Keeping a wary eye out for any threats, the siblings, using their natural magnets, swam their way eastwards to locate their home, the Roalitelv Settlement. They traversed past the stony, spherical houses and commuting denizens and towards a larger, more rectangular, obsidian abode in the center of the village.
Moving past the seaweed drapes in front of the wide doors, the three Samanians made their way through the various hallways and corridors until they ended up in a large banquet hall.
Located at the opposite end of a basalt table was the Roalitelv leader, Chief Kaqiss, being seated in a large, red, coral chair to account for his size. "Ah," he said in a deep voice, "You have returned. Did you bring back anything for the banquet?"
Ulaka stepped forward, saying, "We're sorry, father. We located a large smack of tentasparks, but we were forced to retreat due to a megafin attack. Because of our speed in escaping, we were unable to keep the tentasparks attached to us."
Makun added, "And we would've had a nice, juicy pinnigong if someone hadn't messed up. Alas…"
The chief stroked his red beard, a slightly disappointed look on his face. "I see…" he said quietly, "I suppose that we shall have to postpone the feast till tomorrow, then…"
Just then, as if to address the problem at hand, one of Chief Kaqiss's daughters, Qwetzalla, swam into the scene, saying, "Do not worry, father. Me and the other farmers have been hard at work growing crops. We've got sitranges, roodishes, and so much more!"
Raising his eyebrows in intrigue, Kaqiss said, "Is that so? Would it trouble you too much to bring those crops here, Qwetzalla?"
The young Samanian shook her yellow head and answered, "Not at all! I'll be back soon!"
As the girl swam away, the leader laughed and stated, "Well, I suppose that this feast will be a vegetarian one, now won't it? Makun, go and remind the others that we shall start in 30 minutes. Ulaka, I know that you wish to invite some of your friends to this banquet, so I shall allow you to gather at most 2. And Siquioce, you may do as you wish until the time comes. Now then…servants!"
A large cluster of orb-kneed weavers revealed themselves from a crevice in the walls of the palace, dispersing themselves throughout the room as they organized chairs, decorated the table, and cleaned the floor. As they did so, they utilized the green orbs on their knees to join together and act as one, conjoining to become almost like giant hands to expedite the whole preparing process.
As the cooperating arachnids did their work, Ulaka, Makun, and Siquioce went their separate ways.
30 minutes, the entire family took their seats at the basalt table, which was now covered with a brown pinnigong fur tablecloth. Arranging themselves into a cart-like shape, the orb-kneed weavers carried a tray of fruits and vegetables towards the school of Samanians, placing the tray in the center of the table.
Clinking his fork against a glass, Chief Kaqiss declared, "My familiars, the feast is about to begin! But first, a prayer. Cishali, if you will."
One of the youngest girls held her webbed hands together, saying, "Tomanil, our great protector, we thank you dearly for this plentiful bounty. We would not be sitting here today if it weren't for your countless blessings. We sincerely hope that you will keep our species alive for many years to come. Thank you again, Tomanil, and may you be praised for now and forever." To conclude, everyone said together, "Kachum."
The chief then smiled, saying, "Okay, then. Let us begin!"
At once, everyone except the leader surged towards the large pile of fruits and vegetables, engaging in what could be called a feeding frenzy. Any sense of politeness and decency was lost as the Samanians scrambled for pink popberries, snatched orange oleragges, and squabbled over green mangepods. A bit into the session, Kaqiss shouted, "Time's up!"
Everyone else immediately stopped what they were doing and took a look at what they managed to grab. While most of the Samanians got their hands on at least a decent amount of food, Siquioce was only able to get two handfuls of vitirapes.
"Alright then," said the chief, "Everyone return to your seats."
Sighing with disappointment, Siquioce glumly kicked his way back to his spot while everyone else proudly took their bounties with them.
"Now that everyone is here," stated Kaqiss, "I would like to call attention to our esteemed Ulaka. As you all know, she is set to set out on the Roalitelv Expedition tomorrow. How are you feeling, Ulaka? Are you ready to make history?"
Ulaka answered, "Absolutely, father. I have been filled with nothing but anticipation for this event."
The leader chuckled, "I am sure that you have, my sweet. Do you have any particular place you wish to visit?"
