Welcome to Gaia! ::

James frowned, was he supposed to feel something? A bit confused none of the animals before him seemed to call out to him. What should he do? Just pick one? Tarana and Gossamer had did their best and he didn't want to be rude. It was then the door opened and a guard walk in.

Turning his head James looked to the creature in the cage and suddenly something snapped in his heart. All that he could see before him was the snake in the cage. Everyone else had vanished and it was dark. As the snake looked up the ghostly image of a beautiful rose eyed, ruby haired, woman seemed to hover over the snake.

Gripping the bars both her and the snake held fear in their eyes. "Help me...he's going to kill me!" a slow and silky mature woman's voice echoed in his mind.

James found himself moving closer to the cage. Looking at the woman and the snake he bent down and immediately felt a connection. This female gardener snake was his Familiar, he just knew. The room suddenly lit up again and the guard was staring at him oddly as James opened the cage.

Reaching in the snake allowed him to pick her up. A tender expression on his face he stroked the top of her head. The snake seemed to enjoy it and hissed happily slowly wrapping herself around his hand he could feel her fear. She was afraid of the guard.

Looking up at the man and Tarana he smiled. "Don't worry I'll take care of her." he smiled. Wait? How would James know it was female?

"Thank you. I owe you my life! What iss your name?" the snake hissed.

"James, and you are?" he replied holding the snake's face up to his.

"Rubellah..Jamessss what a pretty name. What pretty eyesss you have, they ssparkle with kindnesss. I..have found my purpossssse...."

"Rubellah huh? Well then you're welcome." he cooed kissing the top of the snakes head. Taking a deep breath he focused his magic into her, as a test. Rubellah hissed softly as she began to grow bigger stopping a size smaller than a boa.

Lazily she softly wrapped her coils around his neck, letting them dangle down his front, as she nuzzled her face softly against his cheek. She happily hissed and closed her eyes attached to the man she loved and would protect from now on. She looked so pretty this size, and felt wonderful having the magic flow through her.

James looked at Tarana and blushed. "This feeling of love and comfort. Now I know how you and Gossimer feel." he smiled walking over to her.

Immediately Rubellah lifted her head and stared into the eyes of the woman before him."Jamessssss...who isss thisss woman?"

"This is Tarana, future Queen of the Land and my wife." he softly replied stroking the top of her head.

"Future wife? Queen...my sshe isss quite beautiful." she replied a hint of jealousy in her voice. Still she rubbed her face sweetly against Tarana's cheek as a sign of trust and friendship.

He smiled and blushed. "I think she likes you! Wow you have a strange way with animals honey." he said taking her hand.

Rubellah watched as all the animals vanished. Good she didn't want any of them distracting James. Resting her head on his shoulder she smiled softly. Now that it was just the mages and their familiars she felt more relaxed.

Noticing Gossimer the snake lifted her head and flicked her tongue out. He smelled interestingly..delicious and powerful. Clearly this being before her had spent many years bonding with the magic of his partner.

A white crow? That was something she had never seen before, he was quite beautiful. Noticing his plumege she hissed. "My what wonderful plumage you have there." she said in a laid-back, but respectful tone.

James felt her shift a bit and uncoil herself some. Stretching out she inched closer to him and bowed her head. "I am Rubellah, it isss a pleassuer meating another Familiar."

Never in her wildest dreams had she ever imagined she would bond with a mage. After her introduction she coiled back around James neck and rested her head on his shoulder. The bulge of her meal still somewhat visible she was tired and now comfortable. She didn't want to leave his shoulders.

James softly reached up and began to stroke Gossimer on top of his head. "I agree it is a wonderful plumage. Thank you for helping me round up the animals. Hopefully that monkey wasn't giving you too much trouble." he said to him.

It was kind of fun being able to understand and talk to animals. He could sense Gossimer's heart swelling with pride and smiled warmly at him. Turning his eyes to her he blushed. "Well now my dear. What happens now?" he asked taking her hand with his free hand.

His familiar digesting and sleeping comfortably on his shoulder, it would seem she wouldn't wake up for quite a while. Still the size of a minature boa she would be this size for most of the time. Only to shrink down to her traditional size if they were to travel somewhere long distance. James could feel her heart beating with happiness and love. This was all so wonderful and so new. It would take some getting used to.

He laughed, "Well I bet your glad that monkey wasn't my familiar Gossimer." he lightly teased then winked at Tarana.

Blushing he kissed her lips. "We can plan that wedding, unless you feel like I need more training? Though I thought you told me that when I received my Familiar I would become a full-fledged mage." he stated with another kiss.

