[Voice Test] Lara and Stephen

[st_ormchaser]

The library was new, since Lara had last been at the Inn. And it was truly fantastic in its variety, literally so; there were books in languages she’d never even seen before! All-new syntax to puzzle out, new patterns of thought... new to her, anyway. Some of the books were quite old.

One such book, on a shelf too high for her to reach conveniently, had words on its spine it was looked intriguingly almost like Mongolian script. Rather than cast about for a stepladder, Lara had simply climbed the shelf, ignoring the just-a-sting-really in her rock-abraded leg. Once she had the book, though, it seemed like a good idea not to jump down. Even if black yoga capris wouldn’t show blood, having to change and maybe explain that she’d reopened wounds because of impatience seemed like a hassle.

So she stayed where she was, considering other ways down that were gentle and wouldn’t force her to abuse the book.

Comments

[st_ormchaser]

"I'd be jealous, if I honestly thought I could sit still long enough for that much reading." Before Yamatai, she could have done it, Lara thought. Before Sam had decided that serious student Lara Croft needed to be taken out of herself. Before fights to the death with ancient queens, deathless guards, and insane cults. Before a lot of things.

Now she tended to twitch when things were quiet. "I mean, I'd love to try. But I'm not really set up to be a scholar anymore."

[st_rangedoctor]

Stephen squinted for a moment. Hearing those words out of someone who appeared to be around half his age felt like a sign of the times.

"If I may be so bold, what are you setting yourself to be in the space we're in now?"

[st_ormchaser]

"I haven't decided. I was a bartender my first time here, but it seems there's enough on that." Lara shrugged. "Maybe I'll teach something, there was a sign-up sheet for that. Or offer translation services. Or hunt!"

[st_rangedoctor]

Watching Lara go on was sort of charming. The woman was most certainly an utter maniac, but she had enthusiasm. And an unfortunate tendency to accrue injuries. Not unlike his late sister in the least.

He nodded at the towering bookshelves. "Crash course in indoor parkour."

[st_ormchaser]

"If I do that, it'll be outside. Better climbing on outside walls." Lara considered, then shook her head. "From what I remember, a lot of people here will already be fine in that respect. I'll stick with teaching or shooting things, I think."

[st_rangedoctor]

Stephen reached forward to rap a few knuckles on her book. "If you find some quiet time to pour over that tomb of yours, look me up." With that, he made his exit. It was time for tea. Heavy contemplation called for something to clear one's head, though not while he was in the library. He had more tact than that.