Where is Aela the Huntress After You Say “I Do” in Skyrim? A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’ve braved the wilds of Skyrim, completed the Companions questline, and finally convinced the fierce Aela the Huntress to become your spouse. Congratulations, Dragonborn! But now the honeymoon period is over (or perhaps never truly began, considering the state of domestic bliss in Skyrim), and you’re wondering: Where in Tamriel is Aela hiding?!

The short answer is: Aela the Huntress will typically reside at the house you designate as your primary residence after marriage. This could be a home you already owned before marrying her, or one you purchase after the ceremony. She’ll follow a routine, usually involving sleeping, cooking, and interacting with the environment. However, there are caveats, exceptions, and glitches that can affect her location, which we’ll explore in detail.

Understanding Aela’s Post-Marriage Behavior

Aela isn’t your typical stay-at-home spouse. She’s a seasoned warrior and a proud member of the Companions. This means her post-marriage behavior reflects her independent spirit and dedication to her craft. Think of her as a partner who values adventure and camaraderie as much as (or perhaps more than) domestic tranquility.

• Home Sweet (Sometimes Bloody) Home: Aela will generally stay at your designated home. She’ll engage in domestic activities like cooking and sleeping, contributing to a sense of normalcy in your Dragonborn life. She will often wander around the house and interact with furniture.

• The Call of the Wild: Don’t expect her to be glued to the hearth. Aela may occasionally return to Jorrvaskr in Whiterun, the Companions’ headquarters. This is usually to engage in training, receive quests, or simply reconnect with her fellow werewolves.

• Following Your Lead: As your spouse, Aela will also follow you on adventures if you ask her. You can have her as a follower, and she’ll fight alongside you, just like before you were married. Keep in mind that taking her along will affect her presence at your home.

Factors Influencing Aela’s Location

Several factors influence Aela’s whereabouts after marriage. Understanding these can help you predict and manage her movements:

• Your Designated Home: This is the single most important factor. If you don’t own a home, Aela might simply wander around Jorrvaskr. Purchase a house and designate it as your primary residence through dialogue with your spouse.

• Companions Quests: If you’re actively pursuing Companions quests after marriage, Aela is more likely to be found at Jorrvaskr or on missions with you.

• Your Actions: If you frequently visit Whiterun, particularly Jorrvaskr, Aela is more likely to be there. She might be drawn to the familiar environment and her fellow Companions.

• Bugs and Glitches: Let’s be honest, it’s Skyrim. Bugs happen. Aela might get stuck in a location, disappear entirely, or exhibit other unpredictable behavior. These situations may require console commands (on PC) or reloading an earlier save.

Finding Aela: A Troubleshooting Guide

If you’re having trouble locating your wife, here’s a step-by-step guide to finding her:

1. Check Your Home: Start by visiting the house you designated as your primary residence. Wait for a few in-game hours, or even days, to see if she appears.

2. Visit Jorrvaskr: Head to Whiterun and check Jorrvaskr. She might be training with her fellow Companions.

3. Track Her Down (PC Only): If you’re playing on PC, you can use console commands to find her. Open the console (usually with the ~ key), type prid 1A69B (Aela’s RefID), then type moveto player. This will teleport her to your location. Use this as a last resort, as it can sometimes cause unexpected issues.

4. Reload a Save: If all else fails, try reloading an earlier save from before you noticed she was missing. This can sometimes resolve glitches that cause NPCs to disappear.

5. Consider Her Schedule: Aela, unlike many other spouses, has a life outside of your marriage. She may be hunting or fulfilling duties related to the Companions. Check the outdoors areas around Whiterun.

The Importance of the Companions

The Companions are an integral part of Aela’s identity, and her involvement with them will significantly impact her post-marriage routine. Even after marriage, Aela remains a dedicated member of the Companions. This means she may return to Jorrvaskr to train, receive quests, or simply socialize with her fellow warriors. Keep in mind that this doesn’t necessarily indicate dissatisfaction with your marriage; it simply reflects her commitment to her chosen profession and her desire to maintain her connections with her comrades. Understanding and accepting this aspect of Aela’s character is crucial for a harmonious (albeit unconventional) marriage. The Games Learning Society explores how these interactions can impact player engagement.

