#ladon and orange

[daytura]

[Orange] continues to talk about Green. "Green's basically my sister. She has crazy time powers." "What does she do with them?" "She writes stories, mainly." "Stories," Ladon echoes. "Like myths." "Yeah," Orange replies.

[draconic-atomic]

Finally just shed my stupid scales, last time for the year.

*Ladon slumped over onto his kitchen floor, sitting with a bag of tortilla chips and way too much salsa on a plate.*

Ugh, I hate back pain. And not being held. Kill me.

Open rp!!! Literally any rp blog cmeeeeere but I'm gonna tag some for funsies. Also some people I tag are just people that Ambrose has interacted with. Orange is ooc btw. Gonna add that to pinned later.

@wheelbarrowofstagefourcancer @crowned-phantom-official @d-adpool @the-w0lverine hiii everybody

[millenniumfae]

Hades Fish - What They Taste Like, And How To Cook Them

TARTARUS

Hellfish - Evolved from pond snails, and as Achilles says in his codex, they traveled from the surface to the Underworld by sticking to the bottom of Charon's boat, and eventually became undead. Around the size of a navel orange. Tastes mostly like regular freshwater snail, except less of the 'dirt' aftertaste and more 'metallic blood' thanks to the Styx. Usually served lightly blanched to avoid chewiness, and served drizzled with oil and salt.

Knucklehead - Originally the spirits of common saltwater sardines and anchovies that convalesced into their own undead species. Classical Greece's fishing economy centered heavily around those two fishes, and that cultural reverence essentially brought the Knucklehead to existence, so to speak, through indirect worship. Average size of 12-15 inches, and they no longer have scales or skin, exposing their translucent green flesh. Has the flaky texture of oil fish when cooked, and tastes like if you stuffed a sardine with pennies.

Scyllascion - Related to the legendary Scylla, but didn't spawn from her as individuals. Like real life catfish, they can keep growing to monstrous sizes, and are aggressive and territorial. Only one Scyllascion hangs out in each large patch of Styx. Zagreus only ever catches the younger, smaller ones, since the huge varieties are too smart to be fooled by a Rod Of Fishing. Caught Scyllascion range from 17 inches to a Great Dane. It's cooked by removing its iron-hard head and fins, then roasted whole or in stews. Meat is surprisingly mild and absorbs flavor well.

ASPHODEL

Slavug - An example of a species that never evolved from a surface animal. They spend an equal amount of time in and out of the lava, sometimes hanging out on the rocks or the shore. An adult Slavug is about a foot long, and five inches thick. When they die, they go from lava-hot to stone cold, and usually cooked by boiled or steamed whole. Slice them like a cake to serve. The flesh is bouncy and porous like bread, and they taste like shellfish.

Chrustacean - These clearly-lobster-adjacent fish are not tolerant to the lava like the Slavug is, its carapace serves as a heat-proof shield. Shades of Asphodel sometimes keep them as pets because of their inquisitive, friendly behavior. Cooking Chrustaceans means prying off their metal shell before exposing them to heat, which leaves their raw, goopy flesh exposed before cooked to firm and usually made into lobster cakes, or as toppings on salad. Tastes like if a lobster was boiled in a sulfur spring.

Flameater - Canonically thought to be native to the Underworld, and perhaps related to the Ladon dragon that Heracles killed. Its large maw is actually a filter feeding system for Phlegathon's minerals, and its passive and shy, making it hard to catch. Average size of a desktop keyboard, and its mouth alone can stretch to the circumference of an umbrella. Cooked through application of frostbite by use of ice, usually by burying it in an icebox for 15-20 minutes. Eaten alone, its weirdly cartilage-ridden and tastes strongly of overcooked egg, but it makes for a great broth or stock starter.

ELYSIUM

Chlam - All fish of the Lethe feed on memories, and this one most of all. Evolved from surface scallops, not clams, lending it its flat, ridged shell and glowing eyes. Usually around the size of a human hand, but the older ones can be the size of a truck tire. Has the soft texture of real life scallops, but its taste depends on what memories it had most recently eaten; bittersweet, salty, horny, etc. Cooking multiple Chlams together in a stew makes for a taste best described as 'headache-inducing' if not spiced correctly.

