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Cimorene x Mendanbar is the het ship between Cimorene and Mendanbar from the The Enchanted Forest Chronicles fandom.
Canon[]
Cimorene is a human woman who was born a princess, while Mendanbar is a human man who became King of the Enchanted Forest. Having both grown up among royals but possessing rather atypical bents towards practicality and independence, both of them had a disdain for pointless traditions and for the way many princes and princesses behaved or were expected to behave. Both Cimorene and Mendanbar are tall and dark-haired.
Mendanbar first learned of Cimorene before he met her, and unfortunately it was from her enemy Zemenar the wizard. Already being disdainful of princesses on principle, Mendanbar was all too willing to believe that Cimorene was the manipulator Zemenar declared her to be whether from ignorance or malice. Faced with the prospect of having to deal with Cimorene when he went to visit her employer Kazul, the King of the Dragons, Mendanbar was far from pleased. However, upon seeing a sign Cimorene had erected warning off wizards, among other undesirables, he actually found himself amused.
Cimorene, for her part, initially mistook Mendanbar for the latest in a series of “rescuers” come to liberate her from Kazul. Mendanbar was somewhat baffled in their first encounter due to Cimorene sporting an apron and rolled-up sleeves, but in spite of that found her quite attractive. After clearing up the misunderstanding, and informing Cimorene that her friend Morwen had sent him to see Kazul, Mendanbar was invited in to Kazul’s caves. Cimorene also encouraged Mendanbar to address her by name, as she rarely used the title princess anymore.
The two then discussed Cimorene’s difficulties with knights attempting to rescue her, and Mendanbar commented that they sounded like many annoying princesses of his acquaintance. He briefly feared that Cimorene would be offended, but she wholeheartedly agreed with the sentiment. Cimorene even revealed that she made a point of sending her would-be rescuers to princesses who seemed more suited to them. Afterwards, Mendanbar assisted Cimorene with her clogged kitchen sink using his magic sword. In the process, he explained how he had been to see Morwen and then visited Zemenar, but noted to himself that Cimorene wasn’t at all as Zemenar had described her.
Mendanbar would become irritated when Cimorene revealed that she didn’t know when Kazul would be back, until she clarified that Kazul was missing. The two discussed Kazul’s disappearance, and troubles that had preceded it and Mendanbar’s own decision to meet with Kazul. Cimorene also brought Mendanbar up to speed on the disputes between the dragons and the wizards. As a result, Mendanbar quickly realized that Zemenar, not Cimorene, was the one to cause trouble.
The two briefly questioned Zemenar’s apparent attempts to start a war between the dragons and the Enchanted Forest, and whether anyone else might be to blame. Mendanbar became alarmed, however, upon learning that Cimorene intended to set out alone to find Kazul. Cimorene responded stubbornly, confident in her ability to take care of herself, but understood Mendanbar’s concern when she pointed out that if she did come to harm it would only add to any possible tensions. However, Cimorene could see no other alternative, and upon learning that she had no one who could accompany her, Mendanbar reluctantly volunteered to do so himself.
Cimorene reacted to his offer with amusement, somewhat wounding Mendanbar until she explained that she could see he was not truly any more eager to accompany her than she was to have a companion. The pair were interrupted by a noise that Cimorene deduced to be wizards, and Mendanbar followed as she went to investigate. The two found Zemenar’s son and fellow wizard Antorell, and Mendanbar was impressed when Cimorene failed to fall for Antorell’s smooth talk. Soon the pair were engaged in battle with Antorell and a monster that he had summoned, and they proved an effective team during the confrontation. After Mendanbar dispatched the monster, Cimorene seemed to regard him with grudging admiration.
Cimorene apologized for allowing Antorell to strike Mendanbar during the fight, having feared that her soapy water-a proven method of stopping wizards-might have affected him as well. The two discussed the encounter briefly, and upon learning that creatures like the one Antorell had summoned were common in the Enchanted Forest, Cimorene agreed to Mendanbar’s offer to escort her. She also teased him a bit, making his companionship sound only slightly more pleasant than encountering monsters.
