Online:Aelif

Aelif is a Khajiit member of the Fighters Guild. She can be found in every alliance's territory as she is major character in the Fighters Guild story.

You first meet Aelif after saving her from daedra. She continues to aid you in finding Molag Bal's weapon. It is eventually revealed that Aelif is actually a worshipper of Molag Bal. She attempts to convince you to kill guildmaster Sees-All-Colors, which may or may not be successful depending on your choice.

She can later be found in Heart's Grief during the final part of the Main Quest, where she is being tortured for eternity by Molag Bal. Attempting to free her will transform her into a hostile Bloody Skeleton.
 

Related Quests






Quest-Related Events
Anchors from the Harbour
The Guildmaster sends you to find Aelif and Merric, who are looking to destroy some Dark Anchors. You find them fighting off some cultists.

Speak to Aelif before speaking to Merric, she'll just say:
:"This worm was a disappointment to Aelif. He was not much of a fight."

Then introduce yourself to Merric, who will welcome you and tell you to search the bodies. After this, Aelif and Merric have a conversation about you.
:Merric: "Watch after the new recruit, Aelif. Colors would hate it if we lost another one."
:Aelif: "Yes, yes. Aelif will watch the new blood. Hmmph. Resolutes."
If you talk to Aelif, she will direct you back to your task.
:"You heard Merric, new blood. Search those bodies. Aelif will check this one."
Search the bodies of the cultists. A projection of a Dremora woman appears.
:Doshia: ''"Cease your meddling, scum! The Redguard's soul will fuel the Mortuum Vivicus. Nothing you can do can stop it!"
:Aelif: "Dark Moons! What was that?"
Talk to Aelif.
:"That vision! A Dremora woman, talking about Merric. Why would she want my hapless companion?"
:Who was that?
:"Aelif has no idea. Whoever she is, she is no friend to the Guild. Or Merric."
:She's after his soul, she said.
:"It would seem so. This one cannot imagine the value of such a thing. Too shiny, and dripping with pride. Just the same, we must warn him. And the guild. Aelif will go after Merric. Return to Sees-All-Colors. Tell her what you have seen. Go!"
:I'm on it.

Speaking to her again:
:"Return to Vulkhel Guard/Davon's Watch/Daggerfall quick as you can, comrade. Sees-All-Colors must know!"''

Return to Sees-All-Colors, then look again for Aelif and Merric at Sees-All-Colors' request. You will find Aelif locked in a fight with various daedra.
:Aelif: "Welcome to the fight, comrade. Claws out, and watch yourself!"
:Doshia: "Fools! You cannot stand against the might of Molag Bal!"
New enemies will appear.
:Aelif: "More coming. Brace yourself!"
:Doshia: "Cease your meddling, mortal. The Master has plans for the Redguard."
Defeat some more daedra.
:Aelif: "What was that voice?"
:Doshia: ''"Quite the little fighter. We're not done with you yet!"
Defeat Spinesnap.
:Doshia: "Hah! You're too late! I've found him. The Redguard is mine!"
:Aelif: "Merric ran off after some other Daedra. Get after him! Don't let her take him!"''
You're too late. The Dremora takes Merric. Aelif runs up to you.
:Aelif: "Merric? Comrade? What happened? Where did you go?"
Talk to Aelif.
:"Doshia! That such a weakling could take one such as Merric …."
:Where did they go?
:"How would Aelif know? She was behind you."
:'''Perhaps we wait for Sees-All-Colors? She said she'd rally the Guild.
:"Oh yes, Colors, the heroic Guildmaster. Pff. We don't need to wait for Colors. You and Aelif are more than smart enough to figure this out. Here, give those items you found on the cultists."
:Who was that woman? Who kidnapped Merric?


You can also ask her about the items you found.
:"May good fortune stalk your steps, comrade."
:What did you think of those objects I found?
:"Which do you mean? The gear? Or the relic?"
::Tell me about the gear / And about the gear?.
:::"Ancient. Dwemer. Worn in places, this piece was used in one of their constructs. Smells... fresh in some ways. Has been away from any ruins for a while. Shame. Might have been able to learn something more."
::Did you notice something about the relic? / And about the relic?

