Lirael Ní Ahlbroc
Lirael Ní Ahlbroc (* 1962), also known in human society as Maria Hunting, is a human/Fir Bolg hybrid living in the secluded homestead nestled within the Moycullen Bogs near Galway. Born from the union of Frederic Hunting (* 1922; † 2019), a human, and Mairena Ní Ahlbroc (* 1825), a Fir Bolg, Lirael embodies a unique blend of both heritages. At the age of 61, she has made significant contributions to the fields of botany, alchemy, and the training of magical animals, all while maintaining a vibrant presence in Galway's musical scene.
Personality
Lirael is known for her vivacious and curious nature, traits that have fueled her explorations in botany and alchemy. Her affinity for both the human and Fir Bolg worlds has endowed her with a broad perspective and a deep empathy for all beings. Despite her love for the energy of human society, Lirael cherishes the tranquility of her bogland home, where she finds solace and inspiration for her work.
Appearance
Lirael's appearance is a striking blend of her dual heritage. She possesses dark skin and dark, curly hair typical of her human ancestry, complemented by distinct Fir Bolg features such as doe-like ears and a darkened nose tip. Despite her age, Lirael's Fir Bolg heritage grants her a youthful appearance and longevity uncommon among humans. When performing in Galway's pubs and nightclubs, Lirael employs a subtle spell to conceal her Fir Bolg attributes, allowing her to blend seamlessly into the human crowd.
Personal History
Lirael's life has been marked by a rich tapestry of experiences and achievements. Over the course of her life, she has continued to delve deeper into her passions for botany and alchemy, making notable advancements in the training of magical creatures. Her endeavor to train a Blue Moon Owl to assist in her botanical research, although ultimately unsuccessful due to the owl's mysterious disappearance, stands as a testament to her innovative spirit and determination.
Lirael's inclination towards human society has led her to a secondary career as a singer in Galway's vibrant music scene, where she is celebrated for her enchanting performances. This artistic outlet provides a counterbalance to her scholarly pursuits, showcasing the multifaceted nature of her talents.
Lirael's homestead in the Moycullen Bogs serves as her sanctuary, where she can retreat from the world and immerse herself in the peace and quiet of nature. It is here that she finds the clarity and inspiration to continue her work, surrounded by the beauty and magic of the land that bridges her two worlds.
Trivia
- Lirael possesses the ability to sense the well-being of a plant. This works especially well with magical plants. Since Kathrin Summerdale had demonstrated the same abilitiy after regaining her memories, she taught her how to control it.
- To receive letters from the Mundane world, Lirael has a mailbox address in Galway under the name Maria Hunting. A spell inside the mailbox transports any mail directly to her estate.
- Lirael's home looks abandoned and dilapidated from the outside, but that is merely an apperance she maintains to make it look uninteresting to strangers.