The Reed-Court Reflection

A circular shrine sinks into the swamp on half-submerged flagstones, where lantern-moths drift over dark water and curtains of moss sway without wind. At the center, a black stone basin reflects a sky that is not overhead, only showing moons, reeds, and masked animals when the room is quiet. Every few breaths the chimes give a wet, tinkling note, and the reed-statues lean a fraction closer, as if listening for manners before letting the path open.