# elanor-cosmos-ii **Original Publication Date:** 2018-06. #### Last: [[elanor-cosmos]] --- ``` In the new world, some created sprawling expanses - fields and rivers, mountains and plateaus - to replace what had been lost. Some fancied themselves as architects, building intricate cities, some tamed the wild gardens, and others buried themselves within immense forges, all paving the way for those that were yet to arrive. Only a small number were builders. Many more established themselves as guides and teachers, but the vast majority were adventurers, exploring all that had been offered with joy and love for their new surroundings. Most began to forget their old lives. Some clung on tightly, and from those taut threads, new paths were weaved. ``` --- ``` Wai looked ahead, her eyes trained on the gate. Her journey back home had been arduous, but she'd accomplished what she'd set out to do. The hard part now would be to carry what she'd taken with her back to the Cosmos. Though the gate was several miles away, it was still difficult to focus. Her eyes were still not used to the sight, with this only being her second journey. This time however, nobody was there to guide her through and the buildings around her leered at her with their vacant expressions. She unstrapped her sword from her back and began walking. ``` --- ``` Adam wore a new face here. Anyone could, of course - but not everyone was afraid to show their own. Or maybe they were, Adam mused, as he weaved through the crowd. Here on the frontier, the old wars had been forgotten - but still, it would be a shock to stumble upon a past combatant unexpectedly. Perhaps it was a sign of respect to old foes. There was no reason to fear here, and yet there was an air of uncertainty. Not everyone had forgotten the war, and not everyone was comfortable with the victory which had been won - Adam could sense it, and he wondered who else could too. ``` --- ``` With a start, Elanor woke. ``` --- #### Next: [[elanor-cosmos-iii]]