The Book of Love

Young Love

Enter the town of Riften. Sitting back from the main thoroughfare is the Temple of Mara. Head inside and speak to either Maramal (who may also be in the Bee and Barb); his priestess wife, Dinya Balu; or Briehl an acolyte. Any of them explain they are devoted to the goddess Mara, who gave mortals the gift of love. But to receive her blessing, you must first act as her hand in this world. Ask what you must do, and the priest explains the predicament of a young woman named Fastred. Her prayers were heard by her goddess and relayed to her servant; you must help her choose her suitor.

Travel to the fishing village of Ivarstead, which has seen better days. Locate the young lady named Fastred, who is usually chopping wood or working in her parents’ allotment. She asks if you’ve been sent from Mara, then explains that her parents are being impossible: Fastred has two suitors, but her favorite—Bassianus—wants to marry and relocate to Riften, which her father has forbidden. She also has a soft spot for another man—Klimmek—who is less adventurous and wants to stay in Ivarstead.

Both Boti (Mother) and Jofthor (Father) should be close by or near their dwelling. Speak to both parents in either order. Boti tells you that she actually likes Bassianus and can perhaps persuade her husband to change his mind over her child’s plans to leave for Riften. Talk with Jofthor, and he tells you that it isn’t Fastred’s plans to move that is upsetting him; she was supposedly “in love” with Klimmek until a few months ago, but he’s a little spineless and needs a good shove to win Fastred over: That way the younger generation can help save the town. With these differing opinions, you have a choice to make.

You now have a choice to make and neither is “wrong”; you can speak to either Bassianus Axius or Klimmek: Both are likely to be near the river. Decide on Bassianus and suggest that he elopes. Decide on Klimmek and tell him Fastred probably appreciates a more assertive man and tell him to be bold. You can become more negative in your conversation with either suitor if you change your mind. Once you push either man into the arms of Fastred (who agrees to either suitor), your work here is done.

Unrequited Love

Back in Riften, enter the Temple and inform Dinya Balu that you’ve helped the young lovers in Ivarstead. Mara has another task for you to perform: An older man named Calcelmo must open up about his romantic troubles. Seek and help him on his path.

Journey to Markarth, and venture into the Understone Keep. In the cathedral-sized interior chamber to the west, you’re likely to find Calcelmo. Brush off his initial impoliteness, and inform him Mara sent you. He tells you he’s been thinking about Faleen, Igmund’s Housecarl (bodyguard). He longs for her but becomes tongue-tied when he tries to speak. Finding the right thing to say is the key here, and Calcelmo recommends you seek out Yngvar, who is more popular with the ladies. He may be able to help.

Find Yngvar, who is usually leaning near a bridge in Markarth’s main thoroughfare. Engage him in conversation, bringing the chatter around to Faleen. You’ll find out that she secretly enjoys poetry, and Yngvar has just the verse, if you’re ready to receive his golden words—which are going to cost you 200 gold pieces. You must pay the man to receive the poem.

• 200 gold pieces
• Love Poem

Locate Faleen next to her master, in the throne chamber inside Understone Keep. You may reveal as much or little as you like about Calcelmo, but you must hand over the poem, which both surprises and impresses her greatly. In return, she gives you a letter to give back to him; it isn’t as eloquent but is certain to please him.

• Faleen’s Letter to Calcelmo

Hand Calcelmo the letter, and he leaves to join with Faleen and their love blossoms.

Deep Love

Dinya Balu has one last task to test you with in the final aspect of love, a strong love that can survive storms and even death. You must take the symbol of Mara and rejoin to wandering souls, binding them to this world.

• Amulet of Mara

Head to Gjukar’s Monument and seek the ghost of Ruki. She has turned over every body in this long-forgotten battlefield but cannot find her soul mate. Mention the last battle was hundreds of years ago, but Ruki still believes she’s witnessing the battle afresh. Begin the search anew.

Ruki was searching in the wrong place; her lover’s spirit resides on the heath to the south of Greenspring Hollow. Tell Fenrig that his wife is looking for him in the plains to the west. He agrees but must report back to camp by sunrise: Again, this is another spirit living in the past.

Either Fast-Travel or trek back to Gjukar’s Monument, where the couple embrace, then slowly rise into the air. Their spirits grow brighter as they ascend, until they become two bright points in the night sky, forever circling each other.

Quest Conclusion

Return one last time to Dinya Balu and explain that you helped the long-dead lovers find each other. She congratulates you on achieving the higher comprehension of love and says the Blessings of Mara will shine with you. You receive the following (which is different from the temporary Blessing of Mara if you pray at any of her shrines):

• Perk: Agent of Mara