Disclaimer: I blame this story on Mercedes Lackey. If she hadn't come up with a world that was so freakin' cool then I never would've started writing this. So Valdemar and everything in it belongs to her, everything else (the not so good stuff) is unfortunately mine.

A/N:Wow, it's been what, nearly a month since I last posted. Doesn't seem like it was that long. :( But, since I'm now done with all school related things (papers, studying for finals, the tests themselves) until August, I'm hoping to make fairly steady progress for the rest of the summer. But before I let you guys continue, I feel I need to clear something up first.

Even though my Reality Check stories are supposed to be contemporary, they are not supposed to reflect current events. I'm sure there were plenty of people who took some sort of offense to some things said in the last chapter and I apologize. I may not be happy with the way my government is running things in D.C. (I am an American), but I'm not trying to express my political ideas through the story. Jenn's comment in the last chapter about the president and lawmakers doing things only to make themselves look good, I honestly feel can apply to nearly every person we've had in office since George Washington. For the sake of the story and the fact she has to be neutral in the political going-ons, I gave Jenn my overall dislike of politicians: Republicans, Democrats, Valdamarans, you name it. Besides, she only got one side of the story last time, and now she gets to hear the flip. So I'm not trying to make any sort of political statement or paint things in black and white. Life isn't black and white so neither is this, as I hope you'll see.

If anyone has any problems with what I'm doing by all means let me know. I'd love to have more criticism, constructive and not. Okay, I'll shut up now and let you guys read!

Ch. 6: This Is Why I Hate Court

I'd been back in Valdemar for three weeks and was having the strangest case of déjà vu. Most everything felt the same: my re-training exercises, being mentally, if not physically, exhausted afterwards, and not really having time to myself. It was all startling familiar. But that was okay; it was nice to have things be familiar and not have to wonder why.

What I found really nice was that after the first morning, I'd wake up feeling better than I had since I left. I was even finding myself looking forward to mornings. That prompted everyone to ask me if I was sick or something since I'd never liked mornings before. But everyday I was one step closer to being stable, and that was certainly worth getting up and excited about. And I must say it was absolute bliss to wake up with Tashir's arms around me!

The downside: General Ekholm, who was the American spokesman, wanted to play politics with me. At least I assumed he did. The day after I'd meet with the Circle about my re-training I received a message from him saying he wanted to meet with me. It didn't say, or allude to that I could tell, anything else, but it didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what he wanted. I replied with the truth: I was going to be busy for a while because of my re-training and I didn't think I could squeeze him in. That excuse wouldn't last forever, but it did allow me to brush the General off for some time.

"From what I've been hearing from Trine and others, General Ekholm is starting to get upset you won't speak with him," Nia told me one day at lunch. We were in her and Trine's suite as it was too freaking hot to go outside and was much cooler indoors.

I shrugged and bit into an apple. "Too bad. I've honestly been too busy and tired to deal with him. Besides, I have a pretty good idea what he wants and I can't give it to him."

"You think he wants you to talk the Queen and Council into the American's request?"

"Yup, and I'm sure he's been told I can't do that. But as I'm a prime example, we Americans are stubborn as all hell and rarely listen."

"As true as that may be, you're probably going to have to tell him that yourself, you know." Nia pointed an accusing finger at me from her place on the couch, balancing a plate on her enormous belly.

"Which will probably be tonight since I promised Tashir I'd show up at Court," I shrugged again. "But I don't want to talk about me anymore. This is the second time I've seen you in three weeks and want to hear about you. First, since when have you and Trine been an item?" I asked from my place on the floor.

She smiled sweetly at the memory. "Not too long after you left. Trine said he realized then life was too short. He didn't want to die while on circuit and not tell me he loved me."

I raised a surprised eyebrow. "And this is coming from the guy who's so optimistic the sun nearly shines out his butt? Wow. Yet obviously you had some feelings too since you're now married to the poor bastard."

