The stars were beautiful that night. The great triangle shone down upon the castle with exceptional splendour. Perhaps it was a sign of things to come.
The duke's castle was small compared with the mighty castle of Hyrule but was more beautiful in the sense that it had a more homely feel to it. Unlike Hyrule castle anyone and everyone could come to see the duke if they had a grievance. If the duke was away from the castle his wise daughter, Blodwen, could solve their problems.
Blodwen was a lovely young woman of eighteen summers. Her hair was the colour of blood and it reached down to her waist, her eyes were like sapphires, she was tall with a slender figure. That night was her coming of age ceremony and all of the gallants of the Dukedom were flocking to the castle for the celebratory ball. Many came from Hyrule, several from Holondrum and Labyrnna, there were even one or two from the distant Termina and the mysterious Koholint Isle.
Among these young men was the noble prince Harkinian with his bodyguard, three young men from the three guardian houses, one representing each goddess. Their names were Adan of the house of Din, Toruno of the house of Nayru and Felarei of the house of Farore.
But now we must hasten back a few hours before the ball began.
Telamon, duke of Liraneth, direct descendant of the fierce deity strode across the great hall of the castle to survey the decorations for the ball.
"Aria," he called to a servant who was hanging up the banners of the visiting lords. "Do you think that you could move the banner of the lord of Rollos to the left a little. That way we can fit the banner of the count of Teronas next to it.
"Yes milord" she replied while carrying out his instructions.
"Annika, do you know where Blodwen is?" he asked turning to another.
"I believe that she is up in the astronomy tower your worship."
"Now what could she be doing up there" he wondered.
Blodwen gazed up at the setting sun with a troubled expression in her sapphire eyes. She sighed as the door behind her opened.
"Blodwen, here you are," cried Telamon. "I have been looking for you everywhere."
She turned her head towards him, "Good evening Father." She said before turning back to the sunset.
Telamon's smile faded. He sat down beside her and asked, "what troubles you my daughter?"
"I was thinking, my lord, that as this is my coming of age ceremony I will soon have to choose a husband."
Telamon sighed, "Yes that's true. I didn't think of that before.
"Father, how can I know that I will be making the right choice? How will I know if I am in love?"
He turned her head towards him "My child, you must trust to your own wisdom. You will make the right choice."
She smiled and hugged him. "I love you father."
"And I love you my dear one." He sighed, and then resumed his previous vigour. "Come now Blodwen. We must hasten to prepare ourselves. The guests will arrive in a few hours. The last of the house of the Fierce Deity must make a good impression. Come."
With these words he pulled her away to her chamber where her maids were waiting.