Den Mother & Patriarch

Leading a tribe of lions in the savanna is no easy task, and definitely more than a single individual could handle.
The duty to lead, then, is divided between the most experienced (and generally oldest) couple within the pride: The Den Mother, and the Patriarch.

The Den Mother's role (aside from bolstering the pride's numbers by carrying many litters herself) is to manage the internal workings of the tribe: administering resources, dividing the workload, solving disputes, and keeping the peace within the village. Aside from that, she enjoys taking a direct role in assisting and taking care of the many mothers-to-be in the tribe, making sure they're fed, clothed, rested and comfortable. She's known to be very doting and affectionate in general, but also stern, wise and shrewd when the situation calls for it. She's seen almost perpetually pregnant, a state she carries with immense pride and joy.

The Patriarch's duties require him not only to protect the pride from outside threats, but also to organize expeditions and venture beyond the tribe whenever needed; whether it's leading hunting parties, running trade caravans to the neighboring villages, serving as emissary for his tribe, or tracking down the occasional bandit gang. Most of the pride's males fall under his direct command, and although he has a handful of lieutenants to delegate orders, he prefers to lead the warriors and hunters himself whenever possible.

Both the Den Mother and Patriarch are highly respected and esteemed figures within the tribe. They despise seclusion and instead choose to walk and live among the villagers, stopping to lend a helping paw to even the humblest fisherman. Although their actual names are known within the tribe, most of them refer to the couple only by their titles (a sign of respect and endearment more than submission).

Visitors both from other tribes and foreign lands are always welcome into their village, and both leaders thoroughly enjoy entertaining guests; sharing their traditional food and drink with them, taking them along on hunts and expeditions or just making sure they're cared for and enjoy their visit. Occasionally the Den Mother will even allow anyone interested to participate in their fertility and mating rituals, making for a very hands-on experience with the many fertile males and females of the tribe.

Wanted to do a bit of worldbuilding for the Lion's Litter stories (Maybe I need a better name for it too...).
I need to bring the stories' males out in the spotlight more but I feel like I'm still terrible at drawing big buff bois :'D
This beautiful pic was done by DaniloCorrea He does such good big meows I swear <3