Charp - The Codex entry implies that its the shade of real life Koi fish (which are colored varieties of the widespread Amur carp), but Hades also implies that its mythology exists independently outside of the Greek world. Koi wouldn't naturally exist above ground, and no one in-game would be familiar with them aside from a possible passing encounter. Therefore, the Charp evolved from common Greek carp into an undead species similar to the koi, and a few worldly shades have remarked on its similarity to a surface species found on distant shores. Like real-life koi, it tastes and cooks like carp, but tinged with memories like the Chlam.

Seamare - Thanks to the Lethe's calm, warmer waters, it has a few reefs that house a natural-borne seahorse-akin fish. They only feed on pleasant memories, lending it a sweet taste, and are usually the size of a dinner plate. They're also intelligent, and can memorize human faces. Catching them is difficult not because they hide, but because they fight back; thanks to all the warrior memories they've swallowed, they have a battle-spun spirit and won't let you reel them in without a struggle. If not kept as pets, they're usually speared on sticks and fire-roasted over coals.

TEMPLE OF STYX

Gupp - Naturally borne from the Styx, it's less of a guppy analogy and more like a Greek freshwater shad. They swim in schools against fast currents, and are usually the length of a pencil case. But like a guppy, they livebirth fry dozens at a time, and are used as utility fish for seeding waters. It lacks scales, like real life catfish, and has the unique life/death cycle of livebirthing pre-existing Gupp in a method of rebirth whereas all other Underworld fish have to wait to respawn upon being eaten. Thanks to its proximity to the surface, it tastes exactly like a regular river fish, just scaleless.

Scuffer - All fish in the Temple are sought-after for their unique overworld-ajacent taste, and the Scuffer even more so for its utility purposes; its tough and giant swim bladder can be made into high quality vellum, its toxin has many medicinal purposes useful to immortals, and its liver a fruity delicacy served raw. Other parts of its flesh are edible to anybody immortal/undead, but you still 'die' so its not recommended. A Scuffer's liver tastes reminiscent of a merlot thanks to its life spent swimming and feeding upon the Styx's floor. The adult ones can be as big as a pineapple.

Stonewal - Evolved from swordfish, and retains their migratory, aggressive behavior. They're an important part of the Underworld's ecosystem, because they regulate the population of any fish that make it too close to the surface world. Range wildly in size, from a modest foot long to as big as a bathtub. Usually cut into fillets and fried upon flat griddles, or served roasted on a rotating spit whole during feasts as a centerpiece. And like the previous two, they have utility purposes as well; their long, sturdy, but flexible bones are made into crafting tools, and weapons like bows and arrows.

CHAOS

Mati - Its appearance is a dead ringer to real life anglerfish fry, but it'll spend its whole life in their gelatinous, bloated form. As a fish of Chaos, it was borne from and represents sapient gaze; AKA, a gaze cast with intelligent emotion. Eating a boiled Mati has the texture of eating an old grape with a hard kernel within, and tastes like if fresh sea urchin was a yeasty porridge. Mati that can be caught are no bigger than a smartphone, but if you look into the distance, you can see car-sized ones.

Projelly - These fish spawn from Chaos like shed skin cells; unconsciously and ever continuing. They're unintelligent except for a minor nervous system that propels their bodies along in a purposeless compulsion. Which is what makes them hard to catch, since they float around too deep for a fisher to just scoop them up, but good luck trying to dredge one upon your hook. Pretty tasteless, but with a pleasant cartilage-y texture. Often served dried out as a snack, then re-hydrated or marinated to be chopped and plated cold with oil.

