Chapter Text
All was well in Rinasita, near enough anyway. The Black Tide had been quelled, Septimont was in good hands under Augusta's leadership. At the same time, Ragunna hadn't seen more peaceful days in weeks, despite a not insignificant amount of turmoil from Fenrico's death people were laughing again, rebuilding what they could. The Montellis and Fasilieas had a working relationship for now.
Rover was just glad things were changing for the better but it also meant nearly everyone was currently indisposed leaving her with a lot of free time suddenly. Not a bad thing, the Black Shores could use more attention anyway,
She was seated on the upper cliffs overlooking the sun as sunk over the horizon, expression at ease. SHe hadn't realized how long she'd been there until she thought of a certain Discord Slayer. The memory stirred faintly, the blake Bloom was accepted without much hesitation. A gesture with more significance than Rover had realized herself at that moment. Things would certainly be more interesting with her on the scene.
"Big sis!"
A familiar voice echoed against the cliffs, bright and lively. Rover glanced over her shoulder as her feet stretched out along the rocky terrain. Encore was already halfway up the footpath.
Rover smiled and tilted her head. "Careful, you'll trip over some rocks"
Encore stopped beside her, slightly winded but otherwise pleased with herself. "Guess who's been sleeping like a rock all morning?"
Rover hummed thoughtfully though there was really only one answer. "... Aalto?"
Encore puffed her cheeks and threw her hands up. "He wouldn't move an inch. I shook him three times. Three! He didn't even pretend to wake up, even though he promised to visit the cake shop with me today"
"He's probably just tired, Encore" Rover murmured.
"He's been skipping playing with Encore all week" Encore said folding her arms
That roused a chuckle from the older Resonator. "I'm sure he was just working hard for the Black Shores"
Encore blinked, then frowned. "You think so?"
It was possible, likely even, that Rover had come across Aalto's talent for falling asleep or becoming inexplicably occupied when he was needed for certain kinds of work. Rover could certainly choose to hold it against him but... "Mhmm, let him rest when he can"
"I guess that's true..." Encore said with a softened gaze.
The moment would linger a bit longer before Encore would perk up once more, perhaps recalling her original reason for seeking out Rover. "Also, there's gonna be a big celebration event tomorrow. Everyone in Black shores has been working so hard lately. It seems like a good idea."
"A celebration?"
"Yup, and big sis Beatrice said you're gonna be an organizer"
The name was familiar, and Rover was usually good at remembering names "Beatrice... " she muttered. Recent memories of Cammellya grinning while running off with an item Rover needed. Lady Flora, old memories of accepting a forceful young girl into the Black Shores. Beatrice A research lady who needed Rover to help her clear out a Data cache in the Tethys system that was spiraling out of control.
Rovers first instinct was to politely refuse, a lot had happened over the last two months she'd spent in Rinasita and there was always something else for her to do. Far from an aloof introvert, Rover still didn't like being the centre of attention. But one look at Encore's hopeful pink orbs was all it took for her protests to die down.
"... Alright" Rover said with a sigh before placing one hand on her hip. "If Beatrice wants me to help out, I guess I can do that"
"Always so dependable, Big Sis, unlike uncle Aalto"
Rover lips quirked. "Dangerous assumption, Encore"
Before Encore could respond, Rovers tacet mark would shimmer gold and Abby would stifle a yawn as they materialized.
"Mmm... so much noise... what's happening?" they murmured as they floated besides Rover's shoulder.
"Celebration is coming up," Rover explained with a glance.
Abby rubbed their little belly with both paws, still partially asleep. "Hmm, parties mean food. I vote we go"
Rover would sigh and raise both hands in acceptance. "Well I can't possibly say no in that case, can I?"
They bang walking down the cliffside, Encore would reach and give Abby some little pats, no doubt a critter as fun sized as them would be hard for a girl Encore's age to ignore. Abby on the other hand remained neutral to the pats
"Rover, if there's gonna be a buffet then I call dibs on the first pickings"
"You're getting spoiled, Abby," Rover murmured.
The three continued down the winding trail, the air cooling as the sun dipped closer to the horizon. A faint orange glow outlined the ridges of the research buildings below, the buzz of machinery carrying up the slope. Occasionally, the clangs of metal echoed from one workshop to the outside. Steady and industrious were the words to describe Black Shores on any given day and this party would presumably add festive to the list.