Unlike the present world, where Chaos reigns supreme in the realms beyond, time is always blurred.
Perhaps it flows quickly, perhaps slowly, with no certainty. Even with the birth of 'order within Chaos,' it could only slow this fluctuation and 'anchor' it, rather than completely erase it.
Thus, thousands of years have passed since the great serpent that encircled the courtyard began its slumber, and its 'spirit' walked the world in human form.
There are no living creatures in the courtyard because its master forbids it; no being worthy of entry exists here, making this the only realm within the Nine Hells devoid of demons.
In the sky of this realm, islands float above. Most are vacant, preserved in their primordial state. Only the one in the center has a modestly styled cottage that seems out of place with a title as grand as 'the center of a realm.'