And so it went for a week Haraldur studied with Dis and Tauriel every day. As soon as he was able to read and write in Khuzdul and the Common Tongue well enough he was allowed to move on to Sindarin. Haraldur progresses quickly in that as well.

When the week was up, Thorin made arrangements with Gloin to get their boys together. They both decided that they should all have lunch together in Thorin's private dining room so that the two Dwarflings wouldn't feel overwhelmed. Also that day the entire company was to be in attendance along with Dis and Tauriel.

But the day before the meeting Gloin sat Gimli down and told him a little bit about Haraldur.

"Alright, my lad, I want you not to be surprised or upset if Haraldur is a little shy around you at first. He has had a hard life for someone so young."

"Really, Adad?"

"Aye, he has. He did not have his Amad or Adad when he was a babe and was treated quite poorly by his kin. When Thorin found him he was very badly injured."

Gimli gasped, "That's awful, Adad, what happened to his Amad and Adad?"

"From what we could gather they were killed by orcs. The lad will not talk about it so do not ask."

"Alright, Adad."

Gloin ruffled Gimli's hair, "Good lad."

Gimli was quiet for a while deep in thought. He thought how horrible it would be to grow up without his parents and felt bad for Haraldur. He decided right then and there that no matter what he was going to be friends with Haraldur.

Gimli then got up and ran to his room. He came back with his favorite wooden ax. Gloin looked at his son puzzled.

"I want to give Haraldur a present, my ax," Gimli explained.

Gloin smiled proudly at his son, "That is a grand idea, my lad, but Haraldur is much smaller than you and I think a sword would be better."

Gimli let out a relieved sigh then ran back to his room to grab his best sword. He hardly used it anyway, preferring to play with is ax and be like his father. He ran back to show Gloin.

"How about this, Adad?"

"Aye, lad, this would be perfect. Thorin has been teaching him more the sword anyway."

Gimli beamed up at his father, he couldn't wait for the next day to meet his new friend.

At noon the next day, Gloin, Garuva, and Gimli made their way down the Royal Halls. Gimli was dressed in his finest clothes, Garuva had scoured the poor boy from head to toe then combed and braided his hair in a simple fashion. She was positive that the boys would hit it off and it would be silly to give Gimli formal braids if they were going to go off and play.

Gimli was so excited to meet Haraldur. Gloin had told him a little more about his new friend. Gimli was already in awe of him and maybe just a wee bit envious that Haraldur got to go on the Journey. But then Gimli reasoned that the Company had to take Haraldur since he had no kin to take care of him.

While Gimli babbled on to Gloin about all the things he wanted to teach his new friend, Haraldur was a nervous wreck.

"What is he does not like me," Haraldur questioned as he stood letting Dis dress him.

"Do not be silly, my beloved nephew, of course, Gimli will like you. You are very likable," She tells him and she pokes his belly making him giggle, "Just relax and be yourself."

Haraldur nods, "Alright, Aunt Dis," Haraldur takes a deep breath, "I can do this."

Thorin was standing in the doorway listening, he smiles and walks into the room, "That is my Brave boy everything we'll be fine, you will see. Now it is almost time for our guests to arrive."

Thorin holds out his hand and Haraldur hops off the stool he was standing on and takes Thorin's hand when they go out to the sitting room Haraldur sees that the entire company and Tauriel are present. He feels a sense of relief knowing that he has the support of his dear friends. They all greet Haraldur and give him a hug then ask him how he is doing.

A few moments later there is a knock on the door. Haraldur looks at the door then runs to Thorin taking his hand. Thorin gently squeezes Haraldur's hand then nods to the maid to open the door. Gloin walks in followed by Garuva with Gimli holding her hand.

The Company greets Gloin and his family warmly, hugging Garuva and Gimli then headbutting Gloin. Haraldur winces at seeing that, he wasn't used to that form of greeting. When the Company finishes saying hello Gloin and his family turn to Thorin and Dis.

"Your Majesty, Princess Dis, it is an honor to be here," Gloin says as they all show the proper respect to Thorin and Dis.

Thorin rolls his eyes, "Enough of that, Gloin, no such formality is needed in private, my friend."

