Briar's View: I was a spoiled child at five years. Indeed, I was- not unkind, no, just mischievous, lonely, and used to getting my own way. I was rather cadged, too, trapped in other's fear of the Curse. I wasn't scared, not a bit, but they were. I took to the habit of running, trying to get out of this cage, and one day, I succeeded.

Adeo's View: I was eight when I decided I wanted to be a fisherman. There was a stream, filled with edega( a fish found only in our woods) right under the Princess's window. I decided I loved the Princess when I was ten, too. She was spoiled but she was also kind, and funny. She was pretty much just lonely, and trapped, too. I knew she tried to escape, every morning; but I was still surprised when she fell out the window, and into my stream. I was so smart when I was little (take note of my sarcastic tone): The first thing I said to the Princess was "You've scared all the fish away!" not 'excuse me, Princess, are you in need of assistance? My name's Adeodatus.' No. It was "You've scared all the fish away!" Great, huh?

Briar's View: I stared at this boy, confusion and shock written on my face. No one, no one, had ever dared to speak to me in such a way: indignant and angry, without the snobbery and mocking of a courtier. It was then, that I decided to introduce myself to this odd character. "Don't call me Princess or Aurora, I despise, no, loathe, these names. They are so snobbish and uppity." I shuddered. "You may call me Briar, though when I get older you'll have to call me Rose. I think I'll prefer it to Briar, then." And I nodded once, primly.

Adeo's View: I laughed. Truly, I did; it was just so, so- different, I suppose. Not exactly something you'd expect from a Princess. Or any other Noble. "I'm Adeodatus. You can call me Adeo, though. Everyone does." I laughed again. "You're a funny Princess."

Briar's View: That shocked me. I mean, everyone was forever telling me how annoying and childish and common I was. Never anything nice. "Really? I was under the impression that I was an annoying, childish imp, and supposedly worse than a commoner." At that, he seemed to turn purple. Then, a snorting, sputtering noise erupted from his mouth, later turning into a hearty, bellowing laugh. I loved it; I was used to the simpering giggles of Ladies and Lords, and this whole-hearted, give-in to emotion was relieving. I held out my hand. "Friends?" I asked, no, demanded. He laughed. It was a promise sealed.

A/N: Changed his age-he's only THREE years older than her, and only a few inches taller. Kay? ^.^