Title: Carry Hope
Fandom: Silmarillion
Challenge: Preparation
Other prompt: SWG Jubilee Instadrabble prompt 2:5 Holiday Party -- Clean Up: Alas, the party's over, and someone has to clean up. We're playing Chip the Glasses Crack the Plates in honor of those brave souls. Create a fanwork that deals with cleaning up, whether it's routine chores, the aftermath of a party, or perhaps even the beginning of a new Age.
Rating: G
Length: 114
Content notes: N/A
Author notes: Thanks go to Zhie, Anerea and the Instadrabble crowd for encouragement & sanity-checking.
Summary: The Noldor who crossed the Ice did not do so without preparation. A contra-fait of Chip the Glasses.

Check the canvas and seal the poles
Splice the ropes and count the stakes
Soon the ice beneath our soles
Mend the gear for all our sakes

Carve the sledge and forge the pot
Felt the wool and tan the fur
The frozen North is now our lot
The Helcaraxë we will endure

Hunt the stag and cure the meat
Make stout tools of bone and horn
Weave the basket, socks for feet
Fast stitch up what has been torn

Wood and ore in Araman
Salt and fish from Belegaer
Make the best of what we can
Carry hope and not despair

Beneath the stars we will prepare
Through perils stark to Ennor fare.