It has been a long time since I published a story, so I thought it's time again. This is just a quick idea again, and I'm planning a game for you here as the storyline is yet very flexible. As of the second chapter I will leave the story open with two options and it's up to you where the story goes. If you leave me a comment and vote which way you prefer, I will follow the one most of you vote for!

So I hope you enjoy reading and don't leave me the choice! One and only chance for you!

Lara chose the Mercedes for taking the short trip to Oxford. She was wavering whether to take something sportier, but decided in the end that it wouldn't be too comfortable with her current clothing.

Looking into the rear-view mirror, she checked her appearance for a last time, and felt strangely awkward. The face looking back at her was not at all how she was used to see herself. Of course her long, brown hair was caught in a ponytail, her hazel eyes were shining as they always did, but the rest was quite unlike her. She was wearing makeup. Lines and colours and all that what belonged to it. After a few seconds of consideration, she decided that it didn't look bad at all. It gave her face a delicate feature. Unusual, but definitely something not bad.

Batting her lashes a few times, she licked her all-too-red lips, and collected her papers from the other seat. The door of the Mercedes opened, and the high heels touched the ground, emphasizing her long legs even more. The tight skirt she was wearing stuck to her hips, covering her till the knees, the three upper buttons of the white blouse was left open to make it look more interesting. Less like a teacher, more like an adventurer. Although at the moment Lara felt more like a librarian than anything else. How the hell had Winston managed to convince her to this outfit?

It was a nice day. The rather careful English sun was sparkling on the wet green carpet of the grass, the old building of the university spread in front of her with all its majestic beauty. Lara walked towards the entrance, arousing more and more attention as she self-confidently headed for the first floor. Students in uniform rushed besides her, stopping for a moment to look at her with curiosity. Lara could imagine that she didn't make the kind of impression these young people were used to. Serious, old, dull teachers. Not that Lara felt disrespect for them. Not at all. She just thought that there were better ways to catch the attention of students for history. History could be so compelling, so fascinating the way she looked at it. Every artefact had a story to tell, and most of them were dangerous, dark and really cool.

So she walked down the first floor, and knocked on the last door on the right. When she heard the deep voice from inside, she stepped in.

"Professor Walker," she said with a warm smile, seeing the old man behind the desk who slowly stood up to greet her.

"Lara." He went around the desk, as fast as his age let him. "I'm so glad you accepted my invitation."

"I can never say no to an old friend." She really meant it. Aiden Walker had always been the one who drew her closer to archaeology. Even with her father, her background, Walker had been the one who showed her the beauty of history, the thrill of books. "When I got your message, I had to come."

"You look great, my dear." He carefully shepherded her to one of the huge leather armchairs. "Tea?" he offered.

"Thank you." Lara sat down, looking around the room. It had been a while since she was last there, but things didn't change much. There were books everywhere. In piles on the floor, lines of them on the shelves, an incredible amount of them, so Lara had no idea how the old man knew his way around them.

Walker came back to her with the tea, the cup shaking a bit on the saucer in his old hands. Lara took it from him, and crossing her legs, she studied his face. Those familiar, hard lines that only deepened over the years.

"I was thrilled to read about your last discovery." Walker sat down in the other armchair, his face looking truly excited as he talked about his favourite topic. "A lost middle age grave. Fantastic."

"It was rather luck that I found it," Lara said, thinking back how she had just fallen into a trapdoor that lead to the underground structure.

"Don't think small of yourself, my dear. You've always been my favourite and best student."

"You're flattering me." Lara blushed a little, grateful for the makeup hiding it this time. "So you want me to talk about the grave to your students?"

"Yes, that's the idea. They are all eager to hear about it, and having you as a lecturer only adds to the experience." The old man rose from the chair, walked back to his desk, and took the phone. "Please send him in," he talked to someone, and Lara was curious what he was up to.

Only a few minutes later, faint knocking was to be heard, and an obviously nervous young man stepped into the office. Lara studied him, amused by the sight of his embarrassment when he saw her. He instantly lowered his head when their eyes met for a moment, and had to clear his throat before he could speak.

"Professor Walker, you called for me?"

"Yes, yes. Come in, Mr Fletcher." Walker motioned to the young man, who hesitantly came closer. "Lara, this is Alister Fletcher, one of my assistants. The best of them."

Alister blushed till his ears, and shook hands with Lara, trying to keep the physical contact as short as possible.

"Nice to meet you, Mr Fletcher." If Lara felt awkward in her outfit, Alister seemed to be intimidated no end.

"I've heard a lot about you," he managed to say with a shy smile.

"Of course, you have," Professor Walker agreed. "Lara is going to give a lecture about her newest discovery, and I'd like you to help her."

"Me?" Alister sounded shocked, and Lara thought that this would be an amusing day. She didn't like to enjoy herself over others, but this young man looked so out of place here that she couldn't help smiling. Lara could only hope he knew more about history than what she gave him credit for at the moment, but Professor Walker would surely not take him as his assistant if he wasn't good enough.

"Yes, Mr Fletcher. Please show the lecture room to Lara, and help her with everything she needs." He turned to Lara again. "I'm sorry I can't attend, my dear, but I'm sure my students are happy to have someone like you instead of a grumpy old man," he grinned a bit wickedly, and Lara laughed out. No matter how old or serious Professor Walker was, he was always good for a joke.

"I'm honoured to help you with this," Lara answered, and took her notes again. "I'll follow you, Mr Fletcher."