This chapter ended up as a vehicle for an awful lot of firsts: first battle, first kill, first sight of Men, first experience of death. So much to cope with; yes, baptism of fire sums it up exactly! I too think death would have hit him very hard for all the reason's you site. I very much doubt he had any experience of it at all.

And yes, I think relief would have pretty much overwhelmed E2 after that battle. I'm glad you enjoyed that and that Estel's battle seemed right. I wanted to make him capable without being too competent. He does need some space to improve after all!