As we returned to our chambers, a voice called out a greeting and we turned to see Gandalf. He had been in Dale for the day, poking around as is his habit. He also pointed out how long we had been in Erebor, clearly worried in a similar vein as myself about Bilbo’s continued time here. Bilbo told him as he had told me that circumstances were different this time and I watched him bury his hands in his pockets. I believe he was thinking of his magic ring, hidden away in Bag End.
Gandalf also confirmed what I had guessed this morning - that our devices were to be returned when he departed tomorrow. I told him that if he told us how to create such devices for ourselves, he would not need to gift them only for these short updates. He laughed at that and said that even with all the knowledge in Erebor, these two devices were as unique as they come and could not be replicated. I would have challenged that but I have already asked quite a number of people if they had the skill, to no avail.