[The unicorn shakes his head curtly to dismiss the idea, though not so far as to draw the warmth away from her, even for a moment. He thinks of his bright friend, calling himself a failure after his hopes were used and abused by another, and for a moment sees that in her. It's unacceptable.]

A willingness for hard work even when success can never be guaranteed is an admirable trait in itself.

[In a more accusatory tone, he questions her further, though his ire isn't directed towards the girl:]

Who has said these demeaning things to you?