::What's your story, Aelif?
:::"Aelif makes her way as she can, helps the Guild as she can. Just a humble Khajiit. Originally from the city of Dune. This one is of little importance."

After you save Merric, Aelif can be found outside the ruins with the reinforcements. She will surprised at your survival.
:"You're alive? You surprise this one. You're stronger than she thought."

After finishing the quest with Sees-All-Colors, you can speak to her before leaving:
:"Aelif is sure she will see you again, hero."''

The Prismatic Core
After investigating Abagarlas with Sees-All-Colors, you'll find Aelif with Merric at the Earth Forge:
:"Merric will know what to do. This one is planning to practice her bladework while you two are working inside."

Following the attack on the forge, you and Merric will meet up with Aelif near the entrance:
:Merric at-Aswala: "By Stendarr! Are you all right Aelif?"
:Aelif: "What happened in there? How did these worms find the Forge?"
:Merric at-Aswala: "We were finishing up when they appeared. They were after the crystal and tome. How did they know? How did they know about this place?"
:Aelif: "Aelif does not know. Merric, this whole thing is madness. She has us hunting Daedra, and now they come calling on our doorstep …."
: 
:Merric at-Aswala: "Aelif! Behind you!"
:Jofnir Iceblade: "Aelif, Merric. I do not rest easily."
:Aelif: ''"Dark moons! Guildmaster Iceblade, what's happening?"
:Jofnir Iceblade: "I was murdered, comrades. Seek my killer. Let me find peace."
:Merric at-Aswala: "Jofnir, wait! Who killed you?"
: 
:Aelif: "Interesting. Very interesting. Aelif has her suspicions."''

If you speak to her, she'll say:
:''"Jofnir murdered! The whole guild will hear of this. And Aelif's suspicions."

The Dangerous Past
Aelif is not involved in the quest, but she can be spoken to before your mission to Mzeneldt:
:"This one greets your return, comrade."
:How are you doing?
:"Aelif is well, moons be bright for asking. She worries about the time and money spent on this ... quest. We destroy anchors, slaughter Daedra. But what is accomplished?"
:Did you learn anything from Doshia’s journal?
:"Ask our dear guildmaster, comrade. She spent many favors and much coin having it translated. And refuses to share the results with Aelif! If Aelif cannot be trusted, who can?"
After returning from Mzeneldt:
:"You are back. Impressive. Aelif still cannot see what the godless Dwarves might have had. What would they have that Guildmaster Sees-All-Colors would want?"
After turning in the quest to Merric:
:"You’re starting to make quite the name for yourself, you know. Just be sure not to be too noticeable. Aelif is worried that the brave mouse will get eaten by the hungry cat."''

Proving the Deed
If you haven't started the quest yet, you can speak to her on top of the Fighter's Guild headquarters or Kozanset's tower:
:''"The guild's spear returns. Aelif has been thinking of you."''

If you haven't spoken to Merric at the Guild Council, you can find Aelif outside on the top floor of the Fighter's Guild headquarters, you can speak to her:
:"Bright Moons, comrade. Good to see you again. Go on inside, Merric is waiting. We have much to discuss, but Aelif can wait a few moments more."

After speaking with Merric at the Guild Council, go to speak with Aelif who will be outside.
:"You have spoken to Merric, then? Seen the council? It is about time we acted."
:Good to see you too, Aelif.
:''"This one apologizes, comrade. She has been urging action for some time. Finally, to be able to … ahem. We have been tasked with investigating Jofnir's death, yes? We should begin."
:What do you want me to do?
:"Jofnir kept a room nearby. Aelif gave instructions no one was to be allowed inside until  we arrived. I shall keep watch here. Enter Jofnir's quarters, and search for … something. Anything, to suggest a road to travel."
:I'll let you know what I find.