Voidskate - The biggest fish you can catch in-game. If you look closely, you'll notice that those table-sized Voidskates are seemingly swimming upside down, because when you cast a hook into their reality, you're actually pulling them down from where they fly in the air. Not only that, but their fishable state is their limbo life, and their 'dead, eaten' state is their actual life. They're a source of study from philosophers trying to learn more about life and death, but they never get far. Prepared by slicing into thick, dense steaks, then fried on grills. Has a sour, rich brightness like buttermilk.

[ertrunkenerwassergeist]

Your Galahkar Culture Masterpost is fantastic! I loved rereading all your fascinating lore ideas and it gave me so many questions. I will limit myself to three. ^_^ First, we know the water clans have rivalry? Do the smithing clans? Two, how did orange get the meaning of secrets? I’m sure there is a story. And third, what happens for funerals and weddings for people with no clan, or are the last of their clan, or their clan head is on a different island/separated by war? Thanks so much for sharing all your lovely ideas.

Thank you! I don't think I caught all the posts, but those are the big (and some small) ones. Took a bit to dig through them all.

You always ask such wonderful questions.

First:

Yes, the smithing Clans have a rivalry. Just not as extreme as some water clans. Clans Pontos and Najad have a feud because Clan Pontos accidentally destroyed one of the Najad's fishing grounds and refused to compensate for it.

Clans Utris and Gohlann are smithing Clans, but they have different specialities. The Gohlanns do the rougher work, the large pieces and things you need for building houses and so on. The Utris do the finer work. Household items, weapons and other small things. So their rivalry is more along the lines of "stay in your own lane" and "if you had done your job properly" and less "I'm going to murder you when I see you".

Two:

Red, yellow and orange are all associated with fire to certain degrees. They all take different aspects of it.

Red is the burning passion and destructive power, yellow the warmth of the hearth and orange the secrets whispered to the flames. As for why historically and context? As soon as I figure that out, I could propably write a dissertation about it. XD

Third:

People without a Clan are one of the very few exceptions where friends can build the pyre and be part of burning th body. They still get full funeral rites despite being Nameless since they still lived thier lives as Galahkari.

Normally, if the Clan is too small to handle a funeral, the family does it, blood and chosen family included. For Nyx that would include Libertus, Crowe and Ladone.

If it's the Clan Head who died, the chosen heir prepares the body. If the Clan is too small (like the Ulrics) then an Ostium will do the task. It's their task to make sure people get proper burials, so even if the Clan Head might be unable to come for whatever reason, the dead person still gets a proper funeral.

[statecryptids]

A little story about one of the ladon organisms in my WIP.

“My dear Hya,

Thought you might enjoy seeing how we come up with some of these taxonomic names. Naming new creatures has become a popular game over here during the slow times.

I got to name this one. Can you believe it? My first named creature on another world! 

Anyway, we  initially called this one “the grabber” when we saw how it moved. The cilia on each end have widened into thick, finger-like tentacles that the ladon uses to pull itself along, looking creepily like a crawling hand. It also hunts by enveloping prey in its tentacles and transferring them to the mouth in the middle of its body. That’s where the genus name, Avarimanus- “Greedy Hands”- comes from.  

The second part of the name, “cucurbitasanguinus”, means “pumpkin blood” (technically “gourd blood”, but close enough) because the orange fringe makes it look like it’s been scooping out jack-o-lantern guts with those grasping fingers.

Hope you liked my little explanation. I’ll send you some more the next time the radio storms clear up a little.

Love,

Your Brave Explorer Jess

[the-ghost-king]

aurum scarce by GalwayGirlo [20/21] [AU]

Nico wakes up paralyzed following a motorcycle accident. Maybe Will Solace can help him get some feeling back?

healing takes two by rabbit_soup [13 total works]

“You’ve got micro-pieces of glass in your skin, and I can’t in my right mind let that stuff just fester in there.”

“Glass…? Where—?” He racked his brain, slowly glancing up at Will. He didn’t remember breaking any glass on the quest.

