So I took my cue from your introductory paragraph, which I liked very much, especially this:

As determination is not blinding hopefulness but the courage of hopelessness

I think sometimes I have proceeded through life in exactly that spirit :). The phrase captures the epic struggle awaiting the neck-haired Elder (the name alone deserves a prize) and the Grunt.

I read this twice and listened to the sound track the second time around. That helped to foster the mood. I think this is a very visual scene--fast moving and cinematic.

Your terminology is impressively original. A very creative, emotive "ending".