Noted.





That's one thing Lara would understand - if there's one thing Shema has been trying to teach her, it's that timing really is everything.





Like I noted above, Shema has tried to teach Lara that timing really is everything. In this case specifically, that Lara has to learn that the timing isn't always right for rescue. She has to learn to try her best to preserve and take responsibility for her own life - otherwise it becomes meaningless. Shema does that by purposely causing a certain amount of uncertainty of whether Lara will be rescued from danger or allowed to die - and unlike injury, when it comes to death that's not a chance worth taking. In short: Whether the wall and interference make a difference, Lara wouldn't know for sure, and Shema wouldn't give her a clue - but it's not worth the chance to Lara to find out.

In short, Shema ensured that Lara wouldn't do anything crazy like faithfully throw herself at the wall, trusting that she'll be rescued if anything goes wrong.

Then again, from the way the story is progressing so far, it would seem Thugos couldn't care less if she was rescued or not. Either way, he either learns something, or Lara is out of the way for a while - both ways, he wins. The only way he can lose is if Lara stays and beats the odds all by herself.

By the way, hopefully all my comments are useful instead of annoying. I'm actually glad you're testing the characters' um...character...because in the long run, it might dilute the fear that most of the other PV writers have dealing with them. Or maybe it'll make it worse. I'm not entirely sure yet.

Oh, and post the next part already!