The camp was busier. Busier than Sombra had seen for the months she had joined Talon. Though years of training allowed her to ease through the crowds of bodies. Her destination was a smaller tent away from the rest. It was one of the few places that she enjoyed going to, even if Gabriel usually forbade her. Then again, she never listened to authority.

After reaching the doorway of the tent, she tapped on the wooden post that held it up. “It’s me.“

Several moments later, a soft male voice returned the statement. “Come in.“

Sombra entered, securing the drape behind her. She turned around, walking through the various piles of scrolls and books to the back room, which was separated by a thin veil. The thick scent of incense hit her nostrils hard, but it didn’t bother her. In honesty, it calmed her. She pulled the veil back enough to slip in.

On the lavish pile of pillows sat an older man. Dressed in simple white robes, covered in the runes forced on him by the witch. He looked up at Sombra with a small smile, but she could tell it was a cover for his fatigue.

“Sombra.“

“The one and only.“ Sombra said, making herself comfortable on a pillow across from him. “I got us some good stuff to eat and drink, Siebren.“

Siebren let out a soft chuckle and put away his book. “I always appreciate company. Though I thought Gabriel forbade you to be here.“

“Then I just need to be stealthy.“

“I’d rather you not get into conflict with that man or the witch.“

“I’ve dealt with worse.“ Sombra ripped a chunk of bread with her teeth. Then offered him one from the pouch. “Besides, you’d get lonely if I didn’t.“

She wasn’t completely wrong. Most of her life had been on the streets or in slums. Gabriel wasn’t any more of a threat than she had dealt with. Though the witch…that might have been a different hurdle. But she wouldn’t say that out loud.

Siebren’s smile became softer before taking a few bites himself. “I would be dishonest if I said that wasn’t true. So let us enjoy it before they find us out.“

“There’s the spirit. So, what are you studying now?“ Sombra asked, scooting closer. Her head trying to poke to look at one of the open books.

“Astronomy. Study of the stars and celestial bodies.“

“Like all the gods and stuff?“ Sombra asked, despite her mouth half full of cheese.

“Swallow your food first. It’s more of the physical objects floating in the endless sea beyond our home.“ Siebren said, trying his best to make it sound simple. “Societies and people use gods as a way of explaining them. Along with other phenomena.“

“Does that mean you don’t believe all that? Considering the whole magic thing that witch does.“

“I never gave it much thought because all I cared about was knowledge. Seeing the vastness of what the lands offered.“

“Probably way more entertaining than being in this boring place.“ Sombra said. Maybe he could have his wish granted. She already grabbed the book he put down and was looking through the pages. “Sounds complicated.“

“Can you read this?“ Siebren asked.

“Partially. Kind of hard to have the free time to learn.“ Sombra said with a shrug, holding back a quip.

“I could teach you.“ Siebren replied, taking a smaller book from a tall stack. Holding it out to her. “I do not know how well of a teacher I would be, but I would love to help you.“

That genuinely surprised Sombra. If anyone else offered, she’d be suspicious. Everyone wanted something in exchange. Though he was different. He deserved better than being trapped here like some tool. She could leave at any time but he was stuck.

Sombra took it, flipping through the pages. From what she gathered, it seemed to be a learner’s manual.

“If you wish, we may start now.“ Siebren continued. “T-that is, if you wish to learn.“

Sombra couldn’t help but laugh. The look on his face was precious. So she moved her finger to gently poke his large nose. “How can I say no to such an endearing offer?“ It was adorable to watch him become flushed as he drank wine.

She went back to the book that Siebren handed over. That was until she heard a sound come from him. The wine sack hit the floor with a dull thud, red liquid staining the fur carpet. Sombra looked up to ask if he was alright but saw something else. Siebren’s eyes rolled back in his head. Words flowed out of his lips in a ghostly cadence. The runes tattooed on his skin glowed an eerie violet.

~ Soon. Soon. The wolf and the tiger will meet again. Torn between guilt and revenge. Blades and arrows will clash. Life or death possible for either. The Raven will be caught in between to caw no more.~

Once Siebren spoke the last line, his eyes went back to normal, breath coming out ragged. He shook, holding his head between his large hands.

“Shh it’s over.“ Sombra said, attempting to soothe the older man. She knew of his premonitions, but this was the first time she had seen them in person.

It took several minutes before his breathing became regular.

“I-it’s over.“ Siebren said, copying her. He leaned against the touch of her hands.

Sombra frowned. No wonder he acted so tired every time she snuck to see him. Did each one hurt him this much?

“I have to write it down. Write it down.“ Siebren said in a frenzied whisper. He looked up at Sombra with desperation in his wide eyes. “What did I say?“

“Soon. Soon. The wolf and the tiger will meet again. Torn between guilt and revenge. Blades and arrows will clash. Life or death possible for either. The Raven will be caught in between to caw no more.“ Sombra said, watching him hurriedly mark it down on a parchment piece.

“She needs to see this.“ Siebren frantically tried to get up, but his body refused to stand.

Sombra stopped him with a firm hand. “Take a breath. It can wait a few minutes.“

------------------

“The nuisance went to go see the oracle again.“

Moira didn’t even look up at Widow, continuing what she was doing. “If it means she stays out of my way and he does his purpose. Let them have their useless interactions.“

“What if she heard a premonition?“ Widow said. Her dark eyebrow lifted slightly while her tone stayed monotone. “Would you care then?“

“And what would she do with it? Sombra is naïve to anything beyond her own limited understanding. If you want to keep your eyes on her, do so, but never bother me with such trivial things.“ Moira said, her tone becoming sharp. Though she would see if anything had happened later.

Widow shrugged, figuring it wasn’t worth the effort to continue. So she walked out, just as Gabriel entered, barely acknowledging him.

Gabriel glanced back before speaking to Moira. “What did she want with you?“

“She’s just monitoring that rogue you picked up. Nothing to worry about.“

“Our troops are ready, just waiting for the signal. It will feel good to have my revenge. Finally.“ Gabriel said. He held Moira’s hand and kissed it. “Thanks to you.“

“I have as much riding on this as well.“ Moira said, as her smile turned sadistic. “The new moon will be here in a few days’ time. Then our plan shall move forward. For he is ready.“

In the far corner, blocked by a veil, a soft icy blue mist glowed. It’s supernatural light illuminating the material.

Followed by a tiger’s growl.