Masked

I.

Don't get used to me updating on a daily basis. Writers block, lazyness and school will get the best of me. Also, excuse any kind of mistake - English is not my first language. The next update will probably come next week!

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„Lara Croft? I've – I've heard of her before. A few weeks ago, she was all over the media because she destroyed that... immortality thing!", I exclaimed.

"I'm glad that you're familiar with her. Well, as fate would have it she also has her estate in the south of England, not too far from here in the county of Surrey. I want you to ask her in my name if she's willing to join the business."

"Hold up. So, you're saying I should just drive up to her house, ring the bell and ask, 'Hey Lara, my father wants you to rediscover old artefacts, are you on board?'"

My father laughed as he shook his head.

"That would be an interesting approach, but no dear. Since her debut she's been quite popular with the media, as well with other researchers, which is not least due the fact, that her father was also well known for his phantasms about eternity and immortality. You remember him, Lord Richard Croft?"

"Of course I do. You gave me one of his books when I turned sixteen."

Father nodded in approval that I still remembered the gift he had given me years ago, before he continued.

"... Who is also said to be killed by Trinity. But those are just rumours, to this day it is still not clear if it really was Trinity or if he actually committed suicide out of pure desperation. Only I and a few others know about that Trinity-conspiracy, though."

I gasped. "How horrible..."

Father nodded.

"It really is a tragedy you better not talk about if you don't want to end up on the Crofts blacklist." He gave me a stern look before he continued.

"So, because of Miss Crofts popularity she is invited to countless get-togethers with people that have the same profession – discovering, exploring, and so on. And it happens that I as well was invited to such a social gathering – at her own home, that is."

I raised an eyebrow.

"So she is hosting these 'parties' too?"

"Well, of course. She has to, in order to assure her position in this society. – And to maybe clear the dubious history her father made with his obsession over the supernatural. Sadly, I cannot attend the meeting as I'm held up with my work here."

I interrupted him.

"And instead, you want me to go to the Croft estate and talk her into joining us? ... Father, you know that my people skills are below average, right?"

I must've made a funny face because it made him laugh again.

"Of course I know dear, but don't you think that will be a marvellous opportunity for you to change that? After all, Miss Croft is about your age – maybe a year or two older, but that shouldn't stand in your way of beginning a proper conversation."

"Yeah. Really marvellous.", I grumbled and crossed my arms before I continued to speak.

"Talking to her won't be a problem - hopefully. It's just... How do I convince someone I don't even know to join the business of my family? She must think we're some sort of cult that only hunts down artefacts for the sake of money. Or worse – world domination. Like those Trinity guys apparently do."

Father rolled his eyes at my remark.

"RE-Search is quite well known for its high position in this society. I'm sure she has heard of it before."