Summer, 1984
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The daughter of Lord Henshingly Croft, Lara was brought up
in the secure world of aristocracy - wanting for nothing she was
surrounded by servants, social events and high society.
Having attended Wimbledon High School for Girls from the
age of 11 years, Lara's parents decided that now she was
16, she should broaden her education by studying for her
A' levels at one of England's most prominent boarding
schools. Whilst her academic achievements were
outstanding, a number of comments on her term reports
indicated that she could perhaps benefit from a more
structured lifestyle in order to keep her somewhat
impulsive nature firmly in hand...
An adventurous soul, Lara found the idea of being sent
away to boarding school an exciting prospect, but with the
summer vacation stretching far out in front of her, school
seemed a million miles away. Idyllic days were spent
riding, swimming, building tree-houses and exploring the
full extent of the Croft estate... and beyond. Preferring her
own company to that of others, Lara would often take
herself off at dawn, returning only at nightfall for supper -
much to the distress of her mother who often spent hours
phoning friends in an attempt to discover the whereabouts
of her wayward daughter.
Upon her return on one such occasion, Lara heard her
parents deep in conversation. Concerned that their
daughter's vacation was being spent in a less than
structured manner, they were discussing the merits of a
trip to Europe. Lara would be sent off with her Aunt, a
local school teacher, to be educated about European
history. Not only would she broaden her horizons via
travel, but would surely benefit from a first-hand
experience of Europe's main sites of historical interest.
Whilst Lara was tempted by the prospect of foreign travel,
the thought of being accompanied by her stuffy Aunt soon
deadened her interest. The idea of being chaperoned,
lectured and disciplined 24 hours a day filled her with
horror.
As she lingered by the door, Lara glanced at the copy of
National Geographic on the hall table. The front cover
featured a familiar name - Professor Werner Von Croy. A
respected archaeologist, Von Croy had once lectured at
Lara's school to pupils and parents alike. The experience
had a profound effect on Lara, triggering a desire for travel
to remote locations in search of adventure. In some ways
Von Croy had become an inspirational figure for Lara - the
memories he had recounted came flooding back as if she
had been there herself, rekindling her desire to experience
the rewards of discovery firsthand.
Perhaps Lara's restless nature and desire for adventure was
inherited from her father. He had made a point of attending
the lecture since he had often visited archaeological digs in
places such as Jordan, Egypt and South America in his
youth. Although he had little time to read these days, he still
subscribed to archaeological journals and on the odd
occasion when he had time to spend with Lara, she would
listen, totally captivated, as he recounted his experiences.
As Lara read further, she learned that Von Croy was
currently preparing for an archaeological tour across Asia,
culminating in a potential new discovery to be made in
Cambodia. With limited finances, he would travel alone,
possibly hire cheap local help along the way. Already
having researched extensively, and planning to do more
whilst in Asia, Lara could already see the promise of
discovery shining in his blue eyes as they stared out at her
from the page.
Unable to contain herself, Lara burst into the room, thrust
the article in front of her parents and without hesitation
demanded she accompany Von Croy on his expedition,
rather than visit Europe's already well-documented and
seemingly bland remains. Laughter ensued as neither parent
took the idea seriously, but as she argued her case it
became more plausible that the experience might well stand
Lara in good stead for a future studying history. She might
even pursue a career in teaching, just like her Aunt. After
his own experiences, Lord Croft could hardly disagree that
travel was an education in itself.
Familiar with Von Croy's respected standing and reputation
for carefully planned expeditions, Lara's father found
himself struggling to argue against her intelligent reasoning
and resourceful nature. She was after all, almost an adult -
a mature teenager at least. Her fearless approach to
tree-climbing, physical agility and general tomboy antics
left him with little doubt that she was physically capable.
As Lara argued the case further, he found himself walking
over to the desk and penning a letter to Von Croy,
introducing himself as an influential society figure and
offering financial assistance in exchange for his daughter's
place on the expedition.
Von Croy's reply assured the Henshingly Crofts that the
territories were friendly and that he had ample experience
to look after both his and Lara's wellbeing. Lara's company
as an assistant would be welcome, as was the offer of
such a generous cheque. He remembered Lara from his
lecture - her incessant yet inciteful questions had made
quite an impression upon him.
Lara's mother, for one, secretly welcomed the fact that her
daughter's whereabouts could now be the responsibility of
somebody else, leaving her free to organise charity events
without distraction. And so it was agreed by all that Lara
would accompany Von Croy for the duration of the tour. (follow plot)
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