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Redwall Romance: Mariel and Dandin
By: Erin
When you think of Redwall romance, it's almost guaranteed that one couple pops to mind- Martin and Rose. Everyone always seems to forget one of the best relationships in the books, namely, that of Mariel and Dandin.
No, we don't see them get married, or know of any descendants. I don't believe it's even stated that they are in love. But they are undeniably best friends and close companions for two entire books! And at the end of "The Bellmaker" we find that Mariel and Dandin have sailed off together in the Pearl Queen, along with their good friend, Bowly Pintips, 'to see what lay beyond the horizon'. (A making of a new and unusual Redwall tale? Perhaps with new creatures from other continents? I hope so!)
When you think of it that way, doesn't it make you terribly curious? It's really leaving you at a cliffhanger. What will happen with Dandin and Mariel? Will they fall in love (Or more likely, acknowledge the love that's already there)?
Dandin and Mariel are a great team- they fight well together in battle, and when they disagree, it rarely amounts to more than good-natured joking. Unlike so many of the 'couples' in this series (Martin & Rose, Oak Tom & Tree Rose, Matthias & Cornflower, Gonff & Columbine, etc. etc.) Mariel and Dandin are equals, which adds a nice balance to the relationship. Mariel is a warrior, through and through, and doesn't need protection from anyone- but that doesn't mean she doesn't like to have Dandin around to guard her back.
These two are also some of the most realistic characters in the series, the most like people you know and encounter everyday. "Storm" is spunky and tough as iron, too proud to accept help from anyone. But she's not another stonehearted warrior. She breaks down in distress at the horrible memories of Gabool. Dandin, as well, has his faults- being recklessly bold first and foremost (don't tell me he's not. Would YOU throw yourself off a tower in a rainstorm? Don't answer that.).
Probably the main reason they aren't as lauded as the other pairs is because we don't know what happens. They're a huge "What's next?" in the Redwall series. Those of us who want to hear more about this irrepressible pair should band together to mail Brian Jacques, asking for it!