Mendanbar was somewhat puzzled when Cimorene commented on the nature of the magic he worked with his sword, and the sword’s own tendency to “leak” magic. As a safeguard against pursuit, she provided him with a magic-blocking scabbard, which he accepted upon finding that it didn’t inhibit his ability to use the sword. Upon departing the cave, the pair became involved in a lengthy and engaging conversation about magic. Eventually they reached the castle of Ballimore the giantess, and when they were invited in Mendanbar offered Cimorene his arm, which she accepted with similar mock courtliness.
Cimorene became embarrassed when Ballimore mistook Mendanbar for Cimorene’s "young man." When Cimorene later scoffs at Ballimore's husband Dobbilan, Mendanbar senses that she doesn't put much stock in appearance at the expense of practicality. The two later spontaneously suggest that Dobbilan could give up raiding and pillaging and become a consultant. When Ballimore again voices the assumption that Mendanbar and Cimorene are a couple, Mendanbar looks to Cimorene. Cimorene, however, has apparently concluded that it's useless to try and talk Ballimore out of her notion.
At Ballimore's invitation, Mendanbar leads Cimorene to places set for them at the giants' table. Cimorene warns him against having any dessert, explaining that Ballimore's cauldron of plenty produces some fairly disgusting options. The two eventually broach the subject of borrowing a flying carpet, only to learn that Dobbilan is under the impression that they've been cleaned out. Mendanbar questions whether Cimorene knows anywhere else they might go to find one, but Ballimore insists on taking a look around for them, prompting the pair to spend the night at the giants' castle.
The two reunite at breakfast the next morning, with Mendanbar inviting Cimorene to join him and Cimorene accepting gratefully. Both are later highly amused by a squabble between Dobbilan and Ballimore, and they briefly discuss the two giants as they eat breakfast. When Cimorene expresses concern over Kazul, Mendanbar tries to reassure her in spite of not being entirely sure if what he's saying is the truth. Ballimore once again refers to Mendanbar as Cimorene's "young man", but neither of them attempt to object.
Ballimore provides the pair with a flying carpet she has found, though they are dubious of its appearance and of Ballimore's somewhat incomplete instructions as to how to operate it. As they're flying, Cimorene becomes annoyed with Mendanbar first for taking actions that affect the carpet's steering, and then because his sword seemingly starts leaking magic again. The carpet begins behaving erratically, and Cimorene blames Mendanbar only for him to deny any guilt. Mendanbar looks at Cimorene and sees that some of her hair has come loose and is streaming across her face. In spite of her obvious irritation, he is surprised to find that it makes Cimorene look quite attractive, though he quickly banishes the thought.
When the carpet plunges towards the ground, Mendanbar acts quickly to save himself and Cimorene from the fall. After recovering, Cimorene gives Mendanbar a smile. They briefly discuss the carpet and decide to roll it up and carry it for a time before trying to fly with it again. Upon arriving at a nearby house, they meet Herman the dwarf, who also mistakes the two of them for a couple. They soon learn that the grumpy dwarf is a descendant of Rumplestiltskin, and get his permission to make use of a scrying window inside his house.
Mendanbar is impressed after Cimorene performs a dragon spell to strengthen the window's enchantment, and they then witness Kazul being held prisoner by wizards. The window later breaks when Cimorene attempts to learn Kazul's exact location, leaving her discouraged. However, Mendanbar reassures her by pointing out that they now know that Kazul is in the clutches of the Society of Wizards and that she is somewhere in the Enchanted Forest. As the King of the Enchanted Forest, he should have little difficulty locating Kazul once they're within the borders of his kingdom.
As they're taking their leave of Herman, Mendanbar and Cimorene come up with the idea that the dwarf could start a boarding school in order to help with the expense of all the children who have ended up in his care. The two decide to carry the carpet again for a while, and Mendanbar notes that Cimorene is surprisingly strong. He comments on it and learns that she's developed muscles from carrying around dragon-sized portions of various desserts. At Cimorene's suggestion, the two of them stop for lunch, and Cimorene laughs when Mendanbar asks whether she'd like to serve or if he should do so himself.
The pair enjoy a pleasant meal and conversation about their various acquaintances. Cimorene becomes troubled, however, to sense Mendanbar's sword leaking magic again. Mendanbar is once again unable to sense what she does but takes her concerns seriously. After he speculates that the sword is acting this way due to being outside the Enchanted Forest, Cimorene suggests that they make their way there as quickly as possible. Not wishing to risk the carpet again, Mendanbar proposes trying to transport them to the forest with the sword but admits that he's never used it for that purpose outside the forest before. To himself, he notes that he's never used any of his magic outside the forest since he became king and doesn't want to alert Cimorene to this fact for fear of appearing foolish.