“Strangest thing,” Will said, pulling an orange container out of the box. On its side, it read Arm and Hammer, Baking Soda in thick white lettering. “Both Annabeth and Percy swung by a few minutes ago, talking about the exact same thing—glass in their hands! The both of ‘em! Isn’t that interesting?”

The glass beaches in Tartarus...Nico thought.

three days (and then some) by @ghosttotheparty [oneshot]

Will stops again, looking at Nico, who stops too. Will gently reaches up and brushes Nico’s hair out of the way, and Nico’s eyes widen. His breath gets caught in his throat. Will touches his cheek gently, tilting his head and staring at Nico curiously.

“Yeah. You need to rest

The Ballad of Landon Creek by @gatesofember

Doctor Will Solace had lived in the secluded Oregon town of Ladon Creek for a year when a mysterious stranger arrived and turned his world upside down

if anyone has solangelo fics w disabled nico recs um hand them over!

[cursedgal]

Childhood stories and some peppermint

[brisbookmark]

Pre TLT Luke Castellan hcs because that man has me in a chokehold

- He loves funnel cake

- Can and will kill for some good ass funnel cake, constantly sneaks out to carnivals to get some and he’ll have powdered sugar left on his face

- He screams in lowercase, idk how to explain that

- Luke has one game controller he uses, and refuses to use anything else- he just won’t play if he can’t use his (broken or whatever)

- the Stolls steal it sometimes to fuck with him

- He really sucks at Call of Duty but plays it anyways because it’s the only game they’ve been lucky enough to steal

- secretly always wanted to try Minecraft

- he loves keychains and collects them

- his best friend is Lee Fletcher, and god are they a duo

- Luke likes dog tags, he secretly thinks they’re really sexy so he gets one for himself to wear but he always loses it or leaves it in the shower or gets the chain tangled so it’s a mess

- he has a hot pink toothbrush, since the Stolls do all the hygiene runs and they just always bring him a pink one

- he’s cool with it

- He’s an Aquarius (rebel at heart, highly intelligent, independent and assertive, runs from emotional expression)

- he smells like sandalwood and vanilla on a good day

- when he’s writing a letter to someone cute or someone he likes he’ll add the curl on top of his a’s

- He always offers to get Dionysus beer or the closest thing he can cuz he’s nice like that (even if it doesn’t really work)

- His face scar isn’t the only one he has

- He’s got one across his shoulder, and some on his torso, man pretty much got mauled (makes more sense to me because it feels more traumatizing to validate Chiron cancelling all quests)

- the one on his face is special because he can’t really cover it, and even though Ladon cut his eye (the scars right under it and leads down to his jawline), it’s almost as if the dragon opened his eyes to everything that’s wrong with the gods

- when it fades over and isn’t as bloody it almost looks like a tear

- sometimes he’ll trace the scars when he’s laying down with his fingers and it sends him into slight anxiety attacks when he runs his finger and the scar keeps going, it’s so long and horrifying looking it makes him feel sick

- He sleeps on his back or kinda spread out so he doesn’t have to feel his scars underneath him

- He prefers to sleep in the dark, pitch black and can’t look in mirrors for the first few weeks, at least with his body.

- He’s scared of himself.

- Three weeks after his quest he’s just heading off to bed early after the campfire and one of the younger new campers gets up and hugs him goodnight. Luke’s shirt rides up a bit and he freezes but the short kid just hugs him closer and that changes everything for him.

- Instead of taking his shirt off to work out or smth he just cuts the sleeves off so it’s not so hot

- Swims in surf shirts that are really tight though and outlines his abs and nice ass titties so 👁👁

- He hates picking strawberries for camp, he loves the smell but isn’t exactly a gardener and doesn’t prefer it

- Whenever it’s his duty he kinda just has the kids throw strawberries at his mouth so he can catch them like popcorn throwing

- Chiron swats him with his tail when he sees him goofing off but he means well

- On Thalia’s birthday he always goes to her tree with a slice of cake for her

- “Well if you’re not gonna eat it I guess I will”