After agreeing to investigate, you can ask Aelif some more questions.
:"Aelif knew she could trust you."
::Why aren't you with the council and Merric?
::"Too many voices. All of them very important, used to being heard. They want this mystery solved and they want it solved now. They are used to combat, direct action. All this thinking hurts their heads."
:::Not you?
:::"Heh, Aelif would have hoped you'd notice by now. This one loves to fight. Loves the thrill of combat. But a thorny puzzle, a tricky lock, a track to follow in the woods? Just as much fun as a blade in a brawl."
::What am I looking for?
:::"Anything our of place, anything connected with a place or person. We thought his death just the touch of chance, so we did not know to search. Anything might be a clue."
::How did the guild think Jofnir died? / How did Jofnir died?
::"We found him in his quarters. The endless sleep. It was very sudden. But at the time, we thought nothing of it. Jofnir was getting old. Sooner or later one of the faster blades would have made him sit down."
:::No signs of combat?
:::"None. And slow though he was, he never would have gone to … what was it? Yes, Sovngarde. He never would have gone to Sovngarde without a fight."''

When you have finished searching Jofnir's quarters you can show Aelif the evidence.
:"What have you found?"
:Jofnir visited a place called Ragnthar, and spoke of meeting someone.
:"Interesting, interesting. Ragnthar is a Dwarven ruin. Why would he …? We must travel there, comrade. See if we can uncover more."
::There was a soul gem, and gem fragments, in his quarters.
:::"Now Aelif is truly surprised. The Guildmaster had the magical prowess of a particularly slow horse. What was he doing at that ruin?"
::There were a number of Dwemer relics in his quarters.
:::"Relics? Jofnir was no scribe. He was like most Nords this one has met: a warhammer diplomat. The Guild lost some contracts because of it, but the rank-and-file loved him."

Once you have shown her at least one of the clues you have found, you can tell Aelif about the town he mentions in his journal. It will differ depending on your alliance.


After asking other Guild members about Jofnir and Ragnthar, you can meet Aelif at the meeting spot, where she is ready to enter Ragnthar.
:"Welcome! This one is anxious to get moving. Aelif will lead the way to Ragnthar, if you're ready?"
:Lead the way, Aelif.
:"Here we go. Try to keep up, yes?"

:Aelif: "Follow, comrade."
She will then run off in the direction of Ragnthar, while she leads you there, Aelif will tell you her own opinions on recent events.
:Aelif: "This one cannot wait to taste the air in Ragnthar."
:Aelif: "Jofnir visits a remote Dwemer ruin just before his death. No coincidence."
:Aelif: "And now the Guild openly opposes a Daedric Prince! Risky, risky."
:Aelif: "To throw the guild against such power. Foolish."
:Aelif: "This one remembers when we fought Goblins, bandits."
:Aelif: "Small contracts. "One and done," yes?"
:Aelif: "Almost there. Be on your guard."
:Aelif: "And here we are. Ragnthar."

Once you arrive at Ragnthar, there will be a barrier blocking the entrance.
:"Welcome to Ragathar. The barrier here is a relic of its builders. They did something very…strange to this place."
:What did they do?
:"Ragnthar is twisted out of space. This entrance here will allow us in. But it is not really here. If that makes sense? Lucky for us, Aelif came prepared. She can bring the door into focus. Let us inside."
:How are you going to do that?
:"In her travels, Aelif has learned little tricks and techniques. She has fought mages, Daedra, the undead. Even werewolves. You don't hunt monsters as long as she has without learning a thing or two."
:After you, then.

:Aelif: "This one will just be a moment."
: 
:Aelif: "The sound of gears … watch yourself!"

When you enter Ragnthar you can ask Aelif what clues you should be looking for.
:"Aelif is certain this ruin will yield answers."
:What are we looking for?
:"Anything to help explain Jofnir's death. Aelif is certain: it is no coincidence he came here just before he died. We will the connection somewhere in this warren of gears and pipes."

After some exploring you will something that stands out, only to be stopped by a glowing gold barrier, which obscures what is there.
:Aelif: "An impressive tactic."