"I'd fancied him since we were littles," she giggled. "He was the only boy who didn't think I was weak because I was small for my age, and that's why we became close friends. Then when Trine said he'd been in love with me for just as long, I've never been so happy!" Nia had to wipe her eyes as she'd started to tear up.

Ever the hopeless romantic, I thought and laughed out loud. "When was the wedding?"

"Last autumn back home. We also had a smaller celebration here, but the actual hand-fasting was with our families," she answered with another happy smile.

"Man, you guys really didn't waste time, did ya?" I pointed out with a significant look and mischievous grin at her stomach, and then sobered. "I wish I could've been there."

"But you'll be here for the birth and we're thrilled about that," she reassured me. "You had no idea about us anyway."

"Hey, speakin' of the little ankle-bitter, do you know what the sex is or can you guys tell that here?" I asked curiously.

Nia shook her head and grinned. "No, but I don't care if it's a boy or a girl. I've always wanted littles so I'm just happy to be pregnant." She patter her belly fondly. The baby then gave a strong, visible kick, causing Nia to grunt in surprise and discomfort.

We looked at her stomach, then at each other, and collapsed into laughter. In a sense it wasn't really that funny, but unexpected enough to be humorous.

"Hey Mom, I don't think junior likes being patted on the head," I said, still laughing. The baby kicked again.

"And I don't think B.B. appreciates being called "junior" or "ankle-bitter"," Nia came to her offspring's defense.

"B.B.?"

"It was Trine's idea," she explained and rolled her eyes. "For 'Baby Bump'."

I started to snicker. "The kid's name is Baby Bump?"

"We can't agree on a name. I like Jessim for a boy and Anni for a girl, but Trine prefers Branden or Nikole. And neither of us like any other names, so for right now we're compromising," Nia said.

"That's an easy problem to solve. Pick one that's gender neutral or name it after one of your parents," I offered.

She seemed to like the idea as she mulled it over and gave a noncommittal reply. "We agreed some time ago we didn't want to name it after our parents, but the other idea is a possibility. We have some time yet, however."

:And speaking of time, you have your Firestarting lesson with Dirk in a few minutes.: Shayna reminded me.

"Bugger. I don't wanna go outside," I said standing.

"Shayna's telling you it's time to go?"

:And you should leave soon.:

"Yeah," I said grudgingly. "But on the up side, Dirk used to let me pour the bucket of water on myself to cool off if we didn't use it, so maybe today I'll get lucky!"

Nia laughed at me and slowly heaved herself off the couch. "Just don't burn anything you're not supposed to this time."

I cringed as we walked out the door and down the hall. My lessons were being staggered on a three-day cycle: Firestarting and Fetching one day, Mage and Projective Empathy the next, then a day off to rest. And interspersed between those lessons I was reviewing history, religion, and law since Selenay had every intention of using me while I was there. Plus, I had weapons practice and was spending about two hours with Shay everyday. During my last lesson with Dirk, I'd accidentally set a small nearby bush on fire, along with the small piece of tinder I was trying to ignite.

"You heard about that?"

"Jenn, I'm fairly certain everyone did."

"Oh, that is so not good for my ego," I muttered. We said goodbye, going our separate ways, and I headed outside into the blazing heat and found Dirk under a large tree next to the well. But he wasn't alone. Griffon, who was also a Firestarter, was there, as well as about ten buckets of water.

I groaned when I reached them. "Don't tell me…"

Both the older men laughed, though Dirk recovered first. "After the other day, I'm not taking any chances," he said grinning. "Alright, Jennifer, let's see you not ignite the tree!"

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I dragged myself up the stairs to my room after cleaning myself off from weapons practice. Kerowyn had retired finally the year before, leaving me at the mercy of Jeri and her new assistant. And mercy it was, though she was starting to go full force of me. I was at least thankful I was working with her and not Kero; she wouldn't have shown me any compassion and said the bruises were good for me. Jeri at least took things a little slower.

I was exhausted, sore, and more bone weary then I could remember. I saw the line of stairs end abruptly and breathed a sigh of relief. Almost there. Then I can collapse into a worthless lump of meat. Oy, I'm tired.