Cimorene decides to go along with the suggestion, questioning how she can assist Mendanbar and offering him a smile as she does so. Mendanbar returns the expression, and notes that he's never collaborated with another magic user before. Cimorene is appalled to learn that he's effectively been trying to run the entire Enchanted Forest on his own, noting that the dragons were similarly lacking in administration before she helped Kazul straighten things out. When Mendanbar questions how Cimorene even knew where to start, she shows some embarrassment and admits that she studied a number of topics growing up that weren't considered proper for a princess. This later leads him to make another insulting remark about princesses, only to remember that Cimorene herself is a princess.
In response to Mendanbar's awkward attempt at an apology, Cimorene laughs and advises him to get back to trying to get them into the Enchanted Forest. Mendanbar does so with a deal of effort and attempts his transportation spell only for it to fail and cause him to lose consciousness. Just as he's passing out, Mendanbar expresses the hope that Cimorene hasn't been harmed. When he wakes up, Cimorene is looming over him in obvious distress. Not liking to see her in this state, he attempts to reassure her but is caught up in a coughing fit. Cimorene urges him to rest, reassuring him about his sword and herself, and Mendanbar is pleasantly surprised to realize that she is concerned about his well-being.
Mendanbar also discovers that Cimorene's peace of mind feels like a great priority to him and is trying to think how he can express this when he once again falls unconscious. Later, when he awakes and starts to rise, Cimorene rushes to him and examines him carefully, showing obvious relief when he appears unhurt. Mendanbar soon learns that his bouts of unconsciousness have lasted four hours altogether, and that he looked quite terrible throughout that period. He also sees that he has brought Cimorene and himself to an area that has partially been transformed to resemble part of the Enchanted Forest. As Mendanbar gets to his feet, it takes some effort, and Cimorene's concern returns.
Offering her some reassurance, Mendanbar examines the situation and then uses his sword to draw the magic it has expended back into it, causing the patch of forest-like area to disappear. Cimorene cautions him before he does so, and Mendanbar smiles at her mixture of concern and sternness. Once he's completed the task, he gives her another smile, but the two are then set upon by rock snakes. Mendanbar uses his sword to incinerate one going after Cimorene, and then hopes that she can defend herself with her own sword as several more of the animals set upon them.
After the brief but intense skirmish, Mendanbar is relieved to see Cimorene unharmed and says as much, with Cimorene noting that he's pretty handy with a sword himself to his immense pleasure. Mendanbar notes that he is using a magical sword, but with a smile Cimorene notes that hers is also enchanted. After cleaning her weapon off with a handkerchief, Cimorene offers it to Mendanbar so he can clean his own sword, which he accepts gratefully. The two are then preparing to leave using the carpet, only to be interrupted by the surprise appearance of a man who introduces himself as the magician Telemain.
While Cimorene is explaining some of their plans to Telemain, Mendanbar is glad to note that she doesn't convey their exact purposes in traveling to the Enchanted Forest to the stranger. As they become acquainted with Telemain, the magician proves to have a penchant for overly technical language, which Mendanbar is able to understand and translate for Cimorene. Telemain, having examined the flying carpet and deemed it unsafe for use, transports Mendanbar and Cimorene to see his acquaintance Gypsy Jack in hopes of getting it fixed. Mendanbar and Cimorene exchange looks after the unannounced transit. After speaking to Jack, they agree to stay the night with him and continue to the Enchanted Forest the next day, leaving the carpet with him for repair.
Cimorene and Mendanbar later exchange looks and shrugs when Telemain informs them that he intends to accompany them. Later, as Cimorene and Telemain are talking, Mendanbar finds himself unable to process his own thoughts while they're speaking and so gives heed to what they're saying. Mendanbar backs up Cimorene's story about the scrying window-which Telemain happens to have enchanted-but the group is interrupted by the arrival of a hostile wizard. Mendanbar looks to Cimorene after they learn of this development and then follows her outside as she goes to confront the newcomer. Cimorene is stunned when Mendanbar easily handles the wizard's magic and forces him to flee, though Mendanbar admits that the wizard's disappearance was his own doing and not Mendanbar's.
