A "Romeo & Juliet"-type tale of forbidden loves on the steppes of Kazakhstan. Yershora, a maiden from the Adai clan, instantly falls in love with Zhemal from the neighboring Zhaumit clan. The lover's happiness lasts for one night. When morning comes, Zhemal's clan finds the two together. In the course of clan revenge, Zhemal is subjected to torture and Yershora loses her memory.