The party was in the Guildmaster study as they were trying to figure out how to dress the squirming baby as he kicked his legs out while Xepug was trying to put Tykeim in a diaper.
"Wait, I think you're supposed to put the tail in first."
Alisa commented.
"I'd do it if he'd stop squirmin!"
Xepug said as he put the diaper on Tykeim.
"There."
said the orc as he held the hatchling up proudly to his party mates.
Tykeim looked rather uncomfortable in the way he was diapered.
"I don't think you did that right; Tykeim looks like he's chafing."
Arthur said as he took Tykeim and tried his hand at diapering the boy.
"Okay, how's that?"
Arthur asked as he showed everyone his handiwork.
"It looks like you got it on him, right?"
Devarius said.
"I'm already a pro."
Arthur exclaimed as he placed Tykeim down.
The hatchling attempted to stand and walk, but Tykeim kept falling on his rear.
"Couldn't he walk before?"
Xepug asked.
"Yes, he can walk; the diaper is too stiff on him."
Devarius said as he picked up the hatchling and tried his hand at diapering Tykeim. Once he finished, he held up the hatchling.
"See, easy."
Devarius beamed with pride at successfully diapering Tykeim, his confidence radiating through the room. However, his triumphant moment was short-lived as the diaper promptly slid off Tykeim, leaving the hatchling in an unintended state of undress. The room echoed with a collective sigh and a shared realization  from the party that their attempts at  baby care were still a work in progress.
Alisa picked up the diaper off the floor and inspected it.
"I'll give it a try, it can't be that hard, right?"
After watching her fellow party members failed diapering attempts, Alisa decided to take matters into her own hands. With a determined expression, she picked up the diaper, examining it as if deciphering a complex puzzle.
She deftly went to work, navigating the intricacies of securing the diaper around Tykeim. Upon completion, she gently placed the hatchling on the floor.
To everyone's surprise, Tykeim, now properly diapered, displayed unbridled joy as he began to walk around, his tiny legs carrying him with newfound freedom. Alisa couldn't help but to smirk at a job well done on her part.
"See I told you it wasn't hard, just got to follow the folds."
.....
"We knew that."
Xepug rubbed the back of his head.
"I see you four figured out how to get the diaper on him."
The Guildmaster remarked with an amused glint in his eyes as he entered the study, acknowledging the party's accomplishment. The room bore witness to a mix of relief and shared pride at having mastered the art of dressing the squirming Dragonborn hatchling. Tykeim, now at least  partially attired, basked in the attention, his tiny steps a testament to the party's collective efforts.
"Gampa! "
Tykeim, noticing the Guildmaster is back, called out to the old man as his tiny feet carried him swiftly into the elderly man's arms. The party, taken aback by this unexpected familial connection, exchanged surprised glances before collectively turning their attention to the elder man.
"Grandpa!?"
The party exclaimed in unison, their voices a chorus of astonishment.
"Oh yes, I figured it would be easier if he called me that,"
The Guildmaster revealed a hint of fondness in his eyes. With a gentle embrace, he lifted Tykeim and playfully tossed the hatchling into the air.
"For someone who said this kid would spell our doom, you're awfully doting on him."
Alisa commented.
"Who's to say the prophecy is true anyway?"
Mused the Guildmaster, his tone carrying a casual air of skepticism. Undeterred by the recent foreboding predictions, he seamlessly transitioned into a moment of playfulness.
As he playfully tickled his self-proclaimed grandchild, Tykeim, laughter filled the room, momentarily casting aside the weight of uncertainties. Alisa, however, remained quick to remind the Guildmaster of his earlier ominous words.
"You did, literally three hours ago!" Alisa pointed an accusatory finger at the elder man, her tone revealing a mix of exasperation and concern.
"Ah well, that's in the past,"
The Guildmaster chuckled, his nonchalant response drawing a sigh of annoyance from Alisa. The room held a subtle tension, a reminder that even in moments of levity, the shadow of prophecy lingered in the background.
"Besides what I said, the prophecy is just a possibility at best, so who knows if it'll be true or not?"
A gentle knock interrupted the room's lively atmosphere.
{Knock Knock.}
"Guildmaster, there's some guys out here asking for you,"
A voice from outside informed.
"Coming,"
The Guildmaster responded, acknowledging the unexpected visitors. He excused himself, leaving the room briefly, and handed Tykeim to Alisa. The baby, in his excitement, was now gnawing on his small hands, a trail of drool escaping from his mouth.
"Mama!"
Tykeim joyfully exclaimed, his excitement palpable.
"Hey, kid,"
Alisa greeted as she held Tykeim at arm's length.
"Do all babies drool this much?" Alisa inquired, passing the hatchling to Arthur.
"Pretty much, it's what most babies do; ain't that right, cutie?"
Arthur playfully tickled Tykeim, the room now filled with the charming sounds of a happy baby.
"I wonder what they're talking about in there, it seemed urgent. "
Devarius said.
