Sara

"I write that love is feral and free, unbound by stricture or statute. Should I not practice what I publish?"

―Arib Al-Ma'muniyya, on her relationship with Sara, 860s.

Sara (left) talking to Arib

Sara was a friend to the Abbasid poet Arib Al-Ma'muniyya during the 9th century.

Biography

Due to the controlling nature of Arib's patron, who forbade her from interacting with others, Sara and the poet often had to meet in secret. When doing so, Sara would write cryptic letters to Arib, who used the pseudonym "Al-Tha'lab" (The Fox), providing her with the location of their meeting place, which was marked by a trail of rabbit paintings.

When Arib eventually decided to cut ties with her patron, Sara suggested that she bring the man before the Mazalim Courts. However, Arib believed it was unecessary, as without her patron controlling her, she was free to pick her own enemies and friends. Arib then claimed that, although she would still have to obey certain people to avoid creating problems for herself, she would not be bound by anyone ever again.

Behind the scenes

• Sara is an alternate spelling of the name Sarah, which comes from the Hebrew noun Sar (שַׂר), meaning "chief", "ruler" or "prince".
• It is strongly implied by their dialogue and gestures towards each other that Sara and Arib were in a romantic relationship.

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed: Mirage