:"Are you well, comrade? Did it harm you?"
:I'm fine. What's going on?
:"A protective barrier. With something inside? Aelif can sense a great power here. Formidable. But this one knows a spell to negate it."
:You can bring it down?
:"Not without your assistance. Aelif will subdue the crystals. You must destroy them. Your window will be short. The spell is taxing, and Aelif can only maintain it for so long. Be quick."
::Got it. I'm ready. (This will end the conversation and start the next stage.)
::Can you go over it one more time?
:::"Aelif will begin her spell. You run to each of the for crystals. The crystals empower the barrier. Destroy all four crystals, and the barrier will fall."

Once you are ready to go:
:Aelif: "Prepare yourself. Move your paws quickly."
:Aelif: "Now! Destroy the crystals!"

If you failed to destroy all crystals in time, you can retry:
:"Well. That did not go as planned."
:Can we try again?
:"Of course. Aelif hopes you are ready this time. This is a difficult spell."
:Can you explain again?
:"As Aelif begins to cast, move to a crystal. Destroy it. Move to the next crystal, destroy it. Move on. Avoid the barrier, and be fast on your feet."
:I'm ready. / Ready.

When the last crystal is destroyed, it will reveal what was hidden.
:Aelif: "Good. Now to examine … the body?"

If you speak with her she will say:
:"Quickly, comrade. Check the body."

When you take the insignia, strange sounds will be heard around you.
:Aelif: "That … did not sound good."

Several Dwemer machines will start attacking you.
:Aelif: "It is a trap!"

Once you have defeated the machines, a more dangerous foe will appear.
:Aelif: "An Auroran? Here?" 

After defeating the Auroran Battlemage, you can ask Aelif what she knows.
:"Aelif is pleased to have you at her side."
::What was that armored creature?
:::"They are called Aurorans. A strange type of Daedra, I think. Aelif has only faced them once before. If she recalls correctly, they choose their allegiances carefully. Very curious that we would face them here."
::Aelif, there was a guild insignia on the corpse.
::"Let Aelif see… this is Jofnir's! His body, here? But why? He was to be interred near his home in Eastmarch."
:::The barrier was around his body.
:::"Keeping us out, yes. But perhaps. Perhaps also keeping him in? Aelif has tried to have Jofnir summoned from Aetherius. And it has never worked. Perhaps now… Aelif has an idea."
::::What's your idea?
::::"Perhaps with the barrier down, we speak to him directly. This one knows how to reach out. Aelif can draw him to this place, so close to his body. What do you say? Are you ready to get some answers?"
:::::I'm ready.
:::::"You have seen the spirit of Jofnir, but always just for a moment. This one believes we can summon him. Speak to him. Learn who murdered him."
::::::You can do that?
::::::"Aelif told you, she has power. Magical gifts, connections to lands beyond. She will use them to draw the spirit to this place. Then we shall see, yes? We begin."
::::::Go ahead.'''
thumb|right|Aelif questions the spirit of Jofnir Iceblade
She will then perform a ritual to speak to Jofnir Iceblade's spirit:
:Aelif: "Aelif will start the ritual."
:Jofnir Iceblade: "Who summons me?"
:Aelif: "Hush, spirit. Aelif will ask the question."
:Jofnir Iceblade: "What do you wish to know?"
:Jofnir Iceblade: "I will tell you what I can."
:Aelif: "Aelif demands the name of your murderer."
:Aelif: "Who killed you, Jofnir?"
:Jofnir Iceblade: "It was the Argonian, my subordinate, Sees-All-Colors."
:Aelif: "This one knew it would be so."
:Aelif: "Begone, spirit. Aelif is done with you."
:Jofnir Iceblade: "I have done as you asked. Release me to walk in Sovngarde."
:Aelif: "Go. Aelif will call for you again, soon."
:Aelif: "Sovngarde indeed."

When you speak with Aelif afterwards, she will sound vindicated.
:"You heard the Guildmaster. Sees-All-Colors. She murdered Jofnir."
:'''It's hard to believe.
:"Perhaps for you. This one has suspected all along. The lizard was the one to become Guildmaster. The lizard was the one who set us on this crusade. Aelif smelled something foul on the wind."
:What happens now?
 
