<nc-section data-title="Version 1: A Stern Welcome" data-color="red"> As I dismounted, a tall knight with a silver-trimmed beard and piercing gray eyes stepped forward from the shadow of the stables. His armor bore the scars of many battles, and a longsword rested at his side. "You're late," Sir Roland said, his voice like gravel beneath a wagon's wheels. "We don't coddle stragglers here, boy. If you're to wear the crest of this keep, you’ll earn it—starting with mucking out those stalls." I swallowed hard, gripping Thunder’s reins tighter. "Y-yes, Sir Roland." He studied me a moment longer, then gave a curt nod. "Good. Initiative is the first virtue of a knight. Begin." </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Version 2: A Fatherly Greeting" data-color="green"> The moment I tied Thunder to the post, a kindly-faced knight emerged from the stable doorway, a burlap sack of oats over his shoulder. His armor was well-used but polished, and his eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled. "Ah, you must be Frederick!" Sir Roland said, setting the sack down. "I'm told you've come all the way from Westmire. That's a rider’s journey—and fine horsemanship to boot." I bowed slightly. "Thank you, sir. I did my best." He clapped a gauntleted hand on my shoulder. "Your best is all we ask—but here, we’ll help you make it better. Rest your horse, clean yourself, and meet me at the training yard at dawn. We begin at first light." Warmth spread through my chest. Perhaps this place would feel like home after all. </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Version 3: A Trial by Fire" data-color="blue"> Before I could unbuckle Thunder’s saddle, a figure darted out from behind the stables—Sir Roland, his tabard fluttering like a war banner. In one swift motion, he flung a rusted dagger into the ground between my boots. "Reflexes, boy!" he barked. "A knight sees danger before it strikes. Did you hear me? Smell me? Feel the shift in the air?" I stared wide-eyed at the dagger, heart pounding. "N-no, sir." "Then you’re not ready," he said, retrieving the blade. But then, to my surprise, he grinned. "Good. That means there’s room to grow. Welcome to the order, Frederick. Now, let’s see if you can dodge the second one." </nc-section>