Tapping her yellow-orange chin in thought, Ulaka replied, "Hmm…I was thinking of emerging on Baides Bay."
The chief nodded his purple head, responding, "Baides Bay…a great choice! I can only hope that that location has not changed too much over the years…"
Ulaka took a bite out of her black tube-shaped meloplant and said, "I am not too worried. I can handle myself in unfamiliar situations."
Kaqiss smiled with pride, saying, "As I expected of you. Would anyone here like to give Ulaka any words of advice and/or encouragement?"
One of Ulaka's female friends spoke up, "You've got this, girl! Show the world what a Samanian can do!"
One of Ulaka's brothers added, "Best of luck to you, sister. Remember to stay safe."
Giving a toothy grin, Ulaka said, "Thank you both. I promise I won't let any of you down!"
Chief Kaqiss responded, "I do not expect you to. I am looking forward to hearing of what you discover."
As everyone continued eating, Ulaka looked towards the opposite side of the table to see Siquioce quietly nibbling on his vitirapes, a hungry look on his face. She put her hand on her cheek and sighed. She would've happily shared some of her food with him if it weren't for the Acassa family's policy on lenience; a person was only to get what they earned. The only thing Ulaka could do was chew on her meloplant with pity.
After the feast, Siquioce staggered to his living space, rubbing his gnawing stomach. He laid his weary body on the hard layer of the rocky bed, hoping to relieve his dizziness from the hunger pangs. As he wrapped the soft sea grass covers around him for warmth, Siquioce noticed Ulaka's entrance in the dark room.
"Hey, how did you enjoy dinner?" She asked, careful to keep her voice low.
"What dinner?" Siquioce clutched the sides of his blanket tightly as his stomach growled in protest and muttered, "I didn't get anything…"
Patting her brother's blue head caringly, Ulaka replied, "Hey, don't worry about it too much, little brother. We all have our off days. You'll do better next time."
The younger Samanian covered his face, stating, "But I never do better next time! This always happens…"
Ulaka winced. This was absolutely correct. Every time the family engaged in this activity, Siquioce always ended up getting the short end of the stick. Sitting down next to her sibling, she said, "That might be the case, but do you want to know something? I used to be just like you. I remember how my own brothers and sisters always used to push me around, never letting me do anything, especially not when it was feeding time. Still, you know what I did? I pushed on. Sure, I had to go through a lot of hardships, but I eventually grew up and became stronger. Just look at me now, I'm about to fulfill one of our clan's greatest goals!"
Peeking at his sister, Siquioce asked, "But what if I don't become as good as you?"
Ulaka reassured, "Trust me, Siquioce, that won't happen. This small form you're in is only temporary; soon you'll become a big, strong Samanian!"
Looking up a bit more, Siquioce inquired, "Really?"
Ulaka nodded and responded, "Really." The female then reached up to the top of a rocky shelf to retrieve Siquioce's favorite toy, a light blue plush walmant, and handed it to her sibling, saying, "Why don't you and Mr. Blubs get a good rest tonight? That way, you two can wake up bright and early in the morning to see me off! Does that sound good?"
Reaching eagerly for his stuffed pal, Siquioce nodded and smiled. This smile of his turned downwards a bit as he said, "But I'm still hungry…I want some meat…"
Ulaka shook her head and answered, "Yeah, I'm sorry about that. For now, you'll just have to go without. Can you do that for me?" Siquioce quietly nodded, prompting Ulaka to smile and say, "Good. Sweet dreams, Siquioce. Don't let the scattermites bite!"
As his sister departed, Siquioce squeezed the long tusks of his plushy and closed his eyes.
Making her way back to her room, Ulaka held her hands behind her back in concern. She absolutely hated the idea of her brother going without food, especially when the scraps he did get were of an undesirable category. She wanted nothing but to make him happy and satisfied, but there seemed to be nothing she could do to achieve this.
Before Ulaka entered into her living quarters, she eyed the exit of the palace. "Say," she said to herself, "Who says that Siquioce can't get what he wants? I'm sure that no one will mind if I go on a little excursion really quick, will they?" After having a tiny debate with herself, Ulaka decided to be bold and go hunting out of her designated hours. There was a whole community of fish located not too far away from the settlement that she was dying to check out. Sure, it was away from her usual route, but a little variety never hurt anyone, right? What's the worst that could happen?