The imposing structure, a fortress in its own right, was no ordinary building. The main hideout for the Silver Steel Knights was almost in every way, shape and form, impressive. It loomed over the surrounding terrain with a commanding presence, a medieval castle in every sense of the term.
Its massive walls, constructed primarily of stone, bore testament to its formidable strength, while wooden beams and supports added an air of rustic charm to the otherwise stern facade.
Perched atop a rocky outcropping outside the bustling city, the building's asymmetric architecture lent it an air of ruggedness and resilience. High walls, towering turrets, and sturdy buttresses created a sense of impenetrability that was at once awe-inspiring and intimidating.
At the main entrance, a pair of colossal wooden doors flanked by towering stone pillars beckoned visitors inside. Narrow windows, high up on the walls, allowed just enough light to filter in without compromising the fortress's defensibility. Large jutting buttresses further reinforced the walls, while the roof was tiled, with steep slopes and several turrets and chimneys. Dormer windows provided additional light and ventilation to the upper floors, adding a touch of elegance to the building's otherwise functional design.
Within the building, narrow staircases and winding corridors led to various rooms and chambers, each with its unique purpose and history. The polished stone or wooden plank floors exuded a sense of old-world charm, while tapestries, banners, and other decorative elements adorned the walls, adding to the building's ambience.
All of this, of course, was simply a few of the details you'd only notice at a distance. Once you got closer, or even stepped inside, you'd notice a couple of things.
As one delves deeper into the Hideout, signs of neglect become more evident. The once-polished floors are now dull and scuffed, the wooden planks creaking underfoot. The tapestries and banners hanging from the walls are faded and tattered, and in some areas, cobwebs and dust gather in the corners.
The stone walls themselves show signs of wear and tear, with cracks and chips marring the once-smooth surfaces. The narrow staircases, which were once a marvel of craftsmanship, now groan under the weight of those who use them, their wooden supports creaking with each step. The winding corridors are dark and musty, with the occasional draft of air hinting at the many gaps and cracks in the building's structure.
Despite its once-grand appearance, it is clear that the Hideout has not been properly maintained in many years, leaving it to fall into a state of decay and dilapidation.
Tokita surveyed the dilapidated exterior of the Hideout with a mixture of disappointment and mild intrigue. "I suppose it looked a lot better from a distance," he muttered mostly to himself, his eyes scanning the massive wooden door.
Grensvall, standing beside him, let out a deep, throaty chuckle. "Yes, it's been needing repairs for quite some time now," he said, stroking the tufts of hair running below his snout. "But what it lacks in physical beauty, it makes up for its comfort. That's what I'd like to believe at least."
Tokita raised his hand, touching the wood door and feeling its texture. He ran his hand over the door, feeling the grooves and imperfections in the wood. As he traced his fingers over the surface, he could feel the weight of the building's history and legacy bearing down on him. The door seemed to creak under his touch, its age and disrepair evident in every crack and crevice.
As Tokita stood there, lost in thought and running his fingers over the rough wood of the door, he was jolted back to reality by a forceful push from behind. Aila, with her usual lack of subtlety, barged past him and shoved him aside.
"Outta my way, slow-ass! I'm starving!" she barked, her tone rough and impatient.
Tokita stumbled slightly, his moment of reverie shattered by Aila's abrasive demeanor. He shot her a sharp glare, but decided it wasn't worth the energy to argue. He watched as Aila practically skipped ahead towards the mess hall, her eagerness for food practically palpable.
"Could've just asked me to move..." He said as his shoulders slumped, watching Aila disappear through the doorway, her brashness leaving him feeling drained and defeated. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of resentment towards her, but he knew better than to voice his feelings, especially after she destroyed an entire chunk of the forest in their fight. Instead, he let out a long sigh, the exhaustion of the day weighing heavily on him.
Grensvall's gentle pat on his back was a welcome relief, and he couldn't help but crack a small smile in his new Captain's direction. "Come on," Grensvall said, motioning towards the doorway. "Let's get you something to eat before Aila devours it all."
"Actual food would be good for a change." He said as he followed his Captain.
As he moved deeper into the hideout, he was surprised to find a sense of homey warmth that seemed to radiate from within the walls. Despite the signs of disrepair, the building had a certain charm that made it feel welcoming. The pair moved through the wooden hall that appeared to be made out of an exotic wood that made the entire place seem safe and protected.
The wooden floors creaked beneath his feet as he walked, but the sound was not unpleasant. It was a familiar sound, one that reminded him of his childhood home. The musty smell of old books and furniture mixed with the scent of fresh flowers, which someone had evidently taken the time to place in vases throughout the space.
He followed Grensvall until they stepped through another door with a warm light permeating through. They stepped inside to find a cozy lounge area, complete with a roaring fireplace, a massive dinner table, and several armchairs and couches on the sides. The walls were lined with shelves of books, although the noticeable layers of dust on them made it clear they weren't touched often.
Grensvall turned to him and gestured towards the seats at the large dining table "Stay here for now, I'm sure food will be here shortly-" He spoke, being cut off by the door to their right being flung open with a violently loud bang.
Aila stepped out, a massive assortment of different soups, meats, and carbs all on one massive dish that she held with one hand. She moved with haste and plopped down on a chair, her sharp gaze flickering over to Tokita for a moment before she began to dig in.
Following her was a man that moved with haste.
As he approached the group, the man's eyes flicked over each of them with interest, taking note of their individual features and mannerisms. His movements were fluid, almost dance-like, as he followed Aila with a smooth gait. The dark red kimono he wore was intricately embroidered with golden thread, depicting swirling patterns that seemed to move with the fabric.
Beneath the kimono, his black attire was neatly pressed and expertly tailored, accentuating his lean and toned physique. His demeanor was warm and welcoming, accompanied by his diamond-like eyes that sparkled with genuine interest and curiosity.
The man's wavy brown hair fell in gentle waves around his face, framing his features in a way that emphasized his sharp cheekbones and defined jawline. His skin was smooth and flawless, radiating a healthy glow that spoke of a disciplined and balanced lifestyle.
"C'mon Aila, don't hog all of the food!" The man behind her spoke with a soft tone.
"Fuck off, Leo, I don't feel like dealing with you right now," Aila stated without even looking at him, tearing into a leg of chicken meat in a very barbaric way.
The man, labeled Leo, sighed before turning to Grensvall and Tokita.
"Ah, Captain! I assume this is our new member?" He said, insinuating Tokita.
"Correct, I deemed him good enough to join after watching his fight with Aila," Grensvall stated, walking past Leo towards the room he and Aila came from. "I'll go and get the others, introduce yourself, would you?"
Leo turned to face Tokita with a warm smile, his eyes glimmering with a gentle kindness that seemed to instantly put Tokita at ease.
"Hey there, new guy. I'm Leo, one of the veterans around here," he said with a friendly smile, approaching Tokita. "You're looking to make a name for yourself, right? The Silver Steel Knights is a good enough start, and we're a family here. I'd like to think that I'm the cool uncle who gives good advice." He chuckled lightly and continued, "If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. We've all been where you are, and we're here to help you become the best knight you can be."