[ Ozpin is silent a long moment. He can hear it in Qrow's voice, see it spelled across his face, how much weight this moment carries.

A year ago, Qrow would have come looking like a thundercloud and yelling by the time he touched the ground. If he were to come at all.

Ozpin takes another sip of his tea, steam haloing his face and fogging his glasses, before he speaks. ]

It is not so bad I fear for anyone's safety. [ This he says slowly, words chosen carefully, held to the scrutiny of Qrow's moonlit blood. ] Not in any immediate sense. I do hesitate to put this friend of yours to inconvenience, Qrow, particularly on my behalf.

[ A beat hangs. It is almost a but. ]

Still. I understand what inconvenience this has already caused for you. If you truly think it the best step, I will follow.

[ His other option, in honesty, is Winter Schnee. She owes him a certain degree of favor, after he welcomed her to town, and he trusts her pragmatism. But he is more interested in soothing Qrow's loyalty.

It's not an apology, but it feels like the next best thing. ]