He doesn't need my help coming up with pranks. He's got too many ideas of his own.
- Daja referring to Briar in their first year at Discipline cottage

She glared at him. "Why are you forever asking hard questions?"
He smiled. "Sooner or later you'll have to be able to answer one."
Daja shoved him, grinning.

Don't let him upset you," Niko told the four softly. "He's old and he's frightened."
"You're as old as him, and you aren't scared of us," Briar pointed out.
Niko glared at him. "Thank you so much," he retorted waspishly.

These mages," Kol asked, a wicked glint in his eye, "what kind of fees will they charge? Will I get a two-for-one discount, since they're twins?

At last Niko dropped his hands, and opened his eyes. His perfect tree illusion solidified and settled.

"Very nice," said Briar with approval. "Couldn't have done better myself"

"Couldn't do it at all yourself," muttered Tris.

Briar ignored her. "But you'd never find a cork oak in these parts. Too cold."

Niko looked down his nose at the boy. "I beg your pardon?"

Briar shrugged. "Just thought I'd mention it."

Niko glared.

The bravest person I know is afraid of the dark. She sleeps with a night lamp always, but if her friends are threatened? She suddenly thinks she's a bear twelve feet tall and attacks whoever scared her friends.