Blood Ties Documents

Also See: ​Main Game Documents | Baba Yaga Documents | Cold Darkness Awakened Documents

Safe Combination Clues

Moving In

It must have been so hard for her to give up her family.

I returned home this afternoon to collect the last of my paintings. I suppose I should say, I returned to my family's home.

Atlas was there, in one of his foul moods, and even as he dripped venom for Richard with his cruel barbs, I could only laugh. To think that I once listened to my bitter brother in matters of my own happiness! My dismissal only served to infuriate him more.

I left him there in father's study, muttering to himself. On the drive back, as Winston took a longer route through the country, I looked through my paintings, Richard's favorite one among them - a simple abstract with BLOCKS OF RED. I smiled thinking about giving it to him. I was happy and I was going home.

Clues

Dad would never have written down the combination, but it looks like he left himself clues to remember the number...

For God's sake, memorize the combination, you old fool...

Lara's expedition treasure...

My favourite painting by Amelia...

The day of our wedding anniversary...

An Unlikely Union

Marrying in Luxor was Mom's idea... I never knew! I'm lucky to have this glimpse of her so many years later.

I believe it took this trip to push me over the edge. I've been able to see Richard in his element... seeing him at his best, and his worst. I've experienced the purity and chaos of his passion. And I came to realize... I want his passion in my life... every day. So... it's done. Richard wanted to wait another 4 days till my birthday but I wouldn't have it. Once I make a decision, I prefer to get on with it.

We found a small chapel in Luxor that was just right. And with Roth and the others at our side, we married as the sun set over this remarkable land. Mother will never forgive me. Atlas will forever resent me. But I don't care anymore. I'm free of de Mornay obligations. Free to pursue my own passions and live my life surrounded by those who will encourage and challenge me. I'm excited for the future, whatever it may bring

Tomorrow Richard and I return home to London as The Crofts. Forging our path together.

Amelia's Paintings

So many paintings... which one was Dad's favorite?

Lord Croft's Journals

The Return

This is where it all started... our family obsession. Well, now it's time for me to complete our work.

I expected a sort of crushing finality to grip me when we returned to the manor, to lay Amelia to rest. Indeed, once the last of my funereal duties were performed, I fully believed that I would crumple to the ground next to her and expire, not from grief, but succumbing to the terrible exhaustion of the last few weeks.

Instead, as the mausoleum stone slid in place, I felt... a sort of peace and energy, one that I confess caught me entirely off guard. This was not the terminus of our story, and I was fool to think so. Her body may be gone, but her spirit still resides here, in the manor, in me, in Lara. Her soul is forever twined with mine, and death is just... a momentary interruption. I walked out of that cold quiet into a sunlight that burned my eyes, and I have ever been more sure.

Death is not the end, and there is work yet to do.

The Ritual

Oh Dad... part of me wishes you had succeeded.

It's over. I have done all that I could, and my Amelia is still cold and dead. Roth first scowled at my designs, then he pleaded with me not to go through with the ritual. Not because he feared it might work, but because he feared what I might do when it failed.

And it has failed, there is no doubt in that. I prepared everything according to my research. When I dropped the stone into the elixir and held it to her lips, I thought, for the barest moment, that it had worked. The hour was midnight, and my pocket watch stopped inexplicably... there was a charge in the air, like the moment before a lightning strike.

For a heartbeat, I imagined that my life was being drawn from me as one empties a glass, in order to be poured back into Amelia. I would have welcomed death if the last thing I saw were her eyes, clear and alive again.

But the moment passed. Amelia is still dead, and I was no Orpheus. We will return to the manor, and lay her to rest. I owe her that much.

Stopping Time

I know Dad couldn't deal with what happened, but it's time to open up the West Wing again. It's time to move on...

Amelia would not have approved. That alone should have been the end of it. But I am as God made me - a stubborn fool. I locked all the West Wing's doors, and I shall not open them again until either my life or my obstinacy comes to an end.

