Ostus frowned. It annoyed him that Kiara would automatically think he'd judge her or interrupt her... even if she was probably correct in her assumption. Slowly, the magic of the night was fading...

He listened to her, making a point not to take another bite, not to take his eyes off of her. He didn't like seeing her so sad; it didn't suit her. At the same time, he had a difficult time finding pity in her. "I suppose I am a fool for thinking that you don't know hardship," he said, deciding to voice his thoughts aloud instead of keeping them to himself. "Your hardships may be different from mine, but they're still hardships. You're like... a bird trapped in a cage. A bird that can pass laws and influence people, but a bird nonetheless. If you have no free will, fight for it, or sneak for it. You're about to share your life with someone that probably knows more of what it's like to be you than anyone here. Who knows -- maybe he's a nice guy. If he isn't, then you have a lifetime to whip his ass into shape, one way or another. And as far as friends go..."

Here, he shifted a little awkwardly in his seat. He hated being sentimental like this. "You and I don't exactly get along most of the time, but when we do, it's fun. I'm not about to leave your side anytime soon, so... so I guess I'm the closest thing to a friend you have right now. I suppose that's not much to look forward to." He shrugged, the last comment said as though it was a matter-of-fact statement, not a sarcastic sting or a teasing joke. "Wish all you want. We all wish for something. Some of us wish all of our lives, and some of us turn those wishes into reality. Don't tell me you don't have the power to change who you are. Everyone has the power, so I won't hear any of that shit."