:I'll see it done.

Speaking to her again:
:"This one knew Sees-All-Colors was responsible."''

Will of the Council
After receiving word from Bera, Aelif will be waiting for you at one of your alliance's guildhalls.
:"It is good Bera found you, comrade. The Bright Moons know Aelif is glad to see you again. She would trust no one else for the task before us today."
:What are we going to do?
:"The council has spoken. Sees-All-Colors never returned to the fold after your visit to Abagarlas. She has fled, she is guilty … she must be killed."
:'''If she hasn't been found yet, how will we locate her.
:"I have an idea, but we must confer with Merric. He's returned to the Earth Forge, to finish work on the Prismatic Core. Aelif is ready to open a portal, take us straight to his side. Are you prepared?"
:I'm ready, Aelif.

She will then create the portal but you can ask her some questions before you leave.
:"Lead on. Aelif follows."
:What of Molag Bal's plan?
::"This "Mortuum Vivicus" Aelif has heard so much about? She does not know. Those visions of the past you saw in Ragnthar, at Abagarlas, made it sound like a potent threat. But … what if Colors was behind all of that? Aelif does not know."
:You seem eager to find Sees-All-Colors.
::"Yes, she is. Very eager. Aelif has resented Colors since the day she took over. This obsession with the Daedra, with the anchors … together we will put an end to her foolish leadership and this unwinnable crusade."
::You won't continue the contract against the Daedra?
::"A foolish war against the might of a Daedric Prince? Why would Aelif want to put an end to that? This one has the backing of the generals, comrade. You may be speaking with the new Guildmaster after today."
:What happened since last we spoke?
::"Much, comrade. And not enough. Aelif had Jofnir appear to the council, to Merric. They were reluctant to believe, but they could not deny Guildmaster Iceblade. His testimony is one of the reasons she did not release him to Sovngarde."
::One of the reasons?
::"You will see, my friend. In any case, after Aelif's testimony the whole guild was put on alert. They scour Tamriel for their Guildmaster, and all thought of Daedra and this weapon of Molag Bal's falls by the wayside."''

Once you arrive at the Earth Forge, Aelif will lead you to Merric. While you both overhear Merric's singing Aelif will mention the task ahead:
:Aelif: "Seems like we were just here, yes?"
:Merric at-Aswala: "By forge and fire, we prep for war!"
:Aelif: "Ah, you hear Merric there, at the forge. He has already begun."
:Merric at-Aswala: "With war in our eyes we ready to die!"
:Aelif: "This Prismatic Weapon could be a powerful force against Molag Bal, yes?"
:Merric at-Aswala: "With death in hand we bear our blades!"
:Aelif: "It is a difficult task we undertake today. To hunt a comrade."
:Merric at-Aswala: ''"By Stendarr's blade will we settle the score!"
: 
:Aelif: "I'll begin the ritual."
:Merric at-Aswala: "My friends, you came just in time. I'm almost done."

After speaking with Merric and choosing the form of the Prismatic Weapon, Aelif will summon Jofnir to learn of Sees-All-Colors location:
:Aelif: "Let us summon our old friend. He will know where his murderer hides."
:Jofnir Iceblade: "Damn it, cat! Can't you let an old ghost be at peace?"
:Aelif: "Not just yet, old Nord. Aelif has one more question for you. Where is Sees-All-Colors? Where does she hide?"
:Jofnir Iceblade: "You know I can't … I can't tell you. He holds me bound."
:Aelif: "Tell Aelif, or she will show you what it means to be bound!"
:Jofnir Iceblade: "Ah! She … she sought out the Mortuum Vivicus! It's … it's in the Halls of Submission! Don't go comrades, she's …."
: 
:Aelif: "Enough! Aelif is up to the challenge. But don't worry, Jofnir. She will let Molag Bal know how helpful you've been."
: 
:Merric at-Aswala: "The weapon is ready, comrade. Take it from the anvil, and follow us into battle!"

