Character Talk: Ariadne Moss

Full Name - Ariadne Jane Moss
Gift - Wind
Birthday - October 31st, 1999
Parents - Montgomery and Jane Moss

Tears glistened like fresh rain upon Ariadne’s face. Her eyes were a cloudy shade of gray, and her nose was dotted with faded freckles. A small bundle of fur rested gently in the crook of her elbow.

- Erin Forbes, Fire & Ice: The Elementals

First impressions are not always an accurate representation, and Gifted readers have learned this from the headstrong and stubborn character of Ariadne Moss. Upon her first appearance in the Fire & Ice book series, the wind-gifted girl suffers depression under the disappearance of her classmate. This scene of introduction sets the tale into motion. Amidst the flowering roses of the courtyard, Ariadne forages a valuable friendship with the Hanley sisters. 

There are few characters with such determination, which she displays throughout the pages of the series. Her inner strength never fails to inspire young readers; for this reason, she is often chosen as a favorite in the cast of characters. 

Although she does not claim the main role, Ariadne Moss has an enchanting tale of her own. So, what makes readers fall in love with her? In this blog post, we shall muse over the life of one brave little girl, who grew into an extraordinary young woman.  

A young girl trailed behind her, skipping through the autumn leaves as her short brown hair blew wildly in the breeze. With every step the young girl took, a trail of miniature wind spirals twirled in her wake. Each footstep swept away the fallen leaves in a curious golden vortex. Her lightly freckled face was home to a pixie-like nose and familiar pair of gray eyes. ​

- Erin Forbes, Fire & Ice: The Elementals 
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Ariadne Moss is the only daughter born into a well-known clan of shopkeepers in the village of Willowcrest. She was raised behind the counter of her father's famous store, where she learned the names of countless herbs and common crystals. Her love for literature developed at a young age, when she first climbed the spiral staircase into the libraries of the Moss Shop. At the age of eight, three years after discovering her unusual connection to the autumn wind, she was enrolled in the Academy for Gifted Youth. Behind the castle walls, she befriended Juniper Stone, a curious girl who taught her about the value of wonder and imagination. It was not long before a certain pair of twins entered her life, and everything changed. 
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She always speaks her mind.

Her name is Lydia Ludwig,” said Killian. “She lives in a small cottage in the village of Willowcrest. I have been told the old woman was a childhood friend of Orinthia Hanley.” 
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“Oh, no!” exclaimed Ariadne. “There is no way I will be visiting that lunatic. The young apprentices always hide behind the counter when Lydia enters the Moss Shop. There is something very strange about the way she walks around, watching us behind her circular spectacles. My mother is the only person who can find the nerve to assist the old woman with her purchases.

- Erin Forbes, Fire & Ice: The Lost Dreamer

​Although there are times when she doesn't have to...
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An undeniable expression of discomfort was settled in the depths of Ariadne’s gray eyes. She was seated on the edge of her velvet chair, clasping her hands together with tension. She did not care to hide the various expressions of distaste that formed across her pale lips. I glared at her from across the room, allowing my lack of words to speak with strength. 

- Erin Forbes, Fire & Ice: The Lost Dreamer

​She stands by her morals.

“You’re a strange girl, Ariadne Moss,” remarked Cleo. “It is no wonder that people avoid you.” 
“It is better to be strange than it is to be arrogant,” retorted Ariadne. ​

- Erin Forbes, Fire & Ice: The Lost Dreamer

​She is a steadfast and loyal friend. 

Ariadne Moss provides an example of unfiltered, true, and honest friendship. She isn't afraid to speak the truth, even when it may cost her something of importance. Ariadne embodies the freedom of the summer breeze, full of laughter and pure sincerity. Without her words of wit and wisdom, the Elementals would not be complete, and the realm of Aisling would not be so fortunate.