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Vespes Prince (Part 2)

'It is the world we live on. Let me clarify. We are not communicating through a language, nor through words. We are talking through concepts, as such, I can understand you and you me. You do not have to worry about how you say things, I will understand.'

'Wha-… How is that even possible?' Edvard asked in exasperation, this contradicted all he knew of telepathy.

'It is a skill some of our kind may gain through the test of time. Not many, and only I in this group.' As he said this the elf, or Vespes, pointed to those around him.

Having calmed down greatly, Edvard's mind could actually take in the details his eyes presented him. All of the elves looked handsome like they had carefully picked genes. Edvard also noticed that there were no females in this group.

They were all dressed similarly; beautiful silk with strange patterns hidden behind their unique leather armor. No stitches nor anything showing that it was crafted visible, almost like the clothes had been formed and not created.

The only thing Edvard was able to use to differentiate the Vespes were their weapons. One held a bow in hand, quiver at his side. Another held a spear, daggers at his back and another having a longsword on his back, and the last a staff of some kind.

'Seems you have calmed down; do you wish to talk now. Or should I leave you to your fate?' The leader questioned after giving Edvard some time to get used to what he saw.

'I-I, I'm sorry. I really have acted cowardly?' Edvard replied, not having realized that his eyes had stayed on the weapons far longer than on the Vespes.

'That is quite alright, your fear is justified. The forest is not kind to even its natives, and you not having any magical abilities makes you but a fish trapped in a stream. However, you are not native to this world either.' The prince did not ask, he stated.

'Yes, I'm not. I don't know what happened. It-' Edvard choked. While he might not be saying words, the feeling of loss and all the pain he had suppressed rushed forward.

Finally, grief caught up to him. Making him realize how many friends and colleagues he had lost. More than that, of the fact that he might likely never see his family again.

'Our kids… My love…'

Turning to the other, the leading Vespes spoke. "Go scout the area. This is going to take some time. Even without fully entering his mind, I can feel that he is in great pain. So much that he might wish for death."

The others nodded and quickly disappeared into the trees. Making sure that nothing would come and disturb the prince's project.

They did not understand why the prince cared for a human, a seemingly pathetic one at that. But they dared not disobey his orders. The prince was one of the most likely to take over after his mother's life ended.

Vespes might live long, but they did not live forever. The Queen was already the oldest Vespes to ever live, having broken the past record by a few hundred years now. Everyone felt she would soon be unable to hold out against the passage of time.

All the Vespes felt a civil war was likely with her death, and this prince was one of the strongest candidates. He was also the kindest and most intelligent, one who never acted without thought.

After almost ten minutes, Edvard barely managed to breathe normally. He hoped dearly that his wife was alive, hoping that she arrived somewhere peaceful. Somewhere she might be able to live the rest of her life.

Looking up he saw the elf, no Vespes, waiting patiently for him. A table and chairs had formed out of nowhere for both of them. There was even a teapot resting on the table with steam coming out of it.

The chairs and table were made out of the local plants. Edvard took a few seconds just admiring the beauty of its natural design. Wondering where they had come from.

'Why did you say you came for me.' Edvard asked after taking a seat. Finding that it quickly shaped itself to accommodate him. Causing it to be one of the most comfortable seats he had ever sat on.

'First, let's introduce ourselves. I am Ilvisar Gilneiros, the prince of the forest. More accurately, this part of the forest is a region of instability before my home.'

Shocked, Edvard took a few seconds to adapt to the normalcy in which Ilvisar was talking with him. 'I am Edvard Anderson, from… Not here...' Edvard replied, almost saying from Earth, but stopping himself at the last second.

'Nice to meet you Edvard. I know you are not from here; you came from a different world. Maybe a different space or plane, I am not sure which.'

'Wha-'

'It is clear, your arrival caused a large spatial disturbance to the entire forest. Most beings; be they monsters, humans, or Vespes would not detect this. But I did, and so did my sister. It had taken some effort to stop her from also coming.'

'Why?' Edvard did not understand why Ilvisar would stop his sister, were they in some kind of feud?

'That does not matter, nor would it ever be of your concern. Most Vespes despise humans for their short-sighted greed. But we are not much better.'

'We might live longer, but too many die in stupid conflicts. The same as with humans. My sister would likely kill you if she came, believing you to be a threat.'

Edvard was confused by Ilvisar's explanation, it sure seemed like it was something he should be concerned about. How could Ilvisar say he shouldn't be concerned when his sister would kill him?

'That does not matter, would you mind explaining how you came. Or, if you would allow it. Allow me to see your memories.'

'Why is he even asking, can't he just overpower me?' Edvard wondered, forgetting that his thoughts were not safe.

'I can, but that would cause damage. Mostly to you, partly to the memories I retrieve. A little to me… Unless you have some hidden power. Which I highly suspect you do, which would increase the danger to myself.'

'Do not worry though,' Ilvisar continued before Edvard could try clearing things up or more ask questions. 'You will not be giving me your memories for nothing. Firstly, I will give you the clothing of humans. Making it possible for you to fit in, I will also give you a shortsword for defense.'

'If you share without hiding, then I will also share the common language of the nearest kingdom with you. Allowing you to talk with other humans.'

'And lastly, if what you share is worth something great. Then I will give you a great boon, something which would enable you to live many years in the span of hours.'

'I-is that even possible?' Edvard asked, skeptical.

'It is, though not often. If I do this for you, I won't be able to do it for another. It will take twenty years before I can use it again.'

'Should I?' Edvard asked himself as he thought of Earth, wondering if it was safe to share his knowledge. Would doing so endanger his kids, would it endanger other humans?

He also thought about if this would make survival easier. If this would allow him to find his wife if she was alive.