- and does his secret handshake with her just against the tree

- He’s got really pretty eyelashes, the Aphrodite girls are jealous

- Luke’s cheeks go pink really easily at the smallest things

- His favorite color is bronze/ orange

- But orange is always kinda hard to find things for yknow it’s an odd color so if anyone asks for birthday purposes or handouts he always says red

- His heart skips when they know him well enough to get orange anyways

- He rolls his sleeves up and tucks a pencil behind his ear when he’s teaching younger kids

- and he loves history

- Has a small fascination with history facts and wars and random events he’ll recite stuff to anyone who will listen

- And he’s really bad at math until you put it into money terms (Hermes things)

- just make all the numbers into currency and he’s got you in seconds

- He’s got a really raspy husky morning voice and doesn’t bother to clear his throat for a while

- Luke can play the lyre wonderfully but he’s pretty embarrassed about it so he just tells everyone he can play guitar

- Guitar campfire songs

- But if you’re lucky enough to hear him play the lyre with his long fingers and sing,, oh boy

- He has a good singing voice for late night singing to sleep, not like the most amazing trained thing for concerts, but just imagine sitting next to him with your shoulder on him and he hums, straight magic

- He likes wearing rings but constantly loses them too

[abookishdreamer]

Character Intro: The Hesperides (Kingdom of Ichor)

*from top to bottom: Halcyone, Erytheis, & Hesperia

Nicknames- Daughters of the Evening, Goddesses of the West by the people of Olympius

The Blondes by Apollo

(Halcyone) Hallie by her family & friends

Age(s)- 19 (immortal)

Location- Queenstown district, New Olympus

Personalities- They're all friendly, flirtatious, and comfortable in their sexuality. They love being total "Momma's Girls." Hallie is charming & a bit bossy. Erytheis is easy-going & passionate whereas the "baby" of the trio, Hesperia, is a bit immature, flighty, and melodramatic. They're all currently single.

They all have the standard abilities of a goddess- except shapeshifting. As goddesses of the evening & sunset, their powers/abilities include limited chronokinesis (they can tell the time of the next sunset), limited photokinesis, limited chlorokinesis (as it pertains to the apple tree), dusk manipulation, as well as limited audiokinesis (using their pretty singing voices to curse/charm people).

The Hesperides are the daughters of Hesperis (goddess of the evening & sunset).

The sisters all share a townhouse in the Queenstown district of New Olympus. The color scheme inside is peach, baby pink, cream, yellow, orange, & gold. In their living room (from the ceiling) hangs a solid Imperial Gold chandelier, dripping with yellow canary diamonds. The chandelier was a surprising gift from the Queen. They also have a beach house on Shimmering Tail Island & they also stay at their mom's place in Erythea.

Hallie's go-to drink is a tequila sunset. Erytheis likes a grilled peach & pineapple sangria while Hesperia enjoys a beer margarita. They all like large caramel lattes from The Roasted Bean. They also like lemon-lime soda, lemon & orange sparkling water, lychee soda, pineapple juice, and piña colada smoothies.

Before, their main job was guarding the golden apple tree (the night shift) which is also in Erythea. It's said that the sweet and fragrant golden apples could provide one with immortality. Their job didn't last long. It was due to them cursing people to dance till they dropped dead through their singing or with them getting distracted by flirting with guys on nearby ships & boats. The goddesses were then replaced with a hundred headed serpent, Ladon. The sisters sometimes stop by the tree, leaving snacks behind for the slithering golden creature or to pet him.

Their mother Hesperis (goddess of the evening & sunset), as an induction ceremony gift, gave them each a pair of golden apple shaped stud earrings made out of 24K gold.

The sisters are now "quasi-assistants" to the goddess and Queen, Hera. They do the most mundane of tasks like picking up her dry cleaning, her take-out, stopping by her fashion warehouse to pick up her design book, or sometimes babysitting Hebe (goddess of youth) & Eileithyia (Ella) (goddess of childbirth). They're cordial with Iris (goddess of the rainbow), but they don't like Philyra (goddess of perfume, paper, & beauty). They think she's a snobby bitch.

