Amulet of Mara

Two days later. I awoke the next morning to Ria, who was sitting at the foot of the bed with a smile on her face.

"Hello, Harbinger," she giggled. "Did you do it?"

"Do what?" I asked.

"You know what I'm talking about."

"No, I don't."

"Come on. You told me you like him, or is it something more?"

"Who? Vilkas?"

"Who else did you think it was?"

"You've got me," I chuckled. "What should I do?"

"Tell him how you feel. The sooner, the better. Firstly, you'll need to go to Riften, home of the Temple of Mara."

"Oh, yes. That's where my parents married."

"Most weddings in Skyrim take place there. Usually, if you love someone, wearing an Amulet of Mara shows the other person that you're interested in spending the rest of your life with them. The priest of Mara, Maramal, will sell you one for 200 gold."

"How about a dress? I think I'd look silly walking down the aisle in a suit of armor."

"There's Radiant raiment in Solitude. They make the finest clothes in Skyrim. And if you want Jewelry, there's plenty of that in Markarth, which has the most plentiful silver supply in Skyrim. I could tag along with you for that if you want."

"That would be great. Thank you."

"No, problem. Anything for my best friend."

That was when Aela entered the room. "I couldn't help but overhear that you two are headed to Riften," she said. "Be careful and keep an eye on your pockets. As you probably already know, the Thieves Guild lives there."

We headed down to Riften. Upon entering through the main gate, we overheard the following conversation between a Nord mercenary named Mjoll the Lioness and her Imperial friend, Aerin:

"I had another run-in with the Thieves Guild."

"Be careful, Mjoll. The Thieves Guild has Maven Black-Briar at her back. One snap of her fingers, and you could end up in Riften Jail... or worse."

"They represent the reason I'm here. I can't just ignore them, Aerin."

"I know. I just don't want you to leave; you're the only good thing that's happened to this city in a long time."

I approached Mjoll and she said to me: "You're a stranger here, too, huh?"

"You're not from Riften?"

"I've been adventuring across Tamriel since I was a fresh-faced young woman barely able to swing a blade. My travels have taken me from High Rock to Valenwood, Elsweyr to Morrowind, and all points in between."

"Why are you here, then?"

"Many years ago, I lost my blade, "Grimsever," within a Dwarven ruin. I took it as a sign that I was wasting my time in search of wealth. You and I are alike. We seek challenge and great fortune. But for me, that's where the similarities end. You see, Riften is my great beast to be slain, and my fortune comes from gratitude and trust."

"You said something about someone by the name of Maven Black-Briar."

"Yes, she's the matriarch of the family. That bitch represents everything that's wrong with this city. She's bribed countless officials, has friends back in the Imperial city, and freely associates with the Thieves Guild. I've tried everything I can to protect Riften's citizens from her family, but to no avail."

"Who else is in the family?"

"Well, there's Ingun Black-Briar, Maven's daughter. Strange girl. She likes to spend her time down in Elgrim's Elixirs working on her alchemy. Then you have Hemming, Maven's son. Spoiled brat and heir to her empire. He follows her word like a loyal dog follows its master. And finally, Sibbi, the worst of all of them. He's in Riften Jail for murder."

"As for the Thieves Guild"

"To call it a guild is ridiculous. How can people who would betray one another over a gold coin be considered part of an association? They're the worst kind. Even the Dark Brotherhood abides by a strict set of rules and traditions. These thieves are just rabble. What do you think?"

"I agree completely."

"You know, I'm beginning to respect you. Other than Aerin, you seem to be the only other person I've met I might be able to trust. Since we share the same opinion of them, let me warn you that they're recruiting others to join their "guild," and you should be cautious."

"Thanks for the warning."

Ria and I both arrived at the temple, where Maramal greeted us: "Blessings of Mara upon you two."

"Hi," I greeted. "I hear that I could have a wedding here."

"Yes. If you were ready, of course. Are you familiar with how marriage works in Skyrim?"

"I might. Why don't you remind me?"

"Typically, love in Skyrim is as earnest as the people who live here. Life is hard and short, so there is little room for long courtship. A person who is looking for a spouse simply wears an Amulet of Mara about the neck, showing they are available. When another person shows interest, and the two agree to be together, one of them comes to the Temple, and we arrange a ceremony."

"I'll buy an Amulet of Mara." I handed him a bag of 200 gold.

"Here you are. Now remember, people in Skyrim respond to deeds. You will find more people interested in your love if you help them. Good luck. Mara bless you."

Ria and I arrived at the Bee & Barb to enjoy a bottle of mead.

"So, Svanhild," said Ria. "Are you looking forward to telling Vilkas how you feel?"

"I must admit that I feel incredibly nervous. I've never had feeling for a guy like I did Vilkas."

"I get that. I'm sure you'll find a time and place for it."

"Maybe," I chuckled.

That was when a grizzled old man named approached Ria.

"That's my seat, you filthy Imperial," he growled.

"Piss off," Ria hissed. "I don't see your name written on it."

"It's bad enough that your people mean to take our history and crush it all in the name of some damned treaty and killed my daughter!"

"That's enough, Vulwulf!" yelled the Argonian bartender, Talen-Jei. "You've had more than enough to drink tonight."

"Mind your own business, you stupid lizard!" roared Vulwulf. "I'm here to teach this Imperial bitch a less... Ow!" I yanked his beard.

"Leave her alone, you intolerant bag of mammoth dung!" I snarled.

"Why do you care," he groaned in pain. "You should be joining the fight to her people.. Aaagh!" I yanked his beard even harder.

"I'll have you know that we're both Companions, so we don't have time for your petty political power struggles," I let go. "And consider yourself lucky that I didn't rip your beard off."

"Damn," Ria chuckled. "You didn't have to do that."

"Well," I replied. "Someone had to teach that bastard that his bigotry would only get him so far."

"Honestly, I would have loved to see you rip his beard off. And thanks for standing up for me."