Aurora

Her name meant dawn,

and legend says she was as gentle and beautiful as the morning sunrise.

Legend says she befriended forest animals, was raised by good-hearted faires, and fell in love with a prince.

His name was Phillip, 

but legend remembers him as the valiant slayer, a courageous rescuer.

Legend says many things, 

but legend wasn't there,

was it?

The truth is, Aurora knew about her curse. She prepared herself for it.

None of those years spent in the forest were wasted on singing sessions with birds and squirrels. 

And the good-hearted fairies? They aided her in her efforts. No dress-making for them, either.

On her sixteenth birthday, she was ready.

Phillip was also ready, but for a different reason.

A young prince who lusted over both riches and women, he set his eyes on the kingdom nearby,

where are princess of great beauty and inheritance was returning home.

He made his way to the castle, ready to woo some pretty rich girl.

That is, until Maleficent crashed the party.

Admist the chaos and flames, Phillip thought he could make a hero out of himself.

Sword in hand (stolen from a vanquished knight), he followed the sight of fire.

He reached the dragon.

He clumsily grasped someone else's sword.

He raised it above his head.

Maleficent fell before he could think to strike her.

Aurora had ended her own curse.

And when Phillip laid his eyes on her,

he couldn't help but feel like she was more dangerous than the evil she had just slain.

Her name meant dawn, 

but she was not like a subdued sunrise.

She was as fierce as a dragon's fiery breath,

and Philip stood in awe of the sight of her,

for those who save themselves are truly the bravest of them all.