Upon entering my rooms, I headed straight to the trunk holding my other clothes, pulling out a pair of jean shorts and a blue tank-top. I changed quickly and immediately felt much cooler and thankful I'd brought much of my summer wardrobe with me.

I re-entered the living room and spied a small stack of letters waiting for me on the desk. I made a face when I saw the top one was anther message from Ekholm, but figured I should read it as I'd thrown out most of the others unopened. With a feeling of resentment, I picked up the stack, made my way to the window seat, and began to read.

Same as the first two. He'd like to meet me and talk to me about some things. Yada, yada, yada. But I don't wanna meet you because I hate politicians. Then, when I reached the final sentence, I couldn't help smiling appreciatively and feeling like I'd finally been caught. It read, "I've done some asking and was told you had plans of finally attending Court tonight, so I shall expect to see you there and occupy some of your time."

I laughed. "Guy's done some homework."

:Can you really blame him? You haven't given him much choice.:

"AH!" I started and accidentally ripped the letter. Things may have been feeling familiar and all after three weeks, but, as before, Hearing Shay and others in my head was taking more getting used to.

:Oh, get over yourself. Honestly, Chosen.: Shay chided me irritably.

"The voices in the head are snippy this afternoon, I see," I shot back with enough humor in my voice to let her know I was teasing.

:If you don't talk to him tonight at Court, I won't talk to you for a week. You need to stop hiding from him; liaising with politicians is part of a Herald's duties whether you like it or not.: She ignored my comment.

"Yeah, I know. Doesn't mean I can't complain though," I said and made a face.

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I showed up during Tashir's set, a couple hours after Court had started. I figured that would be a good time since everyone's attention would be on him instead of looking for people who were so far M.I.A.. Tashir was the one who loved attention, not me; I prefer to be left to my own devices. That's one of the numerous reasons I hate going to Court.

My palms began to feel clammy the minute I stepped into the room and tried to look inconspicuous amongst the sea of rich multicolored gowns and robes. My plan was to stay in the back and look for someone I knew. Then, when Tashir finished the song and everyone applauded, I'd side up to them and try not to feel like I was being hunted.

I found a spot in the crowd that gave me a decent viewing area and scanned the people, looking for a familiar face. It was harder than I thought seeing as everyone's features seemed to bleed together as much as their clothing did. After a while I gave up, deciding I might as well listen to the song. That was mostly what I was there for anyway.

The next few minutes were spent by allowing the song Tashir sang to weave me in a blanket of vivid images and overwhelming emotion, with skill becoming of a Court Bard. He'd refused to play for me since I returned, claiming I had to come to Court and until then I was out of luck. Now I knew why. I had no idea if he'd been holding back when he'd played for me before, but with that song Tashir was virtually unrecognizable. A true sign he deserved his new position.

The Court stood in rapt silence after the last notes of the song had drifted away before giving him a rousing applause. I joined in, wanting desperately to start hollering and whistling like I was at a concert but knew it would be inappropriate. Besides, didn't I not want to draw attention to myself?

I must have entered just before the intermission because Tashir didn't start another song, instead getting up and taking a bow before leaving to mingle with the crowd. I took the opportunity to continue my search for someone I actually wanted to talk to. There were plenty of people I knew, but none I really gave a hoot about. Though soon I was interrupted with by a tap on the shoulder.

I turned and grinned when I saw the crystal blue eyes and dark, lined face of Darkwind. "I see you decided to climb out of your dark hole of studying to socialize tonight," he said with a grin to match mine.

"I figured if I didn't show up I'd hear about it later and I don't particularly want to be yelled at," I told him.

He nodded knowingly. "Yes, I get the impression General Ekholm can be a bit intimidating when he wishes."

I snorted with disgust. "The General can kiss my ass and I haven't even met the guy. I was referring to Tashir. I haven't heard him play since I came back and promised him I come. But it does allow me to get Ekholm off my back and leave me alone."

Darkwind's eyes caught something over my shoulder and he smiled ruefully. "Lucky for you, your opportunity has just presented itself."

