Dear Diary,

How can I miss something so much when it only happened a couple times?

So, yeah, pretty boring day yesterday, overall, even with the Menace now knowing how to make an Air Shield. Seriously, what's the worst she can do with the ability to summon the magical equivalent of a foam rubber mat?

Don't answer that. I honestly don't want to know.

Same dream last night. Woke up reasonably rested, but still kinda depressed. I wonder if this is anything like post-partum depression, where the stay-at-home mom gets all depressed because she's got nothing to do but sit at home and wait?

Decided to take Isnomi along on a recruitment drive today. Saffron stayed with the troops last night, since she didn't need us to help her recover. So as soon as Marie woke us up, I started getting dressed. I put on my nice uniform, helped Isnomi into hers, then we took turns 'adjusting' one another. I showed her how to tie her knots again, and she seemed to get it. I'll have to wait for the next time she gets the urge to dress herself to be certain.

Breakfast was pretty normal; spicy eggs, jalapeno scrapple, and sausages. In a brief break between noms, I asked, "Anyone else plan on going down to Driver's today?"

"Angel and I had planned on it," said Bill.

I looked to Angel, "do you mind if the little Menace and I tag along?"

Bill looked at Angel, who had just taken a bite of eggs. she took her time chewing and swallowing, then said, "I'm okay with it."

"Cool!"

She shook her head and added, "can't wait to watch Mrs. Driver with Isnomi again."

Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

What with Saffron not spending the night, I kept eating until the Maids kicked us out. Angel, Bill, and I made our way down to Drivers. Midway over the bridge, I noticed the rungs on the central upright. I paused for a minute and asked, "have either of you guys ever been to the top of this?"

Angel just rolled her eyes, but Bill said, "neither of us have. Saffron did. Kinda half expected you had too."

I just shrugged. "Never really had the opportunity."

They both laughed at that. "You want us to watch Isnomi while you're climbing?"

I shook my head, "nah, I'm gonna wait until Saffron gets back."

For what its worth, neither of them said anything about Saffron not making it back. Then again, they might not have been obsessing over that the way I was.

So we got to Drivers, set up the recruitment table, and started talking to people about Volunteering. More people came by to play with Isnomi than to talk with us, but we still got a few folks set up to join. Momma Driver made much over Bill in his uniform, then midway through the day she came out bringing us lunch, including big old honkin' slices of chocolate cake. I fed most of mine to Isnomi, but midway through tagged Saffron and thought, guess where we are today.

In response to my transmission of the taste of Momma Driver's chocolate cake, she sent me the feel of her feet after slogging through the forest for four days. No contact so far today.

I've got a bad feeling about this.

Anything in particular?

No, just that they ought to have sprung whatever they're doing by now. Can you let Lancaster know?

She sent a mental shrug followed by, I will, but I think he feels the same way.

I finished off the cake and went back to recruiting. By the end of the day we wound up with a few dozen folks planning on heading to the Academy tomorrow to Volunteer. I'd even gone ahead and written up contracts for them, just to speed things up.

We all walked home in the gathering twilight and made it back in time for dinner. I hate to say it, but after the Drivers'? The Dining Hall's food just didn't compare. After dinner Isnomi and I wandered back to our cell. You coming home tonight?

I'm afraid not, love. I can't justify it on days I'm not in need of recuperation from firing Vulcan.

Okay. Love you. Miss you.

Love you too, Goof. My love to the little one.

"Mom says she loves you, Isnomi."

"La ya, Ma!"

Isnomi loves you too.

After that I stripped us both down, Mimicked Saffron long enough for Isnomi to get her evening feeding, then went to sleep.

Would have been a good day if I wasn't worrying my ass off all day long.