Aela the Huntress, the fierce and loyal companion in Skyrim, often captures the hearts of players. Her unwavering dedication and powerful combat skills make her a desirable spouse. But marrying Aela isn't as straightforward as simply asking her hand. This guide will walk you through the steps, ensuring you successfully win her heart and make her your wife.
Prerequisites: Before You Begin Your Quest for Aela's Hand
Before you even think about proposing, there are a few things you need to take care of:
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Complete the Companions questline: This is crucial. You must reach a certain point in the Companions' storyline before Aela even considers marriage. This involves progressing through the ranks, proving your worth, and undertaking various missions. Don't skip any steps! You need to become a Harbinger.
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Be a Thane of Whiterun: Showing your dedication to Skyrim's society by becoming a Thane of Whiterun is another necessary requirement. This involves completing various tasks and proving your loyalty to Jarl Balgruuf the Greater.
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Own a house: Where will you and Aela live? You'll need a suitable home to invite her to. You can purchase houses in several locations across Skyrim, each with its own advantages and charm. Ensure you've purchased and properly furnished your house before proposing.
Winning Aela's Heart: The Steps to Marital Bliss
Now that you've met the prerequisites, let's proceed with wooing Aela:
1. Speak to Aela: The First Step
After completing the Companions questline and becoming Thane of Whiterun, head to Jorrvaskr. Talk to Aela, selecting dialogue options that show your respect for her and your commitment to the Companions. Don't rush things! Let the conversations develop naturally.
2. The Proposal: A Moment of Truth
Once you've established a strong rapport, the option to propose marriage will appear in your dialogue options. Seize the moment! This is where all your previous efforts culminate.
3. The Wedding: Celebrating Your Union
After Aela accepts your proposal, you need to purchase an amulet of Mara from a temple. This is a Skyrim tradition for legitimizing marriage. Once you have the amulet, return to Aela, and the wedding ceremony will begin.
4. Married Life with Aela: Enjoying the Rewards
Congratulations! You're now married to Aela the Huntress. She'll move into your home, and you can enjoy the benefits of having such a powerful and loyal spouse by your side. Remember to frequently visit her in your home.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
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Aela doesn't offer the marriage option: Make absolutely sure you've completed all the prerequisites. Double-check your progress in the Companions questline and your Thane status. Sometimes a bug can prevent the option from appearing; reloading an earlier save might help.
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The amulet of Mara is missing: You may have accidentally discarded or sold the amulet. You'll need to purchase a new one from a temple.
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Aela's not at home: After marriage, Aela might spend time at Jorrvaskr. This is normal; she'll often return to your house.
By carefully following this guide, you'll significantly increase your chances of successfully marrying Aela the Huntress and enjoying a blissful life together in the world of Skyrim. Remember patience and attention to detail are key to this romantic quest!