"Master Darkwind, there you are. I was wondering if you'd happened to see my rather allusive fellow American by any chance?" I heard a deep but jovial American accent sound behind me. I cringed.

"As a matter of fact, I happen to have her right here," D.W. smiled to the General and spun me around, giving me my first look at the man. Ekholm was a tall, stately man with grey hair tinged with black. His dark eyes seemed to show all his emotions as the skin around them was heavily lined with laugh and frown lines. I thought he looked like the kind of grandfather that was kind when he needed to be, but you never wanted to cross.

I shook Ekholm's hand and wondered exactly how I wanted to play this game. I wanted to make it clear my hands were tied, but I didn't want him to have the upper hand in the conversation either. I'd be trying to walk a fine line. Hopefully I could pull it off, too.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Miss Keller," the General said kindly. "You have quite the reputation around here."

I opened my mouth to retort when Darkwind butted it. "Well, I believe I'll leave you two alone to speak as I doubt there is anything I could add to your discussion." :And you, behave yourself. You are representing Valdemar so be careful of what you say.: Darkwind Mindsent to me as I watched his retreating back.

:I hate you sometimes.: I shot back.

"Would you mind if we found somewhere a little more private to speak, Miss Keller? Or should I call you Herald-Mage Jennifer?" Ekholm asked as he took my elbow and led me to a corner where we would stand less of a chance of being disturbed. His grip was firm and silently showed me this was a man not to be triffled with.

"Jennifer is fine," I answered him when we reached the corner he'd steered me to. "I've never really been comfortable being called Herald."

"Very well, then. Jennifer, let me get straight to the point," Ekholm said curtly. "The President and Secretary of Defense both feel the negotiations are taking too long and I have not been able to make any headway with the Council, mostly I believe because of Lord Alastor. From the moment the treaty negotiations began I believe he's done everything he could to turn the Council's opinion against us." Ekholm's voice showed he was clearly frustrated.

"Yeah, Alastor tends to do that," I said knowingly. "The guy just doesn't like Americans for whatever reason. The first time I met him was at my official introduction to the Court, and he turned it into a re-enactment of the Spanish Inquisition. But unfortunately whatever you try and do, he's going to try and thwart, so get used to it."

The General looked disturbed. "Why do you think he dislikes Americans? We've tried to be nothing but courteous, and you're a Herald, so there's no reason to distrust us."

I shrugged. "Honestly, I couldn't tell ya. Granted, our first encounter could have gone a lot better, but I'd hate to think his prejudice against Americans is solely because of me. But as it is I've only had to deal with the man a small handful of times, otherwise I stay out of his way. But it's not just Alastor. There are plenty of courtiers who have never liked me and thought I was up to no good, regardless of the fact I've been Chosen. So if you're lookin' for some kind of leverage from me to help move things along, it's not gonna happen." I leaned back against the stone wall and crossed my arms, hoping I looked as disinterested as I felt.

"Yes, Jennifer, I understand that. But from what I've gathered you are rather close to the crown, and if you could possibly drop a few words in our favor..." the General started but I cut him off.

"Look, I'm sure you've been told this already but have chosen to ignore it, so I'll tell you again," I all but spat at him. I knew I'd pegged the man before we'd even met but it still made me angry he had the nerve to try and pull this. "I cannot take a side in this. Because I'm an American and a Herald, I have to remain neutral and stay the hell out of any decisions made. I cannot do anything. Even if I could take a side, I don't know if I'd do anything for America because I don't know what the hell you people are planning!" I could feel my temper rising and tried to put a cap on it.

The frown lines around Ekholm's eyes creased in distaste. I was making him mad, but I didn't care. "As an American citizen you have a duty to server your country..."

I cut him off again. "Do not play the patriotism card because it is not gonna work. From what I understand the American military and government is concerned only with learning all they can from Valdemar about magic and the Heraldic Gifts and giving nothing in return. The government is putting all of the pressure on these fine people," I waved my arm to indicate the throng of people in the room, "and shouldering none of it thenselves. Why? What does Valdemar get out of the deal and what would America even do with information on magic anyway?"

