He looks at her. Steadies himself.

Reminds himself she's several years younger than him, and -

Lord Elrond hadn't wanted him on the front. Estel had slipped out, and his adoptive father just hasn't caught up yet -

He usually feels too old for all the restrictions put on him.

Now -

Now he feels too young.

"I'll go with you," he says. "You shouldn't be alone."

"No."

She doesn't move, doesn't shake her head - but her voice is firm.

"I'm not bound by a mortal body. I don't need rest, or food, or water, or even air. I can't be injured."

"Estel..."

"I'm so, so glad you've been my friend. I'm so glad you're here, that you'll stand by me... But you'd slow me down."

His eyes tear up.

"Bellona..."

"I - understand."

She hugs him.

"Please... Keep an eye on my sister for me, okay?"

"I promise."

"Thank you - so, so much."

She gets a map. The only thing she bothers packing before she leaves.

By the time El wakes up, Bellona is long, long gone.

Lion's gone when she wakes up-

-and so is the ring.

Oh no.

This isn't good.

"Has anyone seen Bellona?"

This soldier saw her wake up Estel at an ungodly hour, though they left the tent. He hasn't seen her since.

She goes to find Estel.

He's -

Brooding, actually, off in the woods a bit.

"Where did Bellona go."

"...Why do you ask?"

"She's gone and so is-" El cuts herself off.

"And she came to see you last night and now you're out here."

"Are you worried about her?"

"Yes! She's my sister!"

He looks sad.

"She left."

"You - shouldn't follow."

El makes a sad little noise.

And starts crying.

Oh no how does he handle crying girls. How does he handle crying anyone. Elves don't cry!!!

"I'm - sorry - just - "

He flails and goes quiet.

"It's my fault," she says eventually. "And I can't even go after her."

"I'm so sorry."

"I - offered to go with her. I didn't want her alone, at least, but - "

"She said I'd slow her down."

"And - asked me to look after you."

"Yeah."

He hugs himself, miserable.

There's not much to do, except - 

Go about their lives.

And hope Bellona makes it out.