The night before, Roth told me I would someday change my mind. Like a broken arm cast in plaster, he said, the wound would heal, and we would someday shed the bandages to be whole again. The metaphor made me furious, the clumsy way he'd cast our loss of as nothing more than an inconvenience. There is wisdom in his rough words, but... I've done what I must.

Perhaps someday Lara will throw back the doors to let the sun shine in again. Maybe she will find her own sense of peace in this place.

Keeping Secrets

Dad must have seemed paranoid to Roth. But I understand why he built this vault.

The renovations are proceeding in secret. The work crew Roth hired for the job have been paid handsomely to keep the details of the job out of the records, so I'm fairly confident no word will get out about what I'm doing.

I've been careless with presenting my findings - attracting all the wrong sorts of attention. Roth thinks I'm being paranoid by building this secret vault, but I know I'm being watched. My work is too important... and potentially too dangerous... it can't fall into the wrong hands.

I need a secure place to keep it all safe.

Cracks in the Foundation

It was almost over before it started. I always admired Dad's ability to recognize when he was wrong.

Amelia left tonight. She packed her suitcase and walked right out of here and I didn't even notice. Like those days in the Oxford library before we even met... I just had my nose in a book, lost in my own world.

I am such a fool. I have let my obsession with this damned Ritual of Long Life rule my better judgment for far too long. And it may already be too late. How could I have not seen this coming? I've made this mistake over and over - always putting my research before my personal life. But it's never hurt like this before.

I simply cannot live without her. If I have to give up this accursed quest that has plagued me for so long... then so be it! I am going after her. Right now. Tonight!

Consumed By Grief

Dad was right... I could sense the change. And now I'm going to find my own answers.

With Amelia gone, the Manor is a different place. A dimness pervades, a quiet I can't stand. Even though Lara is too young to understand what has happened, she also senses the change. She's asked after her mother only once and I'm afraid my reaction must have terrified her.

I will need Winston more than ever these next few months to help look after her. I never quite realized how much grief can consume a man... but I am utterly consumed. I know I can't escape the pain, but I will try my damnedest to avoid it. I will seal the West Wing, for as long as I live in this place. It will remain exactly as Amelia left it.

Perhaps someday Lara can find her own answers there.

Invisible Ink

Dad put so much work into that birthday expedition...

I've created a clever little map for Lara's Birthday Expedition. I used the INVISIBLE INK Amelia picked up for me in Morocco so many years ago. At the time I remember being so annoyed by that rather aggressive street vendor, but she just smiled in her sunny way and paid him without a second thought. I assumed it was just a tourist scam, but it actually works.

Turns out it requires a very specific kind of vellum, and a heat source to illuminate the ink after it's dried. It should prove a nice challenge for Lara to puzzle out.

Discoveries

Dad never told me about this myth... why was he so sure? What did he find that convinced him it was real?

I've reached the monastery. As Roth predicted, it was hidden deep in the Himalayas. And now that I am standing on these high stone walls, I am overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of the mountains that surround me. It is simply breathtaking. But what adds to their spiritual majesty is the truth of this place.

The monks welcomed me, as it their way, but they seemed to expect me. They must have known someone like me would eventually come seeking answers. I know this is the place - the distinctive symbols carved into the floors, the art displayed on the inner chamber's walls... they've created the Elixir of Life before. And they will again, if I can convince them.

I sent Amelia a message straight away. I want her by my side for this discovery...

Broken

Dad... oh no. What did you do?

I am numb... it is taking all my willpower to hold back the overwhelming grief.

Amelia's plane... crashed in the mountains. She died alone in the snow, waiting for me to find her. Oh god, not her, not now! I cannot accept it.

Life without her is too painful to imagine. I know what must be done... and I am resolved. I am going to bring her back. Perhaps this is why I am here. Perhaps this is fate - a test of my faith in the truth I've sought for so long.

Roth will fight me on this, but... I can't face Lara... I can't look into her eyes unless I try. I must try to bring Amelia back. The Monks are preparing the Elixir now... and then we will see if all my years of hunting this truth was for nought.

A New Croft

In a way Dad found the secret of immortality and didn't even realize it. And I'm glad they went with Lara.