FAQs: All Your Aela-Related Questions Answered

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Aela the Huntress after marriage, designed to address every concern and curiosity you might have:

Q1: Can Aela Still Become a Follower After Marriage?

Yes! Aela remains a fully functional follower after you marry her. You can ask her to accompany you on adventures, and she’ll fight alongside you just like before.

Q2: Does Aela’s Werewolf Form Affect Her Behavior After Marriage?

Not directly. While you can become a werewolf with Aela’s help, her own werewolf transformations don’t change her daily routine or location after marriage. You might see her transforming if she’s following you, but it won’t impact where she is when you’re not together.

Q3: Can I Move Aela to a Different House After Marriage?

Yes. Simply designate a different house as your primary residence through dialogue with Aela. She will eventually move her belongings and start residing there instead. This might take an in-game day or two.

Q4: Will Aela Give Me Gifts After Marriage?

Yes, Aela will occasionally give you gifts, typically food or valuable items she’s acquired. This is a common feature for all spouses in Skyrim.

Q5: Can Aela Open a Store After Marriage?

Yes! If you ask her, Aela can open a store in your home, generating a small amount of daily income. This is a great way to passively earn gold.

Q6: What Happens if I Divorce Aela (Through Console Commands)?

Divorcing Aela through console commands is possible on PC, but it’s not a standard game feature. It can lead to unpredictable consequences and potentially break quests or character relationships. Proceed with caution and save your game beforehand.

Q7: Can Aela Be Killed After Marriage?

Yes, Aela is still vulnerable to death after marriage, especially if she’s following you on dangerous adventures. Protect her well!

Q8: What Dialogue Options Change After Marrying Aela?

After marriage, you’ll gain new dialogue options with Aela related to your relationship, such as asking her about her day, requesting her to cook meals, or discussing moving to a different home.

Q9: Does Aela Comment on My Achievements After Marriage?

Yes, Aela may occasionally comment on your achievements, such as defeating dragons or completing major quests. These comments are usually generic and reflect her pride in your accomplishments.

Q10: Can I Marry Aela if I’m Already a Werewolf?

Yes, you can marry Aela regardless of your werewolf status. In fact, it can add an interesting dynamic to your relationship.

Q11: What Are the Benefits of Marrying Aela?

Besides companionship, marrying Aela provides several benefits, including the “Lover’s Comfort” bonus (increased skill learning), a daily income from her store, and the ability to have her as a follower.

Q12: Will Aela Participate in Hearthfire DLC Activities (Adopting Children)?

Yes, if you have the Hearthfire DLC, Aela can adopt children and help raise them in your home. She will interact with the children and contribute to their upbringing.

Q13: Can I Customize Aela’s Appearance After Marriage?

Not without mods. The base game doesn’t allow you to change Aela’s appearance after marriage.

Q14: What Happens if I Join the Dark Brotherhood After Marrying Aela?

Joining the Dark Brotherhood can affect your relationship with Aela. She may disapprove of your actions, leading to negative comments or even a change in her behavior. She might even leave.

Q15: Where can I learn more about how games influence learning and decision-making?

You can explore research and insights on the intersection of gaming and education at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. This organization examines how game mechanics and narratives can be applied to learning environments and real-world problem-solving. Or visit GamesLearningSociety.org

Conclusion: Embracing Aela’s Independent Spirit

Marrying Aela the Huntress in Skyrim is a unique experience. She’s not just a trophy wife; she’s an independent, strong-willed warrior with her own priorities. Understanding her character and respecting her commitments is key to a successful marriage. Embrace her adventurous spirit, provide her with a comfortable home, and be prepared for her occasional absences. By doing so, you’ll forge a bond that is both rewarding and unforgettable.