Both Mendanbar and Cimorene agree that Telemain can hold onto the wizard's abandoned staff, and Cimorene then alerts Mendanbar that his sword is once again putting off magic. Having determined that Telemain is an ally, Mendanbar agrees that the magician can accompany them, though he looks to Cimorene for her approval as well. Later, Mendanbar keeps quiet as Telemain expresses his doubts that the wizards are looking to provoke a war between the dragons and the Enchanted Forest, not wanting to make Cimorene worry more than she already is. After spending the night in Jack's guest rooms-Mendanbar having shared one with Telemain-the group discuss their travel plans over breakfast the following morning.
Telemain proposes that Mendanbar try his transportation spell again, promising to set up protective enchantments so that Mendanbar doesn't suffer the same consequences as before. Cimorene takes some convincing on this point, but Mendanbar ultimately decides to go along with the plan. Later, Mendanbar notices Cimorene looking concerned, and when she questions him Mendanbar does his best to assure her that he will exercise greater caution in addition to letting Telemain set up his wards. When Cimorene protests that Mendanbar shouldn't take chances for the sake of helping her, Mendanbar retorts that not only is he happy to assist her but also feels that the mess is his responsibility to sort out as King of the Enchanted Forest.
Exasperated, Cimorene comments that Mendanbar's approach to running his kingdom has left him looking tired even before they started their adventure, but their discussion is interrupted by Telemain's arrival. After Mendanbar transports all three of them successfully into the Enchanted Forest with no ill effects, Cimorene informs him that the sword is no longer giving off magic. Mendanbar then asks Telemain to look at an area of the forest devastated by the wizards and calms an anxious Cimorene by promising to use his own magic to look for Kazul while Telemain is busy. Though less than thrilled, Cimorene soon concedes to Mendanbar's point after she sees the extent of the damage.
Cimorene watches Mendanbar as he works his locating spell and realizes that something is troubling him, and he confesses that something unusual has happened. He later rushes to transport Cimorene, Telemain, and himself back to his palace, and Mendanbar assures Cimorene that he should be able to find the wizards in spite of the disruption. Upon arriving at the palace, they discover that Morwen is there with a couple of visitors. On top of learning that Morwen and Telemain are old acquaintances, Mendanbar and Cimorene soon learn that Morwen's companions encountered wizard on their way into the Enchanted Forest. The two also exchange looks during the visitors' account, realizing that the newcomers' presence is partly due to their own efforts in convincing Dobbilan to give up his raiding occupation.
Having determined that Kazul is being held in a cave, Mendanbar opens a discussion as to how they should proceed, and Cimorene is the first to voice her thoughts on the matter. She also supports Mendanbar in informing one of the visitors, a spoiled young prince, that he doesn't get to accompany them due to having expressed a wish to stay in one of Mendanbar's dungeons. Cimorene also asks whether Mendabar has any buckets that they can fill with lemon juice and soapy water for melting wizards; though unsure where any might be, Mendanbar has the matter seen to. Cimorene later reminds Mendanbar of how the wizard who attacked them at Jack's commented on how Mendanbar was able to counter his magic and suggests that Mendanbar might be able to stop the Society of Wizards.
When Mendanbar announces his plan to scout out the cave alone, Cimorene immediately and repeatedly objects despite Mendanbar's protests. As everyone argues for inclusion on Mendanbar's expedition, he eventually tells them all to be silent. Cimorene, after a moment of surprise, responds with a smile. However, Cimorene also dissuades from arguing against Morwen, Telemain, and herself accompanying him. Once Mendanbar has transported the group to the cave entrance they intend to use, he points the direction out for Cimorene and cautions her due to a nearby waterfall making the stones slick.
Upon finding that a stretch of the cave is only wide enough for the group to pass single file, Mendanbar takes the lead and has Cimorene placed at the rear. Though not pleased, Cimorene assents to this arrangement, but later walks beside Mendanbar in the front once the cave widens. Mendanbar has mixed feelings about this, worrying for Cimorene's safety in spite of both knowing how capable she is and enjoying being in her company. As they walk, Mendanbar finds himself wishing that he could put his arm around Cimorene as they walk and thinks about all the personality traits Cimorene has that he admires. Quite suddenly, Mendanbar starts to process just how strong his regard for Cimorene has become in their short acquaintance, only for them to discover that they're close to where the wizards are waiting.