I am bursting with pride! Amelia is with child! It is amazing how everything in life can change with such a simple event. Obviously we don't know the gender... but already we've discussed possible names. Perhaps Benjamin, after my grandfather. Or maybe Griffin? He was more infamous a Croft then even me!

No, Amelia wouldn't have it. Besides, she's certain it's a girl. She favors a classic such as Scarlett or Kate, though I've made some headway with Lara, a subtle nod to the Sun God Ra, and our days in Egypt where certainly this child was conceived.

I find myself thinking about this new life we've created... of how much she might be like us. For all my research into myths of immortality, I may have ignored the most obvious answer to the questions that plague me. We live on through our progeny... our genes, DNA, experiences... passes through the generations. Perhaps this is the simple truth of eternal life, and I've just been too stubborn to accept it.

First Impressions

I always knew that my parents met at Oxford... but never the circumstances. Just like Dad to argue mythology as a way to flirt.

Well, this is a hell of a thing. I met someone tonight, quite unexpectedly! But it shouldn't have been, it seems. I've been so buried in my work, so distracted by my latest revelations... I never bothered to notice my surroundings.

But there she was, sitting at my table in the library. Her name is Amelia, and apparently she's been studying right next to me. Art History, of all things.

I shared some of my research, against my better judgment. But I wanted to see how she would respond. And she did not disappoint. I felt as if I was suddenly engaged in a mental game of chess - moving and counter moving in argument. At one point that poor old librarian had to shush us as if we were children.

I feel so foolish for not having noticed her earlier. She's a brilliant woman who's challenged my ideas for the first time in memory. In truth, I don't know if she's feeling as exhilarated as I am right now. But I dare say our conversation was mutually stimulating.

For the first time in a long time, I find myself thinking about something else besides my research. I hope she returns for another round tomorrow.

Travels Together

I heard so many stories about that expedition... to see it from Dad's perspective makes me realize that it was Mom who made it all so memorable.

They say a good test of a relationship is how well you travel together. Well, I'd say Amelia and I have passed that test with flying colours. Indeed, these last few months in Egypt have been nothing short of extraordinary. She and Roth get on like old uni chums... in fact, the two have spent more than a few nights drinking and playing cards into the wee hours.

Despite her decidedly proper upbringing, Amelia's taken to roughing it more than I ever have. She fits in and connects with the local populace with such amazing empathy. Because of her, I've had a bit of an unexpected breakthrough in my research. She managed to convince an artifact dealer in old town to sell me a magnificent and quite unusual Tibetan scroll. From what I can tell, it seems to contain details surrounding an immortality ritual of some sort.

I think it's time for me to take the next step with Amelia. In fact, I don't think I can wait any longer. I will ask for her hand tomorrow... in the bright Egyptian sun, amidst the dust and ruins.

Atlas De Mornay

Clearance

I don't know how I feel about keeping this old manor, but one thing is clear to me: I need Uncle Atlas out of my life for good.

Lara,
I've reviewed the report from your therapist. I have to say I was surprised to see a clean bill of health. I somehow doubt you've so easily abandoned your irrational claims.

Indeed, where have you been the past few weeks? My secretary discovered that you booked a flight to Turkey on the 20th. You can't have been simply sightseeing, as your customs claims suggest. I know you're up to something, and I'll be damned if I let you use the Croft assets to indulge the same obsession that led to my sister's death.

It's not too late to relinquish your claims on the Manor voluntarily. If you refuse, I will find a way to cut you off.

Sincerely,
Atlas

Notice Served

Inciting incident letter - A court order/served notice with a separate note from her uncle informing Lara that she must vacate the premises of Croft manor unless she can find an explicit last will and testament that grants the Manor to Lara.

Lara,
It is unfortunate that you have forced my hand in this matter, but so be it. As you know, your parents appointed me executor of the estate in the event of their absence. Since your mother disappeared, her death was never technically declared. And given the circumstances surrounding your father's death, it's no surprise that he never drafted a formal last will and testament to account for this circumstance. Unfortunately, you have no legal claims to the estate.
​
I'm willing to negotiate a modest monthly stipend from your trust, but only if you leave the manor by weeks' end. Don't fight me on this, Lara. Your mother wouldn't want that.

