<nc-section data-title="Version 1: The Stern Welcome" data-color="red"> As I dismounted near the weathered stone stables, a towering figure emerged from the shadows. Sir Roland's armor gleamed dully in the fading light, his scarred face set in a permanent scowl. "So, you're the new whelp," he growled, his voice like grinding stone. His cold grey eyes assessed me from head to toe, clearly finding me wanting. "I've seen farm boys with more muscle than you, boy. This isn't some grand adventure—it's hard work, pain, and likely death. If you're smart, you'll turn around and ride back to whatever comfortable life you came from." He spat into the dirt and turned away, leaving me standing alone with Thunder's reins trembling in my hands. </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Version 2: The Measured Introduction" data-color="green"> A knight approached from the stables, his movements deliberate and controlled. Sir Roland was a man of middle years, with kind but watchful eyes beneath graying brows. "You must be Frederick," he said, extending a calloused hand. "I am Sir Roland, Master of Arms. Your horse has made good time—the roads have been treacherous of late." He studied Thunder with an appraising eye, then nodded approvingly. "A fine mount. Care for your horse as you would care for your own life, young squire, for in battle, your survival depends on each other." He gestured toward the stable hands waiting nearby. "See to your belongings, then meet me in the armory. Your training begins with the dawn." </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Version 3: The Mysterious Encounter" data-color="blue"> Before I could fully dismount, a shadow detached itself from the stable entrance. Sir Roland moved like liquid mercury, his dark cloak billowing behind him as he approached. There was something otherworldly about the knight—his eyes held depths that seemed far older than his face suggested. "Frederick of Millhaven," he said, though I had not given him my name. "I have been expecting you." His voice carried an odd resonance, as if echoing from a great distance. Thunder snorted and stepped sideways, sensing something unusual about this man. Sir Roland smiled enigmatically. "The old bloodlines still run true, I see. Your horse has wisdom—he knows when he stands before one who has walked between worlds. Come, young dragon-blood. Your true education is about to begin." </nc-section>