Hi all! I'm so sorry I never finished my 12 Days of Christmas, but I chose to leave my Oath unfulfilled, for it would be better than insulting my family members by not spending time with them... especially my clingy, adorable four-year-old cousin. The only reason I'm taking time to write anything now is because of a burst of emotion and inspiration for an idea I've had for a while: this fic is now dedicated to my teenage brother who is about to leave for a beer pong tournament and is upstairs sitting at the table with my mother, who is sure that she will avoid any problems by talking to the kids he's going with, and who will be upset on top of everything else when he gets home tonight. (I know it's not a big deal, but it is to her.) Sorry for the emotional blather; enjoy this fic! (AKA random venting to total strangers :) )

I always imagine that Ulmo, like Tulkas and Aulë, knew that Melkor had not changed during his stay in Mandos (however, not wanting to create infighting, they did not protest Manwë's decision). Ulmo and Manwë, it is told, were as close as brothers, hence clouds, the mixing of water and sky.

I listened to "The Fall of Gondolin" by Jeremy Wiebe (an original piano composition found on YouTube)- start from about 2:30- and the end I wrote to the quiet bit at the end of the song. I figured the drama and treachery and grief was appropriate to this fic.

Osanwë- mind speech

Melkor- true name of Morgoth (Fëanor called him Morgoth, "Dark Foe", after he killed Finwë and stole the Silmarils)

Melkor knelt in the Ring of Doom, head bowed, a picture of humility, and Ulmo watched his form intently.

Manwë, Elder King of Arda, stood to his full height and walked over to his brother, towering over Melkor as the Lord of Breath could never do when Melkor was standing: Melkor as the elder (and, once, most beloved of Ilúvatar) was much taller than his younger brother.

"Your sins have been great, Melkor," he intoned. "You have caused much damage to Arda and to the Children of Ilúvatar."

Melkor's face did not change.

"However," Manwë continued, more kindly this time, "you have shown us convincing proof of your repentance, and I would welcome your mighty skills in the governance of Eä. Therefore, I declare you freed from your prison. You must dwell on Taniquetil and be accompanied by a Vala at all times until I tell you differently, but you shall be free to go wherever you wish, as long as you do not leave Aman."

Only Ulmo from his position in the Ring of Doom saw the flash of malicious glee that flashed across Melkor's face.

Then it was gone, and he turned his face up to Manwë with gratefulness and hope. Manwë fell to his knees and pulled Melkor into his arms, sobbing on his shoulder, and the High King of Arda's osanwë message to Melkor was strong enough in grief and relief and joy for all in the circle to hear.

Oh my brother, I have missed you so. I love you so much.

It was at that moment that Ulmo knew true pain, and he knew that no passing of time and no amount of tears that Nienna could weep could ease his terrible grief for his brother of the heart.