visit Yogodol Shrine

In retrospect perhaps the princess should have come there sooner.

She didn't because usually only peasants gave homage the God of Spring and Joy, for they had the most to celebrate with the departure of winter and the opportunity to once more work fertile land. Of course, everyone wanted to have joy, but Yogodol demanded work and hardship before Joy could be achieved, and many aristocrats simply didn't fit his high standards.

The princess waited for people to come and go, but unlike the shrines close to the palace this shrine was never empty. She came in secret, cloaked and wearing her cheapest dress, but it was still far better than anything any of them wore, so she was also drawing much attention.

Eventually she grew resolute, and strode towards the main altar. She knelt to pray to Yogodol, for even now she was deeply faithful at heart. But she was interrupted before she could start.

"Excuse me... are you the princess?" An old woman asked and Liandra saw no reason to lie. "But what are you doing here?" Now Liandra couldn't tell her the truth, so she told her "Even I respect Yogodol's teachings, and how we must work each day to lead a happy life" People noticed her, and many came closer, and most bowed. Those who didn't was just because they were far away, and they couldn't see very well if it was the princess, or some other noblewoman

"But the Nobles don't work, and lead happy lives" Liandra knew it to be true, but also felt they were mistaken "Do they? idle minds brood evil thoughts, which always lead to unhappiness. The nobles who do work, and there are many of them, fight protect our realm, rule wisely, and judge fairly. Those who do know happiness"

She kept preaching, and could see how many of the doubts the peasant had were set ease by her honest words. One question made her ponder "So are there works that lead to more happiness then others? My father is a baker, and his grandfather has been a baker too, but I don't have the talent for their trade. Instead I like to barter, i want to be a merchant, but they say it is an inferior profession because merchants don't produce anything."

Liandra considered his question, and let her audience argue with each other for a while. But eventually she said "Is a merchant inferior to a Baker? A barkeeper inferior to a city guard? A princess inferior to a candle light?" She got only silence for answer, so answered it herself "We each have our place, and we can only find joy together. What is the point of arguing who is best and who is worse? it is all about doing what your heart tells you is the right thing." There were many approving murmurs. Many had to leave, so Liandra gave each a kiss, and thanked them for being so kind to her. The last was a man very familiar to her.

"You!" The princess exclaimed, and he made a curtz bow to her. "You came here for answers, didn't you?" She nodded. "Did you find what you were looking for, Liandra?"

"Yes, I did." She said with a smile, and he came closer. "And what was your answer?"

"I cant just live a spoiled life like I did, I must work diligently to make people happy, that is the only way for me to not feel so... empty, and hungry." the naive princes was resolute, and her new found purpose made her feel complete. "I will do my best, and never look bad"

"Spoken like a true princess" Yogodol smiled when she said that. "A pity, i though you were such a good whore. But I free you from the curse, and replace it with the following boon. 'Everyone who loves you will accept you for who you are' " The god, like the peasants before, kissed the princess.