Sincerely,
Atlas

A Subtle Threat

My Uncle's first attempt at trying to cut me off from the Manor. It backfired, though. I wasn't as crazy as he believed.

Lara,

Since your return from your expedition to Yamatai, I've grown increasingly alarmed at your erratic behaviour. I can only assume you suffered from some kind of psychological trauma and are acting out as a call for help. I want you to know that I hear you loud and clear. Ana and I agree that it's time for you to be evaluated by a professional. I took the liberty of arranging an introduction to a highly qualified colleague of mine. You should be receiving the details in the post soon.

I want to impress upon you the importance of this, Lara. As executor of the estates, it is my duty to see that it is left in capable hands. And if I may be blunt, you're acting like your father when he was at his worst. He nearly lost the Manor himself in those days. I'd hate for you to repeat his mistakes. I encourage you to embrace the help I'm offering.

Sincerely,
Your Uncle

A Brother's Plea

Uncle Atlas has been causing problems for my family for too long now. I'm glad Mom ignored his warnings.

Amelia,

I know we have had our differences in recent years. I've tried my best to keep an open mind about your relationship with Richard, but I just can't let you go to on this ill conceived expedition without saying my piece.

You say Richard's theories have merit. You say that he may have actually stumbled upon some mythic, unknown truth. But I have seen nothing to support such claims. And while your word may have been enough in times past, I cannot let you squander away what remains of your name and reputation... and that of our family, truth be told... on some damned foolish crusade.

I intend to go to Richard's investors and let them know exactly how he's spending their money, but I wanted to give you a chance to put a stop to this yourself.

Please. Don't go to Tibet. If not for me, at least for Lara.

A Brother's Warning

Mom was engaged to someone else! There's so much I never knew about her.

Amelia,

The news has reached Mother. She knows that you broke off your engagement with the Earl of Farringdon. She is beside herself with worry... but for the moment she's controlling the narrative. As far as anyone knows, you're just having innocent second thoughts. But the moment your affair with Lord Croft goes public, it will be too late. Our name will be as ruined as this man you've chosen to bed!

Don't you see that you're being selfish, Amelia? Please consider your family. You're a De Mornay... everything you do has a greater effect on us all.

I'm coming down to London soon. Don't do anything rash until we have a chance to talk.

Blame

Uncle Atlas won't stop until the Croft name is ruined. I have to find a way to get him out of my life.

Richard,

I tried to see you in person, last week, but your manservant hustled me away like some common tout peddling silverware. He told me you are heartbroken, and you are not yet ready to see visitors. He tells me you blame yourself for her loss. Well, to that I say: You had damn well better.

I hope it hurts. I hope every moment of your life from this day forward is a ringing echo of loss. I hope you live just long enough to feel that pain grow when you hoped it would diminish, because you earned it. You stole Amelia from us. You ruined her reputation and poisoned her mind with a fantasy for children. In the end, you might as well have choked the life from her with your own hands.

Do not contact me again, ever, but you must make arrangements for the future of your daughter. Have you considered perhaps it would be better if you followed Amelia sooner rather than later? As Lara's legal guardian, perhaps I could erase some of the damage you've already done to the poor girl. If not, I will do everything in my power to see to it that the Croft name is forgotten.

Lara deserves better than you. So did Amelia, and so do we all.

Atlas.

Capitulation

Not sure about his offer, we'll see what the future brings.
​
Lara,

I have received the notarized affidavit confirming Amelia's grave and the discovery of the burial crypt within the Manor premises. While I can't fathom why your father would hide your mother's fate from her own family, I cannot deny that any legal claims I may have had on the estate are now null and void.

Croft Manor and the remainder of your father's assets are now yours in perpetuity, to do with as you wish.

If there comes a time when you require assistance in managing the estate, I hope you will consider contacting me to retain my services.

