Valley of Kings Prompt Storage

One of the greatest taboos within the pride of Wikimak is a practice that seems to be sweeping over other various prides. It is the practice of having cubs outside of matehood. While it may seem small, The Great Lion, Wicasa, does not condone such practices. Why? 

It does make sense once explained. When cubs are born outside of matehood, they will not take matehood seriously, and the parents tend to do the same. Matehood is a blessing by the Great Lion Wicasa. Once two lions, male and female, become mates, their entire lives and family are blessed as a result. Cubs are said to be healthy and happy and obedient when born into a matehood blessed by Wicasa. 

However, those that have cubs outside of matehood will often be cursed. Cubs will be difficult to handle and rebellious, and the two adults have a much higher chance of going their separate ways than staying together, which only breaks the family all the more. Cubs will ultimately begin blaming themselves for what had happened to their parents and grow up with broken hearts and a lack of understanding. 

Another taboo would be when mates separate. While it is very, very rare within the pride of Wikimak, it can still happen. If a split occurs because one mate became abusive to the other or the cubs, it is understandable. But if mates split because they 'fell out of love with each other' the two are separated from the pride for a period of time. Becoming mates is a commitment. While couples tend to fall out of love sometimes, it is no excuse to leave the one you made a commitment to. Such families are considered weak. Any such family considering separation for such a thing will both be separated. Most times, however, if they really still care for each other, they will wander off to find the other. Only once they are back together and apologize to each other are they allowed back into the pride. Those that continue in their stubbornness not to reunite with their mate are chased away. 

While it is considered taboo, such things are spoken of from time to time. Most times from mates to cubs, just to inform them of such things. Even then, it is barely spoken within the pride, and will probably continue to do so.