General Ekholm leveled me with a glare that could would probably freeze fire. He was really getting pissed off. Tough shit. "I do not have to answer to you. If you have no say in the negotiations as you claim then I see no reason why you should know."

"Oh, I have every right to know what my birth country's up to," I told him flatly. "If not as a citizen, then I reserve the right as one of the three Adept-class Herald-Mages in Valdemar's service and as the person America wants on a permanent basis. So I'll ask again, what does America want with the abilities I now posses?"

Ekholm didn't answer. Instead he started at me for some time, as if trying to get me to silently back down. I didn't. Instead, I stated right back at him, not blinking. I wasn't gonna play his game. If he thought staring me down was going to frighten me, he had another thing coming. Finally, he sighed and blinked and I had to fight back a smile. Ha, I win. Just like you never fight a land war in Asia, never get into a battle of wills with me, buddy, because you will loose.

"America wants information on magic and Gifts for purely benign reasons. Half of them lay within the realm of medical and psychological science, the others environmental and, yes, military use." Ekholm's voice was cold and stern, but steady. "We were intrigued when we heard how you acquired your Gifts. You had none when you first were tested, but then they appeared later. We'd like to know where in the brain these Gifts are located and if they can be awakened in others. Also, it is quite possible you and your fellow Heralds posses higher brain functions because of this and our doctors would like to test this hypothesis."

I nodded, actually surprised I received a decent answer. "Better understanding of how the brain functions. That would definitely be a boost for neuroscience. Okay, I'll give you that. What else?"

"A few of the military psychologists in the know also believe understanding of your Gifts could lead to advances in treating the mentally ill," Ekholm continued. "One of the most common Gifts is Mindspeech, correct? One you possess yourself and have an issue with."

I laughed a little. "I think I see where you're goin' with this one."

General Ekholm smiled some and his tone became less severe. "What if someone who's currently being treated for a mental illness is in fact perfectly fine, but simply has an untrained Gift? The symptoms for schizophrenia, for example, usually first appear in a person's early adolescence or adulthood. Most Heralds develop Gifts around this same age. The same thing can apply to other mental illnesses. If we can better understand how your Gifts work, then that knowledge could be applied to treating others and improve mental care."

"Which could possibly lead to less pill popping and give those people more lucid moments, or just fix them altogether," I said with yet another smile. Huh, I'm impressed. The guy's actually talking sense and making a good argument.

"Exactly," Ekholm said, obviously pleased he was making progress with me. "That's for the Gifts overall. Information on the Mage Gift and how it's used is more valuable. Obviously, those of you with the Gift are valuable weapons for Valdemar, as I understand you demonstrated quite deftly against the Eastern Empire some years back," he said respectfully.

"Rest assured those higher up than I in the armed forces greatly approve of the way Valdemar and her allies have used their Mages, and if America is able to waken and train the Gift for her own use, those Mages would be used in much the same capacity. You may be human weapons, but you are still human and should be used only for defense," he finished.

I thought that over. While I didn't like it, he spoke nothing but the truth. As a Mage I was a soldier and a weapon to be used when I was needed. My big problem was that Valdemar didn't try and stick their nose into every single problem like America did. But there were all kinds of reasons for America's actions and I didn't want to get into a bigger debate, so I let it go. "You said there was an environmental aspect, too. How so?" I asked.

Ekholm's face went grim. "Unfortunately the most difficult possibility, but a possibility nonetheless. Some Master and Adept Mages can use things called ley-lines and nodes, correct?" I nodded. "And we were told they are rivers and pools of pure energy, yes?" Again, I nodded, but I had a feeling I wouldn't like what he was getting at. "Some have theorized that if we were to understand how the Mage Gift works in those Adepts and Masters who can utilize the nodes and ley-lines, then something could be built to harness that energy as a source of alternative energy."

"Wait, you mean use Mage energy as you would solar, wind, and hydraulic power?" I asked, stunned.

