In front of the Marlan Temple, there is an ancient square.
The stone slabs on the square are incomplete, covered only by a thin layer of gravel. In the center, there is a stone-built fountain, but it has been dry for many years, with not a drop of water in its spring. In the distance, a few pedestrians pause on the square, conversing and gesturing. Within view, believers in gray robes lie on the temple steps, kissing the earth beneath Lady Marlan's feet.
This is morning prayer, customs differ by region and styles vary. Colin people prefer to sit in bright, lofty temples to hear the holy sermon. Whereas the Osh people have the Otkarak choir, known as 'The Sound of the Golden Night,' said to sound like heaven's melody amid the clouds, unparalleled even by a sea monster—even the Emperor himself only has two to three opportunities a year to appreciate this 'holy chant.'