Sincerely,
Your Uncle

Amelia's Journals

Next Steps

Mom's own words... I can almost imagine her speaking. I wish I could remember her voice.

I finally introduced Richard to the family. It went precisely how I imagined. Icy, but polite grace from mother. Indifference and disinterest from father. And thinly veiled contempt from Atlas. Of course they don't approve. To them, Lord Croft is the man who took away their beloved daughter and ruined her long standing engagement (I was never going to marry that repugnant Earl of Farringdon anyway).

One might think they would be happy that I was being courted by a genuine Lord of the Realm. It just happens to be Richard Croft - in their eyes, the man who single handedly ruined a once great family.

But there's nothing to be done now. Watching how Richard dealt with their subtle insults and disrespect... such grace and calm. I know he did it for me. I think I'm falling in love with this man.

It will break my mother's heart, but I cannot live the life she imagined for me. My time with Richard has only made this clearer.

Facing Death

I can't imagine what Dad felt reading this letter from Mom. I can barely read it without bursting into tears. I hope he came to eventually see Amelia in me.

My love,

It is silent. So peacefully silent now. Even after the madness and chaos of the crash, I can't help but still wonder at the beauty of these mountains. I understand the magic that drew you here. Please know that... I feel no pain in this moment. Only... immense sadness. Sadness that I couldn't see your smiling face once more... that I'll never meet the wonderful woman that our daughter will become.

There is so much to say, but I'm tired. The sun is setting. The cold of night will overwhelm me. I know I will fall asleep soon, and likely never again awaken in this world. I'm... scared, Richard. What lies beyond? You know I've always struggled with faith. So... I'm holding on to yours for now. I'm holding on as best I can, my love. Become the father Lara deserves. Know that I will live on in her.

A Letter to my Daughter

I can't believe this... oh Mom... I am happy. I am loved. I'll always remember.

My Dearest Lara,

It is difficult to write this, knowing these may only ever be words on a page to you. I wonder if you will remember my voice. Will you remember the way we used to play and laugh. Will you remember me comforting you when you were sad?

Know that I'm still with you Lara...my energy, my love, it's within you. It always will be.
Use that energy to pursue your passions in life. Never let others determine your journey. You become who you are through your choices, through the love you give and the promises you keep.

I hope you are happy, that you are loved and successful in whatever it is you choose to do. I am proud of you, my darling.

Remember me.

With all my love, your mother.

A Life of Possibilities

This is incredible. Mom was on the verge of fulfilling one of her dreams. Fate can be so cruel.

The offer came in the post last week, and I still haven't told Richard. He flew ahead to Tibet, where I will meet him shortly. I never told him I was submitting my work, never thought there was chance of being accepted. But a gallery tour is not something I can pass up. The show will take me away from England for over a year. I'll begin in New York and travel across the United States, and God, I'm giddy even writing those words.

When Richard and I were married, I was prepared to relegate my painting to a hobby, but it was Richard who objected, who gave me my atelier and studio. Without that support, I might still be painting boring landscapes. Now I can't shake the foolish sensation that leaving would be a betrayal.

He will laugh at that and insist that I accept, even though I know it will break his heart to be apart. He never once asked me to sacrifice any part of my life for his. I have, of course, in a thousand small ways over the years, but he would never ask.

The discussion can wait, and I will join him in Tibet. I won't cast a shadow over his find. I will be by his side in his triumph, as I know he will stand by my side, in time.

Games We Played

Good job, Dad. You knew how hard this decision was for her and you made it easy.

I stood up to my family's criticism, stood in defense of Richard and our love. But as my new life began in Croft Manor, doubt set in. How could love flourish in these cavernous halls and endless passageways? Had I made a terrible mistake?

I have never been more delighted to be wrong. Richard welcomed me to the Manor - my new home - with a game. It was a clue, written in jumbled words from five different languages, but it pointed the way forward. The next clue was a seemingly blank piece of parchment in the kitchen, where the heat of a candle revealed a message written in lemon juice.

I followed each step, grinning like a child as I solved his riddles and chased the trail to its end: a white cloth stretched on the lawn where a picnic was laid out. We laughed and ate, and my doubt vanished with the last of the morning mist.