Cimorene later puts her hand on Mendanbar's shoulder and gives it a squeeze as a silent signal that Morwen and Telemain have taken up position as Mendanbar has instructed. Mendanbar is displeased to discover that the wizards detected his earlier location spell, but Cimorene's reaction is beyond his ability to decipher. Later, after Cimorene's presence is discovered and an attack is launched at her, Mendanbar deliberately reveals himself in order to distract attention from her. Cimorene later comes up behind Mendanbar as he is confronting the wizards and unwittingly makes a remark that inspires him. Mendanbar hits the wizards with a conjured deluge of soapy water, but Cimorene has to remind him to add lemon juice in order for it to melt the wizards.
Mendanbar later deciphers another of Telemain's technical commentaries for Cimorene, but they soon discover that Kazul is still trapped by the wizards' barrier spell. Fortunately, Telemain reasons that Mendanbar can break it using his sword. After he does so, Cimorene introduces Mendanbar to Kazul-once again putting her hand on his shoulder-and explains that Mendanbar is responsible for freeing the King of the Dragons. As Kazul begins leaving the cave, accompanied by Cimorene, Mendanbar briefly tries to caution them but ultimately decides that it's best to just follow along in case there are more wizards waiting outside.
The companions emerge to discover another devastated area of the Enchanted Forest, much to Mendanbar's dismay. However, Telemain notes that the magic stolen from the area was used for the spell that trapped Kazul, and Cimorene reasons that Mendanbar can now return that magic to the forest using the sword. Mendanbar attempts to do so but struggles until Cimorene puts her hand on his shoulder again and encourages him. Despite her confidence, Cimorene is astonished by the immediate restoration of the once wasted area. She later joins Mendanbar in cautioning Telemain about handling the wizards' staffs, not wanting to damage the newly repaired forest.
Once Mendanbar has transported the entire group back to his castle, Cimorene takes Kazul along to the kitchen to see about getting her friend fed. Mendanbar has mixed feelings at this, wanting to speak to Cimorene, but in private and not knowing quite how to express his feelings. He later visits her in the kitchen but is quickly shooed out after making sure the castle cook will do as Cimorene asks. Mendanbar notes that Cimorene is welcome to stay at the castle, but a smiling Cimorene then insists that he leave her to get on with preparing food both for Kazul and the other denizens and visitors at the palace.
Some days later, Mendanbar speaks to Cimorene about his concern that the wizards might do more damage to the forest, and she suggests that he discuss the matter with Telemain. With the help of the magician, Mendanbar is able to work out an enchantment that will protect the forest and goes to tell Cimorene once it's been established. He notes that his sword will have to remain in the forest to keep the enchantment in effect. When Cimorene questions what he'll do if he ever has to leave the forest again, Mendanbar says that he'll bring a different sword with him, amusing Cimorene by referring to her own words about the sword drawing too much attention outside the forest.
When Cimorene notes that Kazul will soon be ready to leave, Mendanbar asks whether Cimorene will be going with her. Intrigued by his question, Cimorene asks what else she might do, and Mendanbar-rather awkwardly-invites her to remain at the castle in the Enchanted Forest...as his queen. When he finally manages to convey that he loves her, Cimorene embraces him and comments that he should have led with that point. Once Cimorene clarifies that Mendanbar has, in fact, just proposed to her, she accepts, and the two share a kiss.
Kazul, upon being informed, is pleased for the both of them, having expected that Cimorene would soon be leaving her. As the two old friends become wistful, Mendanbar graciously invites Kazul to join him and Cimorene for dinners in the future, much to the pleasure of both of them. Wedding preparations are soon underway, and Mendanbar is surprised to learn that Cimorene is one of seven sisters. As they discuss the matter, he finds that his old dislike of princesses has ebbed now that he's engaged to Cimorene. Upon hearing that her sisters might not be the simpletons most princesses are, Mendanbar suggests that perhaps he and Cimorene should elope, but this suggestion is rejected.
