Chapter 6: Approaching the prisoner’s stronghold

As Nia approached the guard station at the entrance to the stronghold, she could feel her heart pounding in her chest. She knew that gaining entry to the stronghold was no easy feat, especially for someone who looked as young and vulnerable as she did. She approached the guards cautiously, her hands shaking slightly as she reached into her bag to retrieve her identification papers.

"Excuse me," Nia said, trying to keep her voice steady. "I'm here to see Yatia. She's a friend of mine."

The guards eyed Nia suspiciously, their hands hovering over the weapons at their sides. Nia could feel their mistrust emanating from their bodies like a palpable force. She tried to remain calm, but her nerves were starting to get the best of her.

Suddenly, one of the guards spoke up. "I remember her," he said, gesturing toward Nia. "She's been here before. Let her in."

Nia breathed a sigh of relief as the other guard nodded in agreement. She had expected to encounter much more resistance, but the guard's recognition had given her an unexpected advantage.

As Nia navigated through the maze-like alleys of the stronghold, she heard the sounds of angry voices and heated arguments all around her. She could see groups of prisoners huddled together, talking in hushed tones and casting suspicious glances her way as she passed by. Nia felt a pang of fear in her chest, wondering if any of these people posed a threat to her.

She noticed that the few shops that lined the streets were mostly rundown and barely stocked with any goods. She saw vendors hawking their wares on the street corners, but the meager offerings they had on display didn't seem very appealing. The entire place felt oppressive, as if the despair and desperation of the prisoners had seeped into the very walls of the stronghold.

Nia's footsteps quickened as she tried to put some distance between herself and the guards. She couldn't afford to attract any unwanted attention, not when tensions were running so high in the stronghold. As she walked, she couldn't help but feel a sense of fear creeping up on her. She had heard stories of the brutality that took place in the stronghold, and the thought of being caught up in it was almost too much to bear.

As Nia approached the town square, she noticed a young girl sitting on a dusty carpet, surrounded by an array of trinkets and items for sale. The girl had long, blonde hair that was tangled and unkempt, as though it had not been washed or brushed in days. Despite the disarray, Nia couldn't help but notice the natural waves and highlights that gave the girl's hair a subtle beauty.

The girl was wearing a faded blue dress that had clearly seen better days. It was frayed at the edges and stained in various places, suggesting that it had been worn for some time. Despite its worn condition, the dress seemed to fit the girl perfectly and accentuated her youthful figure. Nia could see that the girl had also added a few personal touches to her outfit, such as a colorful scarf wrapped loosely around her neck, and a pair of beaded bracelets that clinked softly as she moved.

The girl looked up as Nia approached, a small smile playing across her lips. She stretched out her hand, and Nia took it, helping her up to her feet. The two girls embraced each other tightly, holding on to each other as if they were the only source of comfort in the world.

"Yatia," Nia said, pulling away from the hug. "It's good to see you again."

Yatia beamed at Nia. "It's good to see you too. How have you been since you got back?"

Nia sighed, her expression darkening. "It's been a bit rough, to be honest. My mother hasn't been too happy with me."

Yatia's face fell. "I'm sorry to hear that. But you're here now, and that's what matters."

Nia nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude wash over her. It was good to have a friend like Yatia in her life, especially in a place like this.

Yatia began packing up her items, carefully placing each one in her bag before rolling up the dusty carpet and stowing it away. Nia watched her friend and gave her a smile.

"Now then, let's get moving, shall we?" Yatia laughed as the two of them made their way through the stronghold.