We could live like legends

Beneath the stains of time

She stood in a high tower, watching over the City beneath her. Well, the ruins she corrected herself silently. It must be a great city some time ago, Lara easily could imagine the scenery with the grand buildings and full of life. Definitely had a very lively community long time ago, when everything seemed to be perfect and peaceful, the people were happy and content, not wasted any time to think about what will be ahead of them in the future. 

And still, even when it was ruined, it still fascinated the young Croft – full of secrets and mystery and history. These walls must see great things and she would happily sit down and hear Jacob's stories about the city and his people – what the legends are saying, how they ended up here, how they built the City, stories about the Divine Source... everything. These were exactly the things why she followed her father's path and be an archaeologist – of course she wanted to make her own path and she respected Richard deeply to walk in his shoes, but her father's stories about myths were so magical so... inspiring. She missed those times, when the world around her were full of magic and miracle. Maybe some parts of her were still looking after that carefree feeling, maybe that was also the part of her reasoning why she was here and choose this path for her life. Of course it was more complex than that, after Yamatai everything changed, but maybe deep-deep down she was happy not every tale was a lie.

This meant the monsters were also real of course. And she had enough of them already. Strange creatures in the wild yes, but what frightened her even more she saw them in people as well. The creatures of nature were what they were: bloodthirsty things and they were quite clear what they wanted: kill her.

It wasn't that easy with humans. They tend to pretend they are something else and lie about their true nature.

Sighed heavily and watched how the puff of warm breath swirled and mixed in the Siberian cold air.

It was so peaceful. The ruins, the everyday life. The silence.

No screams, no orders, no gunshots... no last breaths and painful groans. Maybe if she could stay for some time Lara could feel whole once again. Maybe it'd take years, but she was still saveable, she knew that. Right there, right in that moment she could turn her back to this madness and find her peace.

Sometimes played with the idea, living an ordinary life – no great discoveries, yes, but much more peace. Myths would remain myths, monsters would stay in the darkness. She'd be blatantly ignorant toward the truth behind the stories, but also she'd have a chance to a normal life. Maybe she could find someone, a partner, someone she could love.

Lara chuckled softly, but not with joy. That life wasn't meant to her. She meant to be something more than an average human being – and that also meant her path was a difficult burden and had to face with it alone.

And sometimes she felt lonely.

Steps came behind her and she looked back at the source of the noise – Lara wasn't cautious this time, not here; somehow she knew she was in safe. A man was it, taller than her, his blue eyes warm and a gentle smile played on his lips.

"Jacob" greeted him friendly. The smile on his lips became a bit stronger and he stepped next to her, following the direction of her gaze toward the mountains.

Lara didn't mind his presence, even if they were silent for minutes – it was comfortable. Something came from Jacob in waves, some warmness and calmness and it was surprisingly easy just to be around him. Like a very warm and soft duvet she wrapped around herself – and never wanted to let it go.

For first it was so alien feeling it annoyed her; when they met in that prison she wanted to get rid of him so badly. Tried her best to turn his offer down, but when he mentioned the Divine Source her curiosity took over her – who would say no to such an offer? Accepted his help but wasn't very happy about it. And then this warm feeling found its way under her skin and she was unable to chase it away.