of course , if what they 'd heard about the elder gods was anywhere close to being accurate , they were nearing the end of their cycle , and there was a distinct possibility that some ugly terms like `` dotage , '' `` senility , '' and `` foolish '' might apply , despite the fact that , with the exception of dahlaine 's grey hair and beard , they showed none of the usual signs of extreme age-on the outside , at least .