Disclaimer: I don't own Robin Hood that would be Tiger Aspect and the BBC.

A/N: Well, here is the next chapter. Our beloved twins are older and have sadly lost most of their innocence, and we are now at the halfway point of the story. I know it's been awhile, but I sort of lost my Robin Hood muse, and have become slightly unsure of my stories. So here's hoping that I can get back into the groove. Thanks to those who have continued with this story, and I hope you enjoy this part. Reviews are appreciated as always. And now on with the story………………

"Why?"

"Because I'm needed, Saffiya, you know that. And I thought we had agreed, no more discussing, at least for tonight."

"I would have thought you would be scared, but even now, when you leave in three days, you seem excited about war, about killing people!"

"I am scared, sister. But I can't live my life in fear, so I don't allow it to stay. I have learned all I can and I can bring my skills to help save our people, to avenge the ones we have lost."

"I still can't believe it's been two years," Saffiya said softly, blinking back the tears that threatened to reveal themselves.

Djaq enfolded his sister in his arms, lying his head on top of hers, eyes betraying a sadness that had developed in the past few years. Saffiya sniffled before pulling away, hands shaking only slightly as she straightened her skirt. "He said he always liked me in yellow," she said, trying to conjure up a smile.

"He did love you, Saffi," Djaq told her, taking her hand.

"So why did he run off to war? Why did he leave me behind to go and fight and get himself killed? He was a philosopher at heart, not a warrior!" she cried out, unable to keep herself from spilling the words that entered her thoughts everyday. "We were to have been married three months ago. And now I have no husband, and I might not have a brother!"

"You'll always have a brother," Djaq answered patiently. "My leaving won't stop that. And you know Abid had to go, he believed in the cause, as do I. Now dry your eyes, Saffi, it's time we arrived at dinner. Bassam has put a lot of expense into this party, and it won't be honorable to disappoint the host with misery and reminders of his loss."

"You're right, brother. We shouldn't keep him and father any longer," Saffiya said resolutely, wiping her eyes. "Do I look presentable?"

"You look beautiful," Djaq said, his usual large smile reappearing on his face. "That dress even makes you look somewhat like a woman," he teased. It was a childhood insult that still got a rise out of his sister, and she didn't disappoint as her fist found his ribs. But her smile was almost as large as his at the familiar words, and together the twins walked out of the room towards Djaq's farewell party.

...0.0

Saffiya winced as her fingers found a particularly difficult tangle of hair. The evening's festivities were still in full force; but she had begged off, claiming exhaustion to hide from the boasting of the men in the parlor and the melancholy Bassam who was unable hide his grief from her sharp eyes. As her nimble fingers found the last of the ribbons in her hair, Saffiya couldn't hold back the sigh of relief as she saw her bedroom ahead. Maybe Djaq and she could finish their conversation; Saffiya didn't want him leaving without knowing every little thing about him, anything she might have missed in their eighteen years together.

But just as she changed into her sleeping clothes, a horrible yells seemed to close in on her, and she couldn't deny the sound of agonizing screams and the clashing of swords. Saffiya could hear every individual beat of her heart as her mind ran through thousands of possibilities but was unable to focus on any solution. She was still in the same instinctive crouch when her father rushed into the room, eyes wild and more alive than she had seen in years.

"Daughter, you need to change and put on some of Djaq's old clothes," Mahmoud said quickly, sword out and eyes scanning constantly. "Hurry, my child, we don't have much time."

Saffiya nodded and hurried to her brother's old side of the room, grateful everything had been left the same when he had married and moved into a different part of the estate. Hurriedly throwing on some breeches and a shirt and vest, Saffiya listened as her father continued talking.

"You will stay with the servants. You are not to go near the fighting, do you hear me? I know how much you dislike killing, so only if it is for your life…"

"Or to protect that life of another innocent," Saffiya finished, walking up to him.

Her father smiled down at her, his right hand absently rubbing his left arm, "Then go, Saffiya, and be safe. You have been a good daughter and I've been blessed by your love. And if we are separated when this is done, remember, you will not be alone. I, your brother, Bassam, and Abid will always be with you; in your heart."

"I love you, father." Saffiya said, hugging him close as tears once again spilled out of her eyes. She was so wrapped up in the moment she didn't even feel the edge of his blade cut through her hair.

"I know, and I love you, Saffiya. Now you have your sword, right? Good. Hurry to the kitchens, and be strong for the others."

With a nod and one long last look at her father's wan face, Saffiya ran off to the kitchens, keeping to the shadows. As she ran, feet whispering against the floor, she caught sight of Djaq facing two swordsmen in chain mail with white vestments. As she opened her mouth to call out to him, he caught sight of her, mouth quirking into the sad smile he had worn earlier. But that was quickly gone as one of the English soldiers rushed up to attack once more and Djaq had to turn away to face the enemy. Her heart breaking, Saffiya continued her journey to the kitchens, praying to Allah to keep her family safe.