"If the theory could be made reality, then yes," Ekholm said calmly.

"Bad idea. Noble, but bad," I said, shaking my head. "Ask Darkwind or Elspeth sometime about Ancar and what he did to Hardon. They saw first hand what happened to the land when he did something similar to what you're suggesting and they'll tell you to where to shove that idea." If Ancar could damn near drain his country dry of all life in the ten years he was on the throne, and all by his lonesome, I could only imagine what a machine or a bunch of Mages draining the nodes and ley-lines for energy would do to the land. I understood the reasoning behind it, but it wouldn't work and America would never get anyone from Valdemar or the other countries to work with them on something like that.

"But you do approve of the other objectives America has?" the General asked me.

"So long as Valdemar gets things of equal value in return, which you still haven't told me."

He looked a little nervous at that, almost like he'd hoped I'd forgotten about the supposed reciprocal exchange. Either that or he knew the offer wasn't coming yet or was less than adequate. "Things still have to be finalized by the President," Ekholm said slowly. "Right now the plan is to share medical and technological knowledge and to cut some kind of a trade deal, but there are some disagreements as to what exactly should be shared. The President wants the deal to be as equal as possible, and doesn't want to promise too much in case nothing comes of studying the Gifts."

"Does the council know?" I asked him. I felt like I was scolding a little kid for something.

"Tomorrow at the Council meeting I'll tell them."

"Then I suggest you people iron things out then 'cause otherwise nothin's gonna happen," I told him sternly and walked off.

I was about halfway across the room when I began to seethe. If America wanted to study and use the Gifts like the General had just told me they did, then why the hell were they dragging their feet? And even though I told him my hands were tied in the matter and couldn't be involved, why did I still have the gut feeling he wanted me to support the Americans? Was it supposed to be a patriotic thing or what? Ekholm was trying to put me in the middle even more than I felt and I didn't appreciate it one bit.

I made my way to one of the side tables that held empty goblets and bottles of wine, and poured myself a generous amount. I made a slight face as the acidic liquid made its way down my throat. I stood there by myself for some time as I continued to go over the conversation in my head. There were parts I really liked and others I wasn't so fond of, but overall there wasn't anything America wanted to do that could really offend anyone over here. Sure, Heralds and Mages were wanted to be used as lab-rats for a while, but it wasn't like they would be dissected or anything.

"Jennifer, are you drinking?" I heard Tashir ask from beside me. I hadn't heard him walk up and I jumped. Tashir wore a curious expression, like he wasn't sure if he believed what he saw or not.

I laughed as I looked at the goblet, which was half empty. "Yup, unfortunately I am."

"But you don't drink."

"I do tonight," but put the cup down on the table. I put my arms around his neck and watched as a sly grin spread across his face. "I have a small bone to pick with you. How come I've never heard anything so spine-tingling beautiful out of you before tonight? If I hadn't known that was you playing I'd have sworn it was someone else."

His grin widened. "I only play my very best for those who deserve it," he said and gave me a swift kiss.

I raised an eyebrow and couldn't help but smile. "Those who come to Court you mean."

"Is some personal discomfort not worth such a fine reward at the end of an evening? And perhaps I have been saving some pieces for an evening I knew you would be in attendance."

"Okay, now you're starting to pander."

"Someone of my talent never panders, for there is no need. I know whatever I preform you'll love because I am so talented," he explained simply. "Nor would I ever dream of trying to flatter you for it would do nothing. I tell nothing but the truth."

"Egotistical ass."

Tashir placed a gentle finger on my lips and rested his head against mine. "Careful what you say, my Dragon Heart. You may force me to drag you away and miss the rest of my performance. Or would you desire a performance of another kind?" I felt my cheeks start to burn as he pulled away slowly, catching one of my hands and placed a lingering kiss on the back, then turned and made his way back to the performing area to start the next set.

I moved away from the wine table but stayed near the back, letting myself get lost in his music one more. Yeah, I have to say he's right. Some personal discomfort was worth the reward tonight.