"Probably just a job request, the Guildmaster usually has to sign off on direct request. "
Alisa answered.
"Ah yes, I'll let you know if something like that appears around in the area."
"Ah yes, I'll let you know if something like that appears around in the area,"
Assured the Guildmaster before walking back into his study. However, the lines on his face displayed a troubling expression, causing a ripple of concern among the party members.
"Everything alright, Guildmaster?" Devarius inquired, sensing the weight behind the elder man's demeanor.
"Yes, everything is fine; nothing you youngins should have to concern yourself over, although I must say that with the little one in your care, the situation has gotten a bit more precarious,"
The Guildmaster explained, his words carrying an undercurrent of caution that left the room steeped in a newfound sense of uncertainty.
"What's that mean?"
Xepug asked.
"The situation has gotten a bit uncertain; did anyone spot you when you walked into town with young Tykeim?"
The guildmaster asked.
"I don't think so. Why?"
Devarius asked.
"Are you familiar with Dragon Priests?" The Guildmaster turned to the party, his gaze carrying a weight of seriousness.
"Dragon priests?!...uh, what are those people who preach to dragons?"
Arthur asked, attempting to conceal a hint of concern that betrayed some prior knowledge. Xepug, surprisingly observant, noticed Arthur's unease.
"In a way, young Arthur, yes, they do. Dragon priests are a group of worshippers of draconic gods; they were asking about the prophecy. I do not know where their morals lie, but if they're inquiring about Tiamat's prophecy, it can't be good," the Guildmaster explained, casting a shadow of apprehension over the gathering. The revelation left the party contemplating the potential threats that might emerge from the shadows of dragon-worshiping followers.
"Mok must be pretty special then; no worries though no one's going to mess with the Mok while I'm around."
Xepug said as he pounded on his chest.
"I know you'll keep little Tykeim safe, but I think it would be best for his safety, to take Tykeim to the Dragonborn people; they'll be able to help in ways we can't,"
The Guildmaster suggested, his words carrying a tone of both concern and strategic foresight.
"But aren't the Dragonborn tribes on the other side of the world?" Devarius asked, expressing genuine concern for the daunting prospect.
"That's going to be a long journey," Alisa chimed in, echoing the practical considerations of the extensive distance they would need to traverse.
"At least 4 months on foot, but no worries, I'll help fund this endeavor for you all."
The Guildmaster master dug into his drawer and pulled out a satchel and a map.
"Take these."
Alisa opened the satchel to find it full of gold pieces and two platinum pieces.
"P p p p p platinum!"
Alisa shouted in excitement.
"Platinum?!"
Devarius looked into the satchel and saw the elusive piece of currency.
"Money goes that high?"
Arthur said it in amazement.
"I can buy like a gazillion axes with that."
Xepug said in amazement.
"Focus, children; this money is for your journey. I am giving you this as an investment; don't squander it,"
The Guildmaster scolded, emphasizing the significance of the entrusted funds.
"Right, apologies, Guildmaster," Devarius acknowledged, the party recognizing the weight of their responsibility.
"Now I'm also going to want updates on the trip, so I'll also give you this."
The Guildmaster handed Devarius a small crystal orb, prompting curiosity among the party members.
"Uh, what's this?"
Devarius inquired, inspecting the peculiar object in his hands.
"Tap it three times,"
The Guildmaster instructed. Following the guidance, Devarius tapped the orb, and to the party's amazement, a projection of the Guildmaster materialized from the orb.
"Gampa!"
Tykeim exclaimed, attempting to hug the projection of the old man. However, much to the hatchling's confusion, the projection phased through him.
"Gampa?"
Tykeim questioned, bewildered by the unexpected turn of events.
The Guildmaster chuckled, offering reassurance, "I'm over here, little one." He reached down, picking up Tykeim, who responded with another joyful exclamation, "Gampa!"
as he hugged the Guildmaster.
"Well, I guess we have an adventure to go on now,"
Devarius remarked to the party, the realization settling in that they're about to embark on an actual quest.
"And to a new land too; this is going to be so fun!"
Arthur cheered.
"For now, you should all rest and leave tomorrow at first light," the Guildmaster suggested, providing a sensible plan for the impending journey.
"Yeah, I'm beat,"
Devarius acknowledged, expressing the weariness that accompanied their eventful day.
"Same here; I could use a good night's sleep."
Alisa concurred, recognizing the importance of being well-rested for the challenges ahead.
"Where's the kid going to sleep?" Devarius inquired, concerned about Tykeim's accommodation.
"I'll watch the Mok," Xepug volunteered, displaying a sense of responsibility as he picked up Tykeim.
"Mother hen."
Arthur teased the orc as he left the study.
Xepug merely growled in annoyance as he left with Tykeim.
With everything settled, the group dispersed to their separate rooms, seeking a night of rest to rejuvenate themselves for the adventure that awaited them on the morrow.