<nc-section data-title="Version 1: Sir Roland's Stern Welcome" data-color="red"> As I dismounted from Thunder, a gruff voice called out from the shadows of the stables. "Another fresh-faced squire, I see." Sir Roland emerged, his weathered face scarred from countless battles. The knight's armor gleamed in the fading light, but his eyes were cold and calculating. He studied me with the intensity of a master assessing his newest apprentice. "I am Sir Roland, master-at-arms of this castle. You'll find that training here is no pleasant affair, boy. Many have quit before the first moon wanes. The question is—will you be among them?" He extended a gauntleted hand, gripping mine with crushing force. Behind him, the stable hands worked in silence, as if even the horses held their breath in his presence. </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Version 2: Sir Roland's Gracious Greeting" data-color="green"> A warm chuckle echoed from the stables as a tall, broad-shouldered knight approached, his armor polished to a mirror shine. "Welcome, young Frederick! I am Sir Roland, and I've been expecting you." His smile was genuine, his voice rich with kindness. He patted Thunder's neck with an experienced hand, and the horse nickered in response. "Fine beast you have here. A knight is only as good as his mount, you know." Sir Roland gestured toward the castle, his demeanor relaxed and approachable. "Come now, we've much to discuss before supper. The master of the castle has asked that I personally oversee your training. I believe you have great potential, lad. Shall we begin your journey together?" </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Version 3: Sir Roland's Enigmatic Encounter" data-color="blue"> The stable door creaked open, and a figure emerged whose features were difficult to discern in the twilight. Sir Roland moved with an unusual grace, neither quite warrior-like nor entirely noble. "Frederick," he said, and the way he spoke my name suggested he knew far more about me than was comfortable. "I've heard whispers of your arrival on the wind. The castle has need of squires, yes, but not all who arrive here leave as they came." He paused, studying me with eyes that seemed to reflect the last rays of sunlight like molten silver. "Before we proceed with your training, you must understand—there are secrets in these walls. Old magic lingers in the stones. And the dragon..." he trailed off mysteriously, "...the dragon's shadow still touches this place. Are you prepared for what awaits you?" </nc-section>