The Deanley clan is a prosperous one. As merchants, their fates have historically been fickle, but as the wealth of the Dragon Empire to the south has grown, so have opportunities to bring its products to the people of the north, and for the Deanleys to take their fair share of the proceeds.

When Gunhilda's triplet pregnancy turns out to actually be a single enormous daughter, three times the size of an ordinary baby, with two little patches of solid gold on her forehead, it's taken as a powerful good omen by most of the clan. Children with a drop of giantsblood aren't uncommon, but one with such a powerful connection is exceptionally rare, and with gold literally growing from scalp, it's easy for the elders and diviners to forecast further prosperity. For this, the clan names this child Edel.