<nc-section data-title="Version 1: Greetings at Dusk" data-color="red"> As Thunder slowed to a halt near the castle stables, a tall figure stepped from the shadows. Sir Roland, clad in a weathered tabard marked with the royal lion, regarded me with kind but shrewd eyes. “You must be young Frederick,” he said, voice deep as a drumroll. “The road suits your spirit. Come, let us see to your steed and your hunger—I suspect you have plenty of both.” He offered a firm handshake, and I knew my journey was truly about to begin. </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Version 2: First Impressions" data-color="green"> I barely had time to dismount before a booming voice echoed from the stable doors. “Ha! That’s a fine entrance for a squire.” Sir Roland emerged, his armor gleaming in the fading sunlight. Broad-shouldered and imposing, he grinned as he approached. “Welcome, Frederick. A lad brave enough to ride as the sun sets is a lad worthy of a knight’s company.” The warmth in his eyes belied his formidable stature, and I felt a rush of excitement settle any nerves. </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Version 3: Beneath the Oaks" data-color="blue"> Thunder’s hooves thudded on the packed earth as we approached the stables, where a knight waited beneath the broad oaks. Sir Roland, his cloak thrown casually over one shoulder, studied me with an appraising gaze. “Frederick, I presume?” he called, striding forward to take Thunder’s bridle and pat the stallion’s neck. “You’ll find we value courage and kindness equally here.” His words rang true, and as we walked toward the stable doors together, a sense of belonging began to blossom within me. </nc-section>