* Relief: They had faced immense danger and hardship, and reaching their goal brought a sense of relief and accomplishment.
* Excitement: They were eager to return home, see their loved ones, and share their incredible stories of adventure.
* Wistful: They had grown close during their journey, and there was a sense of sadness at the thought of parting ways.
* A bit of trepidation: They had been changed by their experiences and some felt unsure of how they would fit back into their old lives.
It's important to remember that the party wasn't a single entity, and each member experienced these feelings in their own way. For instance, Bilbo's feelings were likely more complex as he had undergone a significant personal transformation. He was no longer the timid hobbit he had been at the start of the journey.
Here are some specific examples from the text:
* Bilbo: He felt a mix of "gratitude, and pride, and a bit of sadness" as he realized he was nearly home.
* Thorin: He was consumed with the desire to reclaim his homeland and felt a deep sense of responsibility towards his people.
* The dwarves: They were excited to return to their homeland and reclaim their treasure, but also felt a sense of loss for the companionship they had built during their journey.
Overall, the party felt a mix of emotions as they approached the end of their journey. While relieved and excited, there was also a sense of melancholy and uncertainty about the future.