took place in my chest.

"Thank you, my dear Leane. Your music brought great joy to all of us. It has been too long since we heard such beautiful music," said Lord Elron with a smile.

"Then why do you mourn?" I blurted before I could stop myself. Then I blushed furiously, quite unable to explain how I knew that or why I said that.

It took Lord Elrond by surprise at my question. The wise elf lifted his eyebrow. He looked at me questioningly before opting to answer me.

"My wife used to play all the time for us, but since she was gone, no one could ever make the same music or even have the ability to wield it."

"Goheno nin, Lord Elrond," I said sympathetically. He smiled.

Legolas spoke for the first time. I saw awe in his icy blue eyes and I smirked at him, feeling somewhat proud of myself. Turned out playing piano in Middle Earth was a big thing.

Finally, something I can do that he can't do. So Mr. Perfect wasn't so perfect after all. That made me feel much better about myself.

"You are amazing, mellon nin," he commended, "I never heard anyone make such beautiful music. Will you play some more for us?"

So I gleefully played the piano with soothing tunes over and over again, switching between Debussy and Beethoven until it was time for lunch. The elves muttered their thanks to me and I promised them to play again tomorrow at the same time.

"You never cease to surprise me, Leane," said Legolas with wonder in his eyes, "This is the second time today that you did so. You proved to not just a pretty face. You are strong, kind and talented."

I couldn't help the heat that crept up to my neck at his high remarks. Legolas laughed merrily at the sight as he walked me to my room. He lightly touched my cheek with the tips of his fingers.

"'Tis such a lovely shade of red on you. You should wear it more," he said teasingly and I smacked his arm.

"I hate you, Legolas," I muttered, the heat on my cheek was ever relentless.

To my dismay, this only encouraged the mischievous twinkle in his eyes. It scared me. Somehow I suspected that the elf just had an evil plan plotted beneath his gorgeous, soft blond hair.

"You're welcome, mir nin."

"That's a new one. Never heard of it. What does it mean?"

Legolas hummed thoughtfully and smiled mischievously.

"I will not tell you."

I groaned.

"Tell mee. Tell me now. Tell mee!" I nagged him. Legolas laughed at my childish tone.

"Nay," he insisted smugly.

"Oh, come on!" I groaned loudly throwing my head back in a dramatic way, "Is that a bad thing? Mir nin?"

"Maybe," he mumbled vaguely. I snorted.

We reached my door and I let go of him, pouting like a child at his resolve to annoy me. Then I sighed and shrugged.

Meh, like I care.

"Whatever, Legolas. I don't need to know. Besides it could mean 'smelly pig' since I must smell like hell now," I said crossing my arms, lifting my eyebrows in challenge. He laughed. It was infectious, and I couldn't help but join his laughter.

"See you shortly in the dining hall, mellon."

"Do you wish me to accompany you?"

Aw. Ever the gentleman–elf. If he could be this sweet to his friend, I could only imagine how sweet he could be to his future elleth wife.

"Nah. I can get there myself, you know. I promise not to get lost. Now off with you mellon, don't starve yourself waiting for me. Thanks for the escort!" I said hurriedly as I couldn't wait to wash myself. I must smell horrific after the training.

He nodded and I entered my room. But before I could fully close the door he spoke again.

"Mir nin," he called. "My precious," he looked down at me and smiled, then walked away, leaving me stunned. I found myself blushing furiously again.

Oh no. I regretted the moment that I brought the sassiness out of Legolas. Now it backfired at me. His royal sassiness just decided to make me blush every time he gets the chance.

"Dammit," I mumbled under my breath to myself.

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[Author's Note: *screeches like a Nazgul* So that's the end of the new chapter. What do you think of the Prince Sassy? I personally love sassy Legolas 😭♥️ Let me know what you think in the comments below and vote if you enjoy the fluff. A hint for the next chapter: It will be in Legolas' POV. Thanks for reading and voting, I love y'all my awesome readers. MY PRECIOUSSSSS]