Run: 2026-02-20-01KHYA998CD1VB9NGTGCCHS4W5

Okay, here are three alternate prose sections continuing the story, each with a different tone/focus as indicated by the color. Each section fulfills the request of having Sir Roland greet Frederick near the stables. **Version 1 (red) - Focused on Roland's gruffness & Frederick's intimidation** <nc-section data-title="Chapter 2: A Cold Welcome" data-color="red"> As Thunder slowed near the stables, a figure detached itself from the shadows. A knight, clad in dark, scarred plate armour, stood with his arms crossed. This had to be Sir Roland. He was larger than I’d imagined, and his face, etched with years of battle, held no warmth. He barely glanced at Thunder, his gaze fixing on me with unsettling intensity. “You the new squire?” he barked, his voice like grinding stone. “Don’t expect coddling. Castle Valerius doesn't breed soft hands. See to your horse, then report to the armoury. And try not to look so…awed. It’s unbecoming.” He paused, his eyes narrowing. “Dragons aren’t defeated by wide-eyed boys."</nc-section> **Version 2 (green) - Focused on Roland's kindness & Frederick's relief** <nc-section data-title="Chapter 2: A Warm Greeting" data-color="green"> Thunder’s hooves crunched on the gravel as we approached the stables. A man emerged, smiling warmly. It was Sir Roland, and he seemed a far cry from the intimidating figure the castle staff had described. He had kind eyes and a weathered face, the lines around them hinting at laughter as much as hardship. “Welcome to Castle Valerius, young man,” he said, his voice a reassuring rumble. “You must be Frederick. Long ride? Let’s get Thunder settled first. Old Barnaby here will take good care of him.” He gestured towards a stablehand already approaching with a bucket and a brush. “Don’t worry about formalities just yet. Come, tell me about your journey. A safe arrival is worth celebrating.”</nc-section> **Version 3 (blue) - Focused on the mystery surrounding Roland & Frederick's observations** <nc-section data-title="Chapter 2: Shadows and Steel" data-color="blue"> I pulled Thunder to a halt near the stables, the scent of hay and horse filling the air. Leaning against one of the stable walls, almost blending into the dimming light, stood Sir Roland. He was a study in contradictions. His armour was polished to a mirror sheen, yet bore the distinct dents and marks of countless encounters. He wasn’t actively *watching* me, but seemed aware of my arrival with an almost unsettling prescience. When I dismounted, he finally straightened, his movements fluid and silent. “Frederick,” he said, his voice level and devoid of emotion. “I’ve been expecting you.” His eyes, the color of storm clouds, scanned me briefly, then returned to the distant ramparts of the castle, as if he was seeing something I couldn’t. He didn't offer a welcome, merely a statement. Something about his demeanor felt…guarded. </nc-section> I'm ready for further instructions! Which version do you prefer we continue with, or do you want to combine elements of different versions?