Thorin walks over and hugs Gloin then Garuva, he then pats Gimli on the head. Meanwhile, Haraldur has hidden behind Dis' skirts and is watching curiously. He notices that Gimli has long flaming red hair like both of his parents. He's a little taller than him but that was to be expected. But what surprises Haraldur the most is that Gimli is starting to show signs of getting facial hair. Haraldur wonders if he'll grow a beard like every other Dwarf or will he be like Kili.

When Thorin and Gloin finish saying hello, Gimli tugs on Thorn's hand, Thorin looks down at him raising an eyebrow.

"Where is Haraldur?" Gimli asks.

"Gimli!" Garuva admonishes.

Thorin chuckles, "It is fine, Garuva, he is just anxious to meet him," Thorin turns and motions for Haraldur to come forward, "My boy, come meet Gimli."

Dis looks down at Haraldur, "Go on it is alright," She says giving g him a little nudge.

Haraldur takes a deep breath and squares his shoulders. With his head held high, he walked towards his father. He would not embarrass Thorin by acting like a coward.

Haraldur stands next to Thorin, he and Gimli stare at each other. Remembering that Haraldur is shy, Gimli makes the first move. He lets go of Gloin's hand and steps forward.

"Gimli son of Gloin, at your service," Then he bows.

Haraldur looks up at Thorin who nods, he then steps forward, "Haraldur, son of Thorin, at your service," Then also bows.

Gimli smiles at him, "I have a present for you, Haraldur."

Gimli looks at his mother who hands him the wooden sword. Gimli steps closer and hands it to Haraldur. He takes it and looks at Gimli in awe.

"Thank you so much, Gimli, I will treasure this always."

Gimli's smile becomes bigger, "Now you and I can spar."

Haraldur smiles and nods, then his smile falls, "I have nothing to give to you."

"That's alright."

But Haraldur doesn't think that's fair suddenly he gets an idea. He takes out his wand and points it at a goblet that is on the table. With a swish of his wand, Haraldur transfigures the goblet into a winged animal with the body of a horse, but the head, front legs, and wings of an eagle. Haraldur picks up the Hippogriff and hands it to Gimli.

Gimli gasps, "You are like Tharkûn."

Haraldur gives him a puzzled look then looks up at Thorin, "Tharkûn?"

"Gandalf."

"Oh! Yes, I am a wizard too."

It was Gimli's turn to be awestruck by Haraldur. He takes the toy from Haraldur and thanks him. Gimli examines the toy, he had never seen a beast like this before.

"What is it?"

Haraldur smiles, "I call it a Hippogriff, I had a dream that I was flying on its back once."

"Really, that's amazing!" Gimli tells him.

Bofur looks at the toy, "Gimli may I see that, please?"

Gimli hands it over to Bofur who examines it along with Bifur. They notice the detail that went into it. From the way, the eyes, claws, and beak look to each individual feather on the head and wings. He and Bifur have a silent conversation then Bifur nods and hands the toy back to Gimli.

"Lad, would you mind if Bifur and I copy your Hippogriff and sell them to the children of the mountain and Dale? I think other children would be fascinated with this."

Haraldur grins, "Not at all, Bofur, and if I dream of any more fantastic beasts I will let you know."

"That would be wonderful, can you make another one?"

Haraldur nods. Bofur hands him another goblet and Haraldur transfigures it into another Hippogriff. Suddenly an idea occurs to Haraldur.

"Would you like me to enchant them so that they'll move on their own?"

Bofur and Bifur look at each other, "Can you do that?"

"Of course, I can even have them follow directions."

"Aye!" Gimli shouts, getting exciting at the prospect of having it come to life.

Haraldur takes back the Hippogriff and enchants them both. He gives it back to Gimli then hands the other one to Bofur.

"Want me to show you what it can do, Gimli?" Haraldur asks.

Gimli is about to answer when Dis interrupts, "After lunch, then you two can go play with that thing."

"Yes, Aunt Dis."

With that, they all go into the dining room. Haraldur and Gimli, who normally sit with their fathers, sit next to each other instead and start talking. To make sure they behave, Dis sits on one side of Haraldur while Garuva sits on the other side of Gimli.

Haraldur and Gimli spend most of the time talking and giggling. What they were talking about, Dis and Garuva couldn't say. They kept whispering to each other, it got so bad that Thorin eventually had to tell them to settle down and eat their lunch. The Dwarflings calmed down somewhat and ate but every time they look at each other they would start giggling.