Ozpin stood in the wings of the stage, watching the incoming students and hopefuls file in to the auditorium. Another year, another batch of eager young warriors wanting to protect the world. He felt his years weigh heavily on his shoulders and he leant just a little bit more on his cane, remembering when he first became the Headmaster of Beacon. It had been so long ago, and now there was so little time left...

Glynda stepped up beside him, placing a hand on his shoulder in a show of support, [colour=b18fdf]"It's almost time. There's just a few last stragglers."[/colour]

The Headmaster nodded his acknowledgement and walked slowly to the microphone. The tapping of his cane sounded like a clock to his ears, ticking time away as he prepared another year of Hunters for the battles they would face. He cast his brown eyes over the audience and gave a small smile at the excitement evident in their faces.

[colour=0a5d10]"I'll...keep  this brief. You have traveled here today  in search of  knowledge, to  hone your craft and acquire new skills, and  when you have  finished,  you plan to dedicate your life to the  protection of the  people. You  came, expecting greatness to be thrust upon you by association of being  Hunters, of being the one's standing between the darkness and  civilisation. But I look amongst you, and all I see is  wasted energy,  in need  of purpose, direction."[/colour] A few of the students broke out in whispers amongst themselves, but Ozpin ignored them easily, [colour=0a5d10]"You assume knowledge will free you of this, but your time at this  school will prove that knowledge can only carry you so far. Greatness does not come to those who wait, but must be earned. It is up to you to  take the first step."[/colour]

He stepped back from the microphone, looking away from the masses as Glynda stepped up to dismiss the students. [colour=b18fdf]"You will gather in the ballroom tonight; tomorrow, your initiation begins. Be ready."[/colour]

As the pair of Professors walked away from the crowded auditorium, furrows marred Glynda's brow and she murmured,[colour=b18fdf] "That wasn't the speech you gave last year."[/colour]

[colour=0a5d10]"I felt like a change was needed."[/colour] He told her cryptically, turning to head back to his office and leaving a very confused Professor Goodwitch behind.

[b](Three rounds until initiation. one for dinner, one for evening, one for morning.)[/b]