When Luna and Aru first came to the pride, the dark lioness could feel the sorrow and hurt that they carried heavily with them. She had felt urged to help the two who only seemed to be seeking a sanctuary, which was exactly what she had to offer them. Somewhere safe and quiet where they could relax and let the water of the river and the care and support of the pride wash away their pain.
Since arriving, Anansi could see the changes that had come over them. She'd even seen them smiling together and could discern more of their personalities. The lioness Luna, would fit right into the warrior ranks with her unwavering sense of justice if she chose it. Aru too would be a valuable asset to their society with his drive to protect the one he loves.
Anansi looked at the two sitting before her with happiness in her eyes. It was a beautiful day for a soul bonding ceremony and Anansi felt humbled to have the responsibility of guiding the two into the next phase of their lives. There were others scattered about here and there in support of them watching the ceremony. Anansi gave a sort opening speech welcoming everyone and speaking about the two of them arriving to the pride and being able to heal themselves and come as far as they have.
She was proud of them for their hard work and progress in building a new life for themselves after losing and leaving behind everything that they had ever known and loved. Anansi could relate to the suffering of losing one's home and being lost and dazed in an unfamiliar world. Her empathy for them was real. She then instructed them to say their oaths to one another.
"I will always be here for you and I will love you for the rest of my life. I vow to make sure that you are never alone again if I can help it. I will do everything that I can to make sure that you live out the rest of your days happy and free."
Aru took a deep breath, attempting to ground himself and steady his emotions. He hadn't hoped for anything more that getting Luna somewhere safe where they could at least have respite from the uncertainties of the rogue lands. Sitting before her now he knew that he needed her in his life and in his heart. He had been so afraid for her in the initial time after finding her and convincing her to follow him.
Ultimately it was Luna who'd found the strength to move on. If she had chosen to give up, he would have wasted away right beside her. He only had enough strength to care for her and move forward for her sake. She had saved him too whether or not she realized it. Aru swore to himself that he would dedicate the rest of his days to protecting her and ensuring the health and longevity of their new home for her.
"You saved my life Aru. You saved me when I had given up. It is only because of you that we have hope for the future. I promise to love you and keep you in my heart for as long as I have breathe in my lungs. You are everything to me, and I will make sure that you live the rest of your days happy and free."
Lunaria smiled brightly at Aru with tears shining in her eyes. She never thought that a day like this would come for her after the loss of her birth home, yet here they were facing each other committing themselves for life. There had been and point when Luna was certain that she would die from the pain of loss and her unwillingness to take basic care of herself. It all seemed like a vivid nightmare now. The rainforest was so beautiful and full of life around them, reminding her that life went on no matter what.
There was a calmness in Luna's heart that had not been there for a long time and she was realizing how much she missed the feeling of being content. It was imperative now more than ever that they find peace since Luna had begun to feel the stirrings of new life within her. It was information that she had kept to herself so far, but it would only be a matter of time before Aru knew that he would soon be a father.
Once they were done, Anansi began to guide them through the meditation process. She had them close their eyes and concentrate on each other and visualize the other in their mind. With only the sound of her voice, Anansi lead them on a journey through their minds and spirits, encouraging them to find each other outside of the physical realm. The idea was that if two individuals were meant to be soul bonded, then they already shared a deep spiritual connection to one another, and the point the bonding meditation was for them to consciously find that connection.
She spoke softly to them, watching as their bodies relaxed and their breathing deepen. The Queen told them that once they were ready, they would open their eyes and speak the words "I found you" to complete the ceremony. She couldn't wait to see what would become of their lives from this day forward.
Aru took a deep breath, feeling all of his love for Luna and feeling her strongly being a apart of him, he opened his eyes to gaze lovingly at her right across from him. "I found you."
Luna exhaled out all of her previous worries and fears, letting the feeling of Aru's spirit and energy wash over her and surround her. When she opened her eyes, she was almost surprised to see Aru only sitting in front of her in his own body. Her eyes shining brightly as she looked at the most important being in her life, her eternal mate. Luna paused briefly to consider her words carefully before saying, "I found you......and, I'm pregnant."