He couldn't keep his hands off of her, blushing he laughed again. "What do you want to do Darling?" he then asked with a happy grin.

Nervousness and excitement filled his heart as he waited for her. With all the roses around the room he couldn't help but find it ironic. Everything had started with a pair of roses. If his mother had never picked them, then Tarana would have still remained in her cold mansion forever. Their Familiar were given their own spaces to sit in the ritual and he smiled at them both.

Rubellah had become as soft and gentle as he was. A bit on the lazy side, but still holding wisdom their bond was stronger than ever. James loved her deeply, just as much as she did. She changed her diet from mice to whatever bits of food James fed her. She was happy, glad to be spared and saved.

When the music began everyone looked up, including James, when the doors opened he waited for his Queen and his soon-to-be wife enter.

"Oh Gosssimer, you are ssso easssily amusssed." mused Rubellah in a relaxed tone, "Though I have to sssay, Queen Tarana lookss beautiful. Not asss beautiful asss Jamessss though." she hissed only James and Tarana could hear.

The snake was slightly jealous, but she let it slide and yearned to be perched upon his shoulders again. Quietly watching the ceremony she smiled. Looking over to the bird she watched as he looked as if he was almost going to fall off of his perch in excitement!

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James took her hands and stared into her eyes. His heart pounding, his hands shaking some. He was so happy, and so was she, he could feel her heart. It was almost set to burst. This made him smile wide.

The Preacher stepped up and with him two crowns were brought in. "Today marks the special occasion of not only a new Queen and King, but also a marriage." the man said lifting one of the crowns gently. Walking over to her first he held it above her head.

"Princess Tarana Ameras, do you promise to guide the people and this country with power and love? As Queen do you promise to stand by your King and always be a beacon of hope?" he asked as everyone watched, including James.

This was her moment, she was going to become Queen like she had been wanting to for months!

Rubellah had been given a special task too. Even though she was a snake and couldn't fly. All she was to do was slide down with a Royal wedding ring for James. She was even growing a little impatient herself!

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Immediately a magical choir began to sing as the crown was placed upon Tarana's head. James stared at her blushing as he felt power surging through her. She had become the next Queen and by birthright, the ruler. James would be second in command in their relationship but he didn't care.

The Priest turned to him and smiled. "James, healer of many and seer of hearts. Do you promise to stand next to your wife and Queen for as long as you live? Will you guide her and protect her as well as any heirs you both may have?" the man said picking up the other crown.

Nodding the snake slithered down towards the altar. The ring tightly curled around the tip of her tail James smiled nervously. "I, James, promise upon the forces of creation itself to stand by my wife and help her guide my people. I will be her shield in times of darkness and fear and soothe her fears and doubts." he said then felt the weight of the crown being placed on his head.

Softly taking the ring from his Familiar it was placed on his hand and he smiled over to Tarana. Her heart now filled with a deep pride he stood up with her and moved to take her hands.

The Priest cleared his throat. "With these powers bested in me I now present to you all Her Royal Highness Queen Tarana Ameras and His Royal Majesty King James! You may now kiss the bride!"

Lifing up her veil James smiled softly. Feeling their hearts desire this he gently pulled her to him pressing their lips together romantically. While everyone cheered the sound slowly faded as he held the kiss for a moment longer not wanting to let go.

When it was over he took her by the hands and walked with her down the aile happily married and now a King!

Rubellah coiled around his neck and smiled at the couple as they walked. Content and happy she eventually fell asleep. Their little ceremony lasted the whole day, along with a parade, the parties, dancing, and everything James had never felt happier in his whole life.

The months that followed were an important one to the Queendom. After their honeymoon, at a small tropical resort town, James settled next to her and was there to help Tarana out. He could easily pick out the criminals, or those that were innocent, thanks to his ability to see people's hearts. James was by her side watching as she ruled with a fist of iron and a heart filled with love.

Stern and strict, poised and regal she was. Though alone he felt her heart melt with the touch of his hand. Alone they were lovers and friends, alone he saw her carefree smile and experienced a powerful longing when they embraced as lovers.

One morning, like every other, James awoke to find her gone from their bed. She was always up before him because she had more important duties. Happily greeted by Rubellah, who nuzzled her tiny face to his cheek the King got dressed and began to go about his day.

Finding Tarana standing in the dining area, gazing out a window, he could feel her heart was bursting with joy. Something must have been making it sing wonderfully and he walked over. "Good morning my Queen." he said kissing her hand. Standing next to her he smiled.

"Your heart is singing, I guess it's a pleasant morning for you my love?" he asked happily.