Run: 2026-02-20-01KHYAHBNR579G412T7CBP5Z86

Okay, here are three alternate prose sections continuing the story, each with a specified color and incorporating the requested narrative element: **Version 1 (Red)** <nc-section data-title="A Stern Welcome" data-color="red"> Sir Roland, a man carved from granite and seasoned by a thousand battles, awaited me near the stables. His armor gleamed crimson in the fading light, reflecting the urgency in his grey eyes. He didn't offer a smile, merely a curt nod and a gravelly voice that sliced through the evening air. “You’re the squire, then? Frederick? Don’t expect welcomes to be warm. Dragons don't care for sentiment. The training begins at dawn. And don’t disappoint me.” His hand instinctively rested on the pommel of his broadsword – a silent warning more potent than any words. I swallowed, suddenly acutely aware of the weight of my responsibility, and the daunting prospect of facing a dragon. </nc-section> **Version 2 (Green)** <nc-section data-title="A Gentle Giant" data-color="green"> A figure emerged from the stables – Sir Roland, a knight renowned for his strength and quiet demeanor. He was larger than I’d imagined, a veritable mountain of a man clad in polished green steel. He extended a hand, not in a boastful gesture, but with a kindness that surprised me. “Frederick, is it? Welcome to Blackwood Keep. I’m Roland. I’ll be your instructor. Don’t worry too much about the stories; they exaggerate a bit. We're not hunting dragons today, not directly. We’re preparing for the *possibility* of them. Let’s start with the basics - horsemanship and weapon handling. And take a deep breath – the scent of leather and horses is a comforting one.” He offered a small, genuine smile, and for a moment, the looming threat of dragons seemed a little less terrifying. </nc-section> **Version 3 (Blue)** <nc-section data-title="Secrets in the Shadow" data-color="blue"> The rain had begun to fall, a misty drizzle that clung to the stone walls of the castle. Sir Roland appeared silently, as if he’d materialized from the shadows. He was a study in blues and greys - deep azure armor, silver-streaked hair, and eyes the color of a stormy sea. “Frederick,” he said, his voice low and thoughtful, “You’ve been chosen, not merely as a squire, but for a… particular reason. This castle isn’t just a training ground; it holds secrets. Secrets about dragons, and about the ancient pact between our kingdom and their kind. Forget the flashy displays of strength you’ve likely seen. Here, we learn patience, observation, and *understanding*. Begin by mapping the western tunnels. I’ll be watching.” He gestured with a gloved hand towards a dark, narrow passage leading into the castle’s depths, and a frisson of apprehension – mingled with a strange, compelling curiosity – ran down my spine. </nc-section> --- Which version do you like best, or would you like me to tweak any of them? Would you like me to proceed with one of these directions, or start a completely new section?