Velvet was on her way to lunch with quick steps, having been running late on this particular day. A few students were still walking the halls, but most had already made it to the lunch room. Velvet had stayed after her history class to ask a question she had been too shy to ask in front of everyone else and ended up in one of Professor Oobleck's stories of the past. Thankfully, he talked fast enough that she wasn't held up too long. Honestly, she didn't much mind his ramblings. Her stomach gurgled in protest, but she otherwise listened patiently.
On her way to lunch, she was so focused on her goal that she didn't hear someone approach behind her. That is, didn't notice until pain erupted in her head as it was pulled back by her brown bunny ears. "Ow! Let go!" Velvet's accent was strong and her face was distorted by the wince on her usually soft features. Her attacker ignored her pleas, however, and simply laughed. In fact, she heard two males laughing behind her. The other students in the hall simply continued on their way, acting as though they didn't see a thing. She couldn't blame them, however.
"Sorry, I can't hear you!" The guy who had a hold of her mocked.
"Yeah, not all of us have stupid big ears!" His friend chimed in, laughing at the display.
None of them were aware of the approaching individual until they heard the sharp tap of a cane on the tile floor, directly behind them. The pain in Velvet's head eased as she was released. Her ear twitched as she took a step to the side, away from the others, before she looked at the newcomer.
"I trust you can hear me?" Ozpin addressed the two males, his voice soft but still stern. He looked at them from over his glasses, his gaze hard. Those cold, disapproving eyes seemed to paralyze the pair. They both managed to nod in silence, nervous under the headmaster's gaze.
"It seems you're late to lunch" he added. The pair gladly took the out, nodding and turning to dart off. "I suggest you don't let this happen again" the grey haired man told them, a threat lingering in those words. The two simply nodded and made their escape through the lunchroom doors.
Ozpin was usually an easy going man, but he was able to strike fear into others when he chose to, especially those who didn't know him very well. Many students didn't know what he was capable of. The mystery helped add to how intimidating the man could be.
Velvet looked up to Ozpin. "Thank you, sir" she said, about to turn to leave.
"I've seen what you're capable of" Ozpin told her, causing the girl to turn back to him with a quizzical expression. "Even without your weapon. You could easily defend yourself against multiple foes, especially underclassmen such as those two" he voiced. Velvet simply looked to him, unsure how to respond. "So my question is.. why don't you?" The man asked after letting silence linger a moment.
Velvet looked away, unsure how to explain herself. "I.." She hesitated before looking back up to the headmaster."I don't like the conflict. They aren't the enemy" she explained. Ozpin's eyes continued to rest on the girl, so she continued. "They just don't understand.."
Ozpin nodded and offered her a gentle smile. "And you are more understanding than most, including to those who perhaps don't deserve it." Her brown eyes watched him as she listened to him speak, though she didn't respond. She appreciated the compliment but wasn't so proud as to accept it.
"But keep in mind" Ozpin continued "sometimes those who don't understand, even if not the enemy, may need a chose to gain the enlightenment" he told her. Velvet nodded, considering his words.
"I'm sure you are hungry" Ozpin added. "Enjoy your lunch." Velvet nodded before she continued on her way. The man watched her go and smiled to himself. He had some profound students.