Cimorene and Mendanbar are then dismayed when they received a letter from Cimorene's parents offering Mendanbar half their kingdom for "rescuing" Cimorene, as well as a list of relatives who should be invited to the wedding. Mendanbar quickly responds to inform them that he has no interest in any portion of their kingdom, and he again suggests that elopement might be a better option as the list of guests continues to lengthen. One invitee who is displeased at their choice of venue is a gargoyle built into the wall of Mendanbar's study, who is unwilling to be removed from his place in order to be present at the wedding ceremony. However, at the suggestion that Cimorene will stop in to see him before she goes to the ceremony-meaning that the gargoyle will see her in her wedding dress before Mendanbar does-the creature gloatingly agrees, and Cimorene apologizes to Mendanbar for a situation that the gargoyle will be sure to taunt him about in the future.
Finally, the day of the wedding arrives, and despite the multitude of unusual guests Mendanbar quickly becomes focused only on Cimorene once she appears. Despite some nerves, he gets through the ceremony without issue, and he and Cimorene are soon locked in a passionate kiss. It is with some reluctance that he breaks it at Telemain's prompting, with Cimorene's amused expression indicating that she was in no hurry to stop either. Mendanbar once again gripes that he and Cimorene would have been better off eloping, though Cimorene comments that he doesn't really mean it. The two later share a laugh before going to enjoy the festivities as husband and wife.
By the time of this book, Mendanbar and Cimorene have been married for a little over a year and are expecting their first child. The pair are reported to be visiting a beach with Kazul early in the story, with the castle gargoyle complaining that Mendanbar has become rather overly preoccupied with his wife due to her pregnancy. The two return from their trip shortly before Morwen and Telemain arrive with news that wizards have appeared in the forest again. Mendanbar comments that he’d sensed oddities in the magic of the forest, and Cimorene takes him to task for not telling her and is exasperated to find that it’s due to concern for her and the baby.
Mendanbar helps to translate Telemain’s technical jargon for Cinorene before going to retrieve his magic sword. When Mendanbar returns to report it stolen and evidence of wizards, Cimorene steps in front of him and casts her fire-proofing spell to protect him from a blast of fire unleashed by an enraged Kazul. Afterwards, he expresses gratitude that his wife is so close to him in height. Cimorene is later amused to learn that, for the sake of maintaining what remains of the protective enchantment upon the forest, Mendanbar won’t be able to leave the forest to go after the sword himself.
Later, as Telemain is explaining his new wizard-melting spell, Mendanbar once again provides a translation for Cimorene. She, in turn, informs him that they do have one of the ingredients Telemain needs for it, but that it’s been labeled as cleaning fluid for their magic mirror. Mendanbar apparently finds this objectionable at first, until Cimorene explains that she did it for safekeeping. He’s even amused when she points out that no one but her will even think of cleaning the mirror, which is overseen by the gargoyle.
Cimorene later becomes anxious upon realizing that she and Morwen are keeping Mendanbar and Telemain waiting. She also expresses gratitude to her husband for attending to his side of the preparations needed for Telemain’s spell. When Cimorene again becomes annoyed with Telemain’s technical jargon, Morwen suggests that Cimorene speak to Mendanbar while Morwen and Telemain discuss the spell. Later, Morwen is grateful when circumstances work out so that she doesn’t have to assist Cimorene and Telemain in convincing Mendanbar that he has to remain in the forest.
Much to Mendanbar’s displeasure, Cimorene has to accompany the mission to retrieve the sword, as she’s presently the only other person who can hold it outside of the Enchanted Forest. He uses his magic to bring Cimorene and the others to the border of the forest, though he’s obviously not content with the situation. Mendanbar also promises to look out for their return, with Cimorene promising that they’ll contact him during the mission. He makes a final attempt to arrange things so that he can go, even asking whether the protection spell could be transferred to Cimorene instead.
Cimorene objects to this, and Telemain reiterates an earlier argument that it’s not possible. The royal couple step aside as Cimorene once again has to reassure Mendanbar and point out that she is essential to the recovery of the sword. Even so, he continues to object to her going, going so far as to say that they should let the wizards keep the sword rather than risk Cimorene and the baby. Giving Mendanbar a kiss on the nose, Cimorene responds kindly that she knows he isn’t serious and does her best to reassure him, even as she herself is clearly excited to begin the journey.
