The last breath drew near for me, and I’m glad that Bilbo was besides me so I can tell him how sorry I was. He surprised me in all the good ways that us dwarves have yet to learn. I have paid for being stubborn. To be simple, to cherish the simple treasures like home and good company, I would take this to my next life.

  Bilbo looked at me with tear-filled eyes like he could not believe I shall soon pass to another world.  Don’t die, Thorin!

Farewell, Master Burglar--thank you for the wisdom you imparted to me.

“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.”***

***italicized quote is not included in word count.