After a few moments, the ballad comes to an end, trailing off with a mix of triumph and melancholy.  The bard clears his throat before speaking; "I hope you don't think me too presumptuous for trying to lightent the mood, friends.  But, I have always found that hope and cheer in the heart are often a better weapon than a sword in the hand.  I've no doubt we'll need both, before the quest's end."