After Cimorene’s party has made considerable progress on their way to the wizards’ headquarters, Cimorene asks for Telemain’s assistance in contacting Mendanbar, blushing slightly when she broached the subject with Morwen. Upon being reached through their magic mirror, Mendanbar is worried, but Cimorene informs him that all is well on their end. Mendanbar reports encountering a number of wizards and warned that they were carrying dragonsbane. Sensing at this point that the two want to speak privately, Morwen leads Telemain away, though Morwen’s cat Triuble later describes the ensuing conversation as “mushy.”
Cimorene expresses confidence that her husband has matters in the forest well in hand, but Morwen is grateful that an ominous comment by one of her cats is beyond Cimorene’s understanding. Upon arriving in a tower once belonging to a sorceress, Cimorene asks whether there’s a magic mirror she can use to contact Mendanbar. When the mirror questions whether Mendanbar would actually talk to Cimorene, Cimorene responds that they’re married. She becomes alarmed when the mirror is unable to contact Mendanbar, and speaks to Kazul who promptly departs to return to the forest.
The unsettling situation makes Cimorene all the more anxious to retrieve the sword and return to the forest. After learning that their recent teleportation mishap may have been caused by wizards, Cimorene is all the more concerned that she couldn’t speak to Mendanbar. Her concern only grows when Telemain, after examining the mirror in the tower, finds no reason why it shouldn’t be able to contact the castle mirror. Morwen tries to reassure Cimorene, but Cimorene recognizes that her husband’s situation is perilous. She is forced to concede that completing their mission is the best way to help Mendanbar, even as she longs to be with him.
Cimorene’s urgency prompts her to insist on the party, now joined by the fire-witch Brandel and his cat Horatio, using enchanted objects to fly to where they’ve learned Mendanbar’s sword is being kept. She again expresses urgency when the group stops briefly, fearing what might be happening back in the forest. Later, she becomes short-tempered with a member of their party whose noisy outbursts potentially endanger their mission. Cimorene also acts somewhat recklessly upon finding the sword at last, leading to her being temporarily ensnared by a freezing spell cast by Antorell.
From the Wizard, Cimorene learns to her horror that the entire Society of Wizards is attempting to seize the castle in the Enchanted Forest. Despite this, she asserts that Mendanbar, with Kazul’s help, is capable of dealing with the invasion. However, Cimorene is greatly alarmed when she and her friends return to the castle to find it surrounded by devastated forest and a shield spell cast by the wizards. Upon meeting a cousin of Brandel’s who came to help against the wizards, Cimorene immediately asks after Mendanbar.
Cimorene insists on being taken to Kazul, and interrupts her dragon friend’s conversation to ask about Mendanbar. She goes white when Kazul expresses uncertainty as to Mendanbar’s whereabouts, and then insists on being told whether her husband is dead. Morwen reassures Cimorene that this isn’t the case, as the Enchanted Forest makes sure that its residents are made aware when a king dies. Cimorene soon becomes desperate to find some way of speaking to Mendanbar inside the castle, only to be interrupted by his steward Willin.
From Willin, Cimorene learns that Mendanbar sent the castle staff away and thus confronted the wizards alone. Telemain comments that this was actually a wise strategy, allowing Mendanbar to fight without restraint, but Cimorene retorts angrily that it seems to have failed. Willin soon gives a full account of what transpired in their absence, assuring Cimorene that he did his best to stay by Mendanbar’s side and being comforted by a grateful Cimorene in turn. Cimorene later reports that she can’t actually use Mendanbar’s sword actively, with her marriage only allowing her to carry it without harm.
Cimorene thanks Kazul and Brandel’s cousin for their efforts against the wizards, her voice betraying to Kazul her growing fear that Mendanbar is lost to her. Kazul reassures her that they will rescue Mendanbar, but Cimorene comments on the impossibility of doing so without Mendanbar being present to use the sword against the shield spell. However, she listens with interest as Morwen translates a report from Trouble, one of her cats, who managed to enter the castle and learn what the wizards did to Mendanbar. Cimorene thus learns that Mendanbar has been magically sealed away, and questions how they can free him.
Upon learning that they’d need to get into the castle to do so, Cimorene fears that her husband will be trapped forever. However, Morwen suggests that, though none of them can use the sword against the shield spell at present, there is someone who will be able to eventually. Cimorene, realizing that Morwen is refer to her unborn child, is aghast, particularly since it would mean leaving Mendanbar trapped until the baby is old enough to use the sword. She refuses to wait that long, particularly for fear that the wizards might return to kill Mendanbar in the meantime.
