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London, 1984. Having attended Wimbledon High School for Girls from the age of 11, 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. An adventurous soul, Lara found the idea of being sent away from home an exciting prospect.
By chance, one day Lara came across a copy of National Geographic on the hall table. The front cover featured a familiar name - Professor Werner Von Croy. A respected archeologist, 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,
As Lara read further, she learned that Von Croy was currently preparing for an archeological tour across Asia, culminating in a potential new discovery to be made in Cambodia. 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. Lord Croft could hardly disagree that travel was an education in itself.
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 plce on the expedition.
Von Croy's reply assured the Henshingley Crofts that the territories were friendly and that he had ample experience to look after both his and Lara's well being. Lara's company would be welcome, as was the offer of such a genrous cheque. He remembered Lara from his lecture - her incessant yet insightful questions had made quite an impression upon him.
And so it was agreed by all that Lara would accompany Von Croy for the duration of his tour...
Egypt, Present day: Lara had returned from the trip to Cambodia somewhat chastened by the experience, but she preferred to keep her experiences to herself, rather than burden her parents with the full horror. Not knowing the detail of Von Croy's misguided expedition, the Henshingley Croft's once more pushed Lara down the path to respectability...Gordonstoun, Swiss Finishing School, society marriage to some honourable Peer of the Realm...
The Himalayan plane crash and Lara's subsequent adventures put paid to her parents plans once and for all, but no-one can escape their history or avoid their destiny completely...as Lara is about to find out. For now, though, she is on the back of an uncomfortable camel at the beginning of another quest, and things are about to take a turn for the worse...
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