Lonely Mountain still towered prominently in the distance. The thirteen dwarves stood at the damaged entrance, the smiles on their faces gradually stiffening as they silently watched the two figures leading their horses away.
They had rarely changed into such loose, comfortable cloth clothes. It was essentially their home attire, and it made them look even more plain and honest.
"They... will remember us, right?" one dwarf asked.
"They definitely will!"
"Hobbits have short lifespans, nowhere near as long as the elves'. I don't know whether we'll ever get the chance to see Baggins again, but I believe this adventurous bookworm will write us into his book. I only hope he'll portray me as a little braver and stronger."
"Oh, give it a rest! Dwarves don't live that long either. Other than the gods, whose lifespan could compare to the elves'? We might die before the Hobbit is even buried!"
"Speaking of the gods..." Bofur fell silent for a moment. "The gods' lifespans are practically immortal, and they often descend into the mortal world in human form. The things they've experienced must far exceed our imagination. Is this memory really worth remembering for so long to Mr. Aine?"
At that, everyone's spirits sank.
Thorin still said solemnly, "The gods aren't as omnipotent as you imagine. Even Sauron was once executed by the human king Isildur, wasn't he?"
"But their long lifespans are a fact..."
A cold voice suddenly came from behind them. "Do you really believe that glib Wizard is a god? Oh, no, I didn't mean to offend anyone. But if gods are really that cheap, then I'll admit I'm blind!"
The dwarves turned around and saw that it was Legolas, the prince of the Woodland Realm. He had remained behind.
"There are five guardians of Middle-earth, and weren't