Love can, and will, endure.

Decisions

For the time she was with us, I hope it was enough. I hope it was worth it...
​
I'm at a crossroads now. Good lord, that's such a cliché. But there's truth in it. Two roads before me, both present joy and compromise. A life with Richard... adventure, intellectual pursuit, perhaps a new family. But also a man obsessed with something I cannot understand. Or... a life of obligation. Upholding the De Mornay name, embracing our traditions. Not losing the family that raised me.

This really is a rubbish choice. I don't want to lose them. But I love the life I've started to build with Richard. He comes with his own difficulties, but I can accept them.

Will it be enough?

The Journey

She was beginning to believe. It must have made Dad so happy to know she could accept his wild ideas.
​
I always accepted that Richard's rather unorthodox research was just something I had to live with. But... but this time... the thrill of discovery has taken hold of me. I never imagined I could be drawn in this way.

Richard cabled to tell me he's found the Monastery. The symbol we deciphered in the scroll was the key to its location. I don't know if I honestly believe that this will lead to the fabled Elixir of Life. But I can't help but feel that a great secret awaits us there.

My brother was threatening to shut down the expedition, but I managed to talk him down for the time being. Now I am going to meet Richard.

I would bring Lara if I could, but she's still too young. She'll be in good hands with Winston. And when we return, her parents might be just a bit more famous.

A New Love

I still feel that connection to you, Mom.

Lara arrived tonight, though not without a bit of drama. But all is well. She's a healthy, beautiful baby. I've never seen him so happy. I'm sure he'll be celebrating with his favorite whisky tonight.

It's calm and peaceful now... just the gentle sound of the rain, and the small, sleeping breaths of this new life I hold in my arms. Lara... Lara Croft.

My darling daughter. It's hard to put into words this feeling I have. We share a connection... something I never expected. A love so powerful and pure. Someday you'll feel it too.

No matter where you go, or where you find your place in this world... we will always have this connection.
​

Winston

Storms Pass

I don't even remember this letter. I'm sure I wasn't able to read it at the time. Did he write this more for himself than me?

Mistress Lara,

I took the liberty of preparing a tray, as dinner did not go according to plans. I've included, in addition to your meal, a few treats. I would appreciate it if you kept this between us, but I felt tonight called for something special.

If you will forgive the indulgence, your rapid exit from the dinner table had me concerned, and I wanted to impart something that I hope sets your mind at ease. I have known your father for quite some time. There is an intensity to his passion that can be frightening. But I recognize that same passion in you. You're more like him than you know.

Never doubt that he loves you more than his research... more than his artifacts. More than anything in this world. Storms pass, and tomorrow will be clear and blue again.

When you have finished, please leave the tray outside. Be well.

Yours, Winston

Respectful Duty

Winston was my rock... always had a smile on his face, never letting on that something was wrong.

Lord Croft is resolved to seal the West Wing of the manor. I've tried to talk sense into him, but he will not be swayed. And to make matters worse, I believe his experiences in Tibet have only further fuelled the fire of his obsession. He's now up at all hours in his study, researching god knows what.

And poor Lara... she is so confused. Too young to understand the tragedy that has befallen this great house.

My dearest hope is that Lord Croft will emerge from his grief and embrace fatherhood and the love of his daughter. But I fear he may give in to his obsessive nature... that which Lady Amelia tempered in him so well.

In any case, I will be a rock for young Lara. She will never sense tragedy and sorrow in me - only the love and support she deserves.

Little Angel

Oh... poor Winston! I remember doing that to him. I can't believe I was such a little brat. Thank goodness he had such patience with me.

My Lord,

I hope this missive finds you on a successful expedition and in good health. Before I bore you with estate affairs, I wanted to let you know that our Little Angel has been into some mischief. As always, I indulged her in out usual game of chess. Over the course of the game, she broached the subject of her mother. She's having trouble remembering her now and wanted to enter her Ladyships' Atelier which you sealed off, to play on her mother's piano. It enraged her when she wasn't allowed to go in, of course. For someone so young, she has such strong emotions.