Unfortunately, Cimorene finds the situation beyond her control, as her various attempts to break through the shield spell prove fruitless. She is thus forced to accept that her and Mendanbar’s son Daystar is her only hope of seeing her husband again. Fortunately, the dragons are able to copy the wizards’ shield spell and cast one of their own to prevent the wizards from getting at Mendanbar themselves. Then, in order to safeguard the forest, the sword, her chance at being reunited with Mendanbar, Daystar, and herself, Cimorene takes up a solitary residence outside the forest with her son to wait until he is old enough to rescue his father.
Sixteen years after Mendanbar's imprisonment, Cimorene is discovered in hiding by Antorell. Though she easily melts him yet again, she decides that the time has come for Daystar to set out in search of his father. She thus recovers Mendanbar's sword from its hiding place and gives it to Daystar. However, in order to prevent the wizards from being able to find Daystar and the sword, she refuses to give him more explanation than is absolutely necessary. It is, after all, their only chance of being reunited with Mendanbar.
During the course of his ensuing journey, Daystar notes that Cimorene never spoke to him about his father, and that he had never asked her about him. Eventually, Daystar discovers that the sword belongs to the King of the Enchanted Forest, and that it is Daystar's task to use it to free the king. It is only when he finally frees and meets Mendanbar, however, that Daystar realizes that his mother was preparing him for the task of rescuing his own father. Kazul, having guessed at Mendanbar's escape, swiftly flew off to retrieve Cimorene and bring her back to the palace.
Upon seeing his wife, Mendanbar immediately rushed to and embrace her, while Cimorene was seen to both cry and laugh in her husband's embrace. After a moment, they parted briefly, with Mendanbar speaking to Kazul about the battle with the wizards while Cimorene caught up with Daystar and met his new friend Shiara. When Daystar thwarted a murderous attack by Antorell against Cimorene, Cimorene quickly deduced what Daystar had done to the wizard, whereas Mendanbar was initially puzzled. Daystar turned around at this moment to find Mendanbar looking at Cimorene, later smiling at her after Shiara's rather explosive reaction to the sudden turn of events.
Mendanbar transported Cimorene and the others inside the palace and asked Cimorene to begin the recounting of events that would bring everyone up to speed. This included the story of how she and Mendanbar had met and married, the theft of his sword and his imprisonment, and finally the plan for Daystar to free his father from captivity and the necessity of keeping Daystar in the dark as much as possible. Both Mendanbar and Cimorene then listened to Daystar's own account and were both surprised upon learning that he and Shiara had unwittingly put a spell on Shiara that allowed her to use her magic if she was sincerely polite to people.
When Cimorene voices the opinion that Shiara will be the next Queen of the Enchanted Forest-meaning that she and Daystar will get married-Mendanbar is amused and suggests that she might be getting ahead of things a bit. He suggests that the group go outside to enjoy a feast that's been prepared, and Cimorene agrees. The two sit together at one end of the long banqueting table. During a speech he makes during the feast, Mendanbar presents Cimorene to the gathering as his wife.
Later, when Morwen and Telemain reveal that they're planning to marry, Mendanbar asks Cimorene whether she was aware of their plans. Cimorene smiles and gives a somewhat vague answer, which Mendanbar accepts before offering his best wishes to the engaged couple. The two later go with Daystar to see Shiara off as she leaves to serve as Kazul's new princess.Children[]
Daystar[]
Daystar is Cimorene and Mendanbar’s son and heir. Due to his father’s magical imprisonment, Daystar spent the first seventeen years of his life without him. Moreover, due to precautions taken by Cimorene, Daystar wasn’t even aware of his father’s name or the royal status of either of his parents.
Fanon[]
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Cimorene and Mendanbar’s relationship is among the most prominent in The Enchanted Forest Chronicles. Talking to Dragons, the first book of the series to be written-though ultimately the last in chronological order-centers around the two being reunited after nearly two decades of separation. The other works in the series provide setup for that story, with the second and third works heavily featuring the pair’s relationship. A number of fan works also feature interactions between them, often taking place after their reunion.
There are 37 works tagged for the relationship on AO3.
Fandom[]
- FAN FICTION
- Cimorene/Mendanbar tag on AO3