While you explore the Halls of Submission, you will eventually come across a strange mechanism holding a door closed. Aelif will recognize it and will take charge which you and Merric will follow:
:Aelif: "Hmm. Just a moment. Aelif recognizes this set up."
:Aelif: "Yes! These crystals control access to the room ahead. Comrade, focus on that first crystal."
: 
:Aelif: "By the Mace! It worked! Comrade, come to this crystal here. Merric, you focus on the one by the door."
:Merric at-Aswala: "I've got it!"
:Aelif: "That's it! Merric, you hold that beam. Aelif will use the last crystal to open the door. We are almost there."
: 
:Aelif: "Just one more beam and we are through this door!"
: 
:Aelif: "Success! Let's go. Sees-All-Colors must be close."
:Merric at-Aswala: "Feels like the old days, Aelif. Let's get this done!"''

Once you arrive at the Mortuum Vivicus, Sees-All-Colors will be in front of it though she won't attack. Aelif will insist you slay her quickly:
:"What are you waiting for, comrade? Kill her!"

After hearing Sees-All-Colors explanation, you can choose to either spare or kill her. If you decide to speak to your companions first, Aelif will almost be spitting with rage:
:"Kill her! Such lies she tells! Sees-All-Colors killed Jofnir. She must die!"
:Why so insistent, Aelif?
:''"You're no fool. We have fought together, side by side. The council has decreed her death! Do what must be done, lest Aelif do it herself."
:Sees-All-Colors claims to worship Meridia.
:"The lizard is here, in Coldharbour! This thing, this construct. It must be the Mortuum Vivicus, comrade! We have caught her in her obvious lies! Though, it is true, Meridia is the prince of fools and weaklings. Perfect for that scaled traitor."

 
Either choice you make involving Sees-All-Colors, Aelif will quickly make her own move afterwards.

If you chose to slay Sees-All-Colors, Aelif will gloat as she reveals her true nature:
:Aelif: "Fool! You serve Molag Bal well today by destroying Meridia's servant!"

If you chose to spare Sees-All-Colors, Aelif will scream in frustration and bind the Argonian in a lightning field:
:Aelif: "Idiot! Must I do everything? In Molag Bal's name, die!"
 

Aelif will then summon Daedric fonts which will allow Daedra to come in and attack you:
:Aelif: "By the Master's grace, I summon these fonts. May they power me with his wrath to crush my enemies."
:Aelif: "I can feel his power coursing through me! Minions of Molag Bal! Hear my words and defeat the enemies of the Mace!"

As you shut down each Daedric Blood Font and kill the reinforcements, Aelif will continue to shout at you:
:Aelif: "The guild cannot stand against the forces of Molag Bal!"
:Aelif: "You were fools! Fools!"
:Aelif: "The Master's Will be done!"
:Aelif: "I can taste your fear, comrade."
:Aelif: "You can't escape from the Master's Mace!"
 
 Once you shut down the last Blood Font, Aelif herself will get involved.
:Aelif: "Time to take care of you myself!"

Soon after attacking her, Molag Bal will step in and transform her into a Daedric Titan.
:Molag Bal: "A boon for my servant. Receive my power and destroy them!"

As she approaches death, Molag Bal will be enraged by her failure.
:Molag Bal: "Aelif, you miserable failure! You are not worthy of my gifts!"''
 

God of Schemes
thumb|right|Aelif in Heart's Grief
If you have completed the Fighters Guild questline, Aelif will be found imprisoned in the Heart's Grief Vestibule. If she is spoken to, she will bargain with you to release her.
:"Comrade … Aelif never thought to see you again. What are you doing here?"
:'''I'm here to stop your Master's plot.
:"Then … then you need Aelif. She worked at the Master's command for years. Quiet, careful. She knows things. Things... things you want to know."
:Why would I ever trust you?
:"Think of the things we did together, comrade. Our hunt for the traitor … fighting the Dwemer constructs. Remember Aelif—your friend."

If you choose to release her, she will cry out.
:Aelif: "Master, no!"''
She then turns into a hostile Bloody Skeleton.