Later in the day, she set a trap for me... in the walk-in freezer, of all places. Before I knew what was happening, I found myself locked inside. Mrs. Sheffield discovered me an hour later, shivering and somewhat peeved. It took us an additional hour to find Lara on the grounds. I know all her hiding places, of course, but this time she really did not want to be found. Call it years of observation, but I can tell when she's out of sorts. My lord, if I may be so bold... she misses you fiercely. She is lonely for her father.

Please consider a call as soon as you are able.

Birthday Expedition

It really was one of the best birthdays I ever had.

Everything is almost ready for Mistress Lara's birthday expedition surprise. It's been a bit of an all hands on deck effort organizing the affair and keeping it secret. She's obsessed with Egypt, memorizing hieroglyphs and ancient Egyptian Districts. So she'll be delighted with what Lord Croft has come up with!

This will be good for her. She's been acting up of late, but I know she's just craving more of her father's attention. He's been so buried in his research. It will be a nice moment for the two of them to reconnect.

And I do believe he needs it as much as she does.

Concern

Oh, Winston. He really did look out for me.

My Lord,

We all hope your work was well received at the conference and look forward to your return. As is so often the case with these missives, I wanted to call your attention to an incident involving our little angel.

It seems that Lara has been the subject of some ridicule amongst the other girls at school. From what I can gather, some of the other young ladies were teasing her for being too much of a 'tom boy'.

You know how Lara can get when pushed into a corner. Let's just say, they won't be bothering her again. But I do think their words have had an effect. I believe Lara has been missing her mother lately. She's begun to worry that she isn't like the other girls. And having grown up with only a father, it shouldn't come as a surprise that she has trouble relating to them. I wonder if this new friend of yours, Ann is it? Perhaps she might prove a welcome influence. It might be worth bringing her to the manor to meet Lara. In any case, I'll let you decide the proper time to do that - please travel home safely.

Yours, Winston

Messages

A Letter to Dad

I don't remember writing this... I do remember being bored in school though.

Hi Dad!

So... I know I only just returned to school, but when can I come out to the dig site again? It's just so boring here! We're doing all the stuff I already read last summer. I always end up staring out of the window and thinking about our expeditions. And then I'm yelled at for daydreaming.

I promise I'll be good and not disturb you and just work wherever you tell me. I just miss it, dad... and I miss you.

A Message to Jonah

I hope Jonah doesn't worry about me too much. We haven't talked since I left for Syria.

Hey Jonah,

Sorry for not getting back to you sooner. I've decided to do some research at the Manor. A lot has happened and I need some time to think about what I want to do next.

This old place is filled with memories and secrets. Uncle Atlas has tried to keep me out of here for so long, I don't even know if I want to keep it. But... after everything that's happened, maybe I can find out what it still means to me. If it's worth fighting him for.

I'll let you know how things worked out when I'm back in London.

Asking About Mom

It was so hard for Dad to talk about Mom.

Hi Dad,

I've been thinking about Mom lately. I wish I knew more about her. How did you meet? What was she like? Winston told me that she was a brilliant artist. Are some of her paintings locked up in the West Wing?

And... I guess I just want to know... did she love me, Dad? Did she ever say that she did? Maybe I'm just being silly, but will you tell me more about her the next time I'm home from school?

Lara Croft

Reconciliation

The Croft name will rise again, I'll make sure of it.

I've been so focused on defying my Uncle - of fighting to keep his hands off this manor - that I never realized how much this place actually means to me.

But since I've been here, I can feel the presence of my mother and father. I sense the entire history of my family and the deep roots we have in this place. I want to honor my parents... I want to honor all my ancestors.

The Croft Family may be all but destroyed, but I will make our name and our home great again.

Suits of Armor

Sir Lancelot's Suit of Armor

Well hello there, Sir Lancelot. Don't worry, I won't be borrowing your sword this time.

Sir Reginald's Suit of Armor

Hmm, appears Sir Reginald's helmet fell off. Or... didn't I didn't put it back properly?