Run: 2026-02-20-01KHYBAV34QJT13WNS3BT7GPVY

Okay, here are three versions continuing the story, each with a different tone and focus, following your instruction to have Sir Roland greet Frederick near the stables. I've used the `<nc-section>` tool for each. **Version 1 (red) – Focused on Roland's gruffness and Frederick's nervousness.** <nc-section data-title="A Stern Welcome" data-color="red"> The stables bustled with activity, the scent of hay and horse sweat thick in the air. As Thunder slowed to a walk, a figure emerged from the shadows – a man built like an oak, clad in worn leather and dented steel. This had to be Sir Roland. He didn’t offer a smile, merely a scrutinizing gaze that swept over me, taking in my travel-stained tunic and slightly clumsy dismount. “You the new squire?” his voice rumbled, rough as stone. It wasn’t a question. I swallowed, trying to appear taller. “Y-yes, Sir. Frederick, my Lord.” Roland snorted. “’My Lord’ won’t get you far here, boy. Just Roland will do. And don’t expect any coddling. You'll learn quickly, or you'll be back to polishing boots in your village before the week is out. Now, hand over the reins. Let's see if you can even *handle* a horse properly." He reached for Thunder's bridle with a calloused hand, his expression unwavering. </nc-section> **Version 2 (green) – Focused on a welcoming, though firm, mentorship vibe.** <nc-section data-title="A Knight's Guidance" data-color="green"> The castle stables resonated with the gentle sounds of horses munching hay and stablehands going about their work. A tall knight, Sir Roland, approached as I dismounted Thunder, his silvered armor gleaming even in the fading light. He offered a nod of acknowledgment. “You must be Frederick. Welcome to Castle Aeridor.” His voice was strong, but held a warmth that eased my initial apprehension. “I am Sir Roland, and I will be overseeing your training. It will be rigorous, lad, demanding both strength and discipline, but also… honor. A squire isn't just a servant; he is a budding knight, a protector of the realm.” He gently ran a hand down Thunder’s flank. “A good horse feels a rider’s spirit. Show respect, and you’ll find Thunder a loyal companion. Come, let’s have someone see to your mount, and we’ll discuss your duties.” </nc-section> **Version 3 (blue) – More mysterious, hinting at hidden burdens Roland carries.** <nc-section data-title="Shadows and Duty" data-color="blue"> The stables were quieter than I’d expected, the usual activity muted. As Thunder settled, a figure detached himself from the shadows - Sir Roland. He wasn’t looking *at* me, exactly, but *through* me, his eyes distant and haunted. He seemed weary, as if carrying the weight of a thousand battles. He finally focused on me, offering a curt nod. “Frederick,” he said, his voice low and laced with a strange sadness. “You’ve arrived at a… complicated time.” He paused, his gaze drifting towards the distant, snow-capped mountains. “I am Sir Roland. I will train you, not for glory, but for what *must* be done.” He didn't elaborate, simply taking the reins of Thunder with a practiced, almost automatic movement. “See to your belongings. We'll speak later. There is much you need to learn… and little time to learn it.” A cold wind seemed to swirl around him, despite the shelter of the stable walls. </nc-section> I tried to give each version a distinct feel and set up different potential directions for the story. Which direction would you like me to continue developing? Let me know!