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After Aden and Ethan returned from their task of gathering projectiles, they stepped inside the courthouse main hall, a bustling hub of activity in the heart of Serendale village. The air was thick with the hum of conversation and the soft murmur of laughter, as villagers, women, and children gathered together in a sea of warm, golden light.

The two volunteers parted ways, their paths diverging as they headed in opposite directions. Ethan disappeared into the shadows, his footsteps echoing through the corridors as he made his way to the second story for an armory and ammunition check-up.

The scene unfolded before him, a tapestry of affinity, care, and the ever-present undercurrent of the realm's complexities, woven together by the threads of their interactions.

The courthouse main hall in Serendale village was a central gathering place for the villagers and defenders. It was a place where they came together to discuss and settle important matters, it also functioned as a townhall, for administrative purposes and as the crown's watch quarter.

They emptied the main hall from furniture to make room for the people seeking shelter.

Every time Aden stepped inside the courthouse's main hall, this time he had a chance to marvel at the interior. He was struck by the awe-inspiring sight that greeted him. The hall was grand and majestic, with high ceilings and ornate decorations that spoke of its historical significance. The atmosphere was filled with a sense of reverence and importance as if the very walls held the stories and secrets of the village.

As Aden stepped into the main hall, he was immediately struck by the stark contrast to the typical Median town hall or city hall. Gone were the bland, one-story structures with their dull, functional architecture. Instead, this hall was a masterpiece of artistry, a symphony of colors, textures, and shapes that danced across the walls, ceiling, and floor.

Aden walked slowly through the hall, Aden's eyes were drawn to the curtains, which seemed to be made of the finest silk and were embroidered with intricate patterns and designs. The air was thick with the scent of incense and the soft murmur of conversation, creating a sense of warmth and welcome that was hard to resist.

There was no crowd nor was Victor to be the center of the attention inside the hall. Aden could enjoy the view of the courthouse hall.

The main hall was adorned with beautiful tapestries, paintings, and murals, depicting scenes from the village's history and its faith. The colors were vibrant and rich, bringing the artwork to life and adding to the overall grandeur of the space. Aden couldn't help but be captivated by the intricate details and the skill of the artists who had designed and created these masterpieces.

In the center of the hall, Aden's eyes were drawn to a large oil painting that commanded attention. hung on the center wall, It depicted Aione, another prophet of Lua but also the revered deity of the village, riding a white serpent and impaling a demon beneath him. The painting was a powerful representation of Aione's strength and power, and it filled Aden with a sense of awe and reverence. It was as if Aione himself was watching over the villagers, providing them with guidance and protection.

He had never been paying attention before until this night. He was too busy surviving the harpies onslaught—but now, he has time to smell the flower.

The courthouse main hall was not just a place of beauty, but also a place of significance for the villagers. It was where important gatherings and discussions took place, where decisions were made, and where the community came together in times of celebration or crisis. The hall had witnessed countless moments of joy, sorrow, and resilience throughout the village's history.

The main hall was not just a physical space, but a symbol of unity and community. It represented the villagers' shared values, their faith, and their commitment to protecting their way of life. It was a place where differences were set aside, and everyone came together for the greater good.

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As Aden took in the sight of the courthouse's main hall, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and belonging. This was his village, his community, and he was part of something greater than himself. The grandeur of the hall and the presence of the revered painting reminded him of the importance of their fight against the harpies and the need to stand united.

In the courthouse main hall, surrounded by the echoes of the past and the hopes for the future, Aden felt a sense of purpose and a deep connection to his village and its people.

even with the women and children occupying all over the main hall he still can see the magnificent structure and architecture of the courthouse.

While Aden gazed upon the oil painting of Aione riding a white serpent impaling a demon under his bare feet, Father Edgar stepped forward to explain the symbolism behind the artwork.

"Magnificent isn't it?" Father Edgar asked rhetorically to Aden.

"Eons ago, Aione was said to have defeated a powerful demon that threatened the people," The village chief began. "This painting depicts that moment of triumph, with Aione riding a white serpent, which symbolizes his power and might, and impaling the demon beneath him."

Aden nodded, his eyes still fixed on the painting.

"And what does the demon symbolize?" The ruhimi asked.

"The demon represents evil and chaos," Father Edgar replied. "It is a reminder that even in the face of great adversity, Aione was able to triumph over darkness and bring light to the village."

Aden looked at the painting again, taking in the details of the serpent and the demon. He could see the power and strength in Aione's posture, and the fear and desperation in the demon's eyes.

Aden pondered the old man's words, his mind wandered to the teachings of the various holy texts. He was acutely aware of the differences between them, particularly regarding the nature of demons and otherworldly beings.

In The News, the holy book brought by Prophet Ruhim, demons were portrayed as real, physical creatures, much like the harpies that now threatened their village. The text spoke of these entities in explicit and direct terms, leaving little room for ambiguity.

This contrasted with The Tome, the sacred text of the Church of Aione, and Tri-Taram, the holy book of Chedaim's faith. These texts tended to be more allegorical and metaphorical in their depictions of such beings, leaving their true nature open to interpretation.

Despite the disparities, Aden found himself skeptical of the literal interpretations presented in The News. Born into the Lua tradition and culture, he held a different view on the matter. He believed that people were still in the process of discovering new creatures – sentient or otherwise – in this realm, even in the present day.

While some creatures were deemed mere myths by the general populace, Aden understood that the Lua possessed a deeper understanding of which entities were truly mythical and which were real, tangible beings. This knowledge passed down through generations, imbued him with a sense of perspective that transcended the dogmatic teachings of the various faiths.

As he stood there, the old man's words still ringing in his ears, Aden couldn't help but wonder about the true nature of the threats they faced. Were the harpies merely physical manifestations of a deeper, more insidious force? Or were they simply another example of the unknown wonders and dangers that lurked in the furthest reaches of their world, waiting to be discovered and understood?

These questions swirled in his mind, a testament to the complexity of the world they inhabited and the enduring mystery that surrounded it, despite the assurances of the holy texts.

Just because we never see them or people never witness them, doesn't mean they do not exist. That's the lesson he learned from joining the Jinn from a young age, to keep him alert and stay sharp not just for threats but for any unknown matters.

Always ready for the unknown, was the rule of thumb in the Jinn fraternity.

"The painting is also a symbol of hope and faith," Father Edgar continued. "It reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always a way to overcome our challenges and emerge victorious."

Aden nodded again, his mind racing with the possibilities. He could see how the painting could inspire the villagers and defenders to fight against the harpies and protect their way of life.

"The painting is a powerful representation of Aione's strength and power," Father Edgar concluded. "It is a reminder that he is watching over us and guiding us on our journey."

"Well, thanks for the cultural insight," Aden said, his voice tinged with gratitude. "The Captain needs me in the war room."

"Sure," Father replied. "I'm heading to the pavilion as well."

"Walk with me," Father Edgar invited.

Together, they strolled through the main hall, their footsteps echoing off the walls as they made their way toward the pavilion in the backyard.

Aden, meanwhile, lingered by the painting, his gaze lingering on the vibrant colors and powerful imagery. He took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the painting's energy coursing through him, and then turned to make his way further into the main hall corridor, headed toward the pavilion in the backyard, ready to join the others in their discussions and plans.

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