Their favorite dessert is their mom's apple pie. They look forward to when she visits. The sisters are also quite good at baking too! Hesperia can make a good piña colada icebox cake while Hallie is known for her delicious coconut cream cake. Erytheis is known for her decadent panna cotta with papaya coulis.

A shared guilty pleasure that all of them enjoy are the olympic sized fries from Olympic Chef. Golden and salty goodness!

They all used to have a crush on Helios (Titan god of the sun). A shirtless pic of him is the wallpaper on Erytheis' smartphone!

The sisters are fluent in Latin.

In the pantheon, they're friends with Móda (goddess of fashion), Ailuros (goddess of cats & warfare), Carpo (goddess of autumn & fruits), Notus (god of the south wind), Phaenna (goddess of jewels), Thallo (goddess of spring & new growth), Méli (goddess of bees & honey), Phaethusa, Eos (Titaness of dawn), Auxo (goddess of summer, vegetation, & plants), Hemera (goddess of the day), Chloris (goddess of flowers), Aeolus (god of wind), Ganymede (god of homosexual love & desire), Antheia (goddess of swamps, vegetation, & floral wreaths), Chrysos (god of gold & riches), Lampetia, The Graces, Cleta (goddess of whispers), and Aphrodite (goddess of love & beauty).

They all had a few relationships & hookups with mortal guys, mermans, and some dryad guys.

The sisters know about their mom's relationship with Atlas (Titan god of strength & endurance). As long as she's happy, they're happy. They do find it odd for however long they've been together, they have not been introduced to him. They already knew about his former punishment & that his mom is Clymene (Titaness of fame & renown) and creator of the greatest handbag brand known to all beings- Megaleio. After some Fatestagram stalking, they now know that Atlas used to have a young son & that he's been married before. They also know that he has a bunch of daughters- The Hyades and Calypso.

The Hesperides are not at all close with their aunt Mesembria (Bria) (goddess of the afternoon) or their cousin Dysis (goddess of the sunset).

For other work, they model for Glimmer Victory, Persuasions, Sunshine Radiance, Maison du Drame, Phaelam, Swimsilk, Diamond Ave., Graces' Glam, Paloma, La Petit Amour, No.3 & Co.,Tu-Lips (Erytheis' favorite shade being "Pretty Petals", Hesperia's favorite shade being "Lovely Lotus", & Hallie's favorite shade being "Sunkissed Blossoms."), and Studio Bloom. They have had thoughts of starting up something of their own- like a perfume or a cosmetics brand.

They have a slow growing collection of Diamond Ave. jeweled clutches! They want to get all the gold colored ones first! A favorite (which they all share) is the one that’s in the shape of a golden heart!

The sisters are also interested in music. They're a musical group- singing mainly pop and R&B music known as The Golden Dolls. They have so far released three singles independently with their latest song "Lovin' It" garnering some attention on Musify.

In their free time (when they're not with their mom) they like to tan, sunbathe, surf, go shopping, go to the movies, oil paint, go to the spa, and go out clubbing.

Erytheis' favorite dish is the mango avocado spring rolls with green chile ribs. Hesperia loves the avocado & onion salad with the grilled chicken, mango, & blue cheese quesadillas. Hallie loves the pineapple shrimp fried rice with grilled honey teriyaki chicken.

"The golden hour of life is fleeting!"

[atomic-dragon-afterdark]

*Ladon nodded and moved the other hand to make sure the zipper of the onesie was down all the way, wriggling his legs free of the onesie and then his boxers to expose those pretty orange and purple scales, flecked with gold and drenched in a cool wetness that didn't seem too different from slick, but was a bit off all the same.*

cuddles? ;)

@wheelbarrow-afterdark

yes please. I don't always go as... warm-blooded as the regular people do. very cold.

[dracosaurusrex]

Found (Draco x Reader)

“ The boy looked at you in awe. There you were right beneath him, as if the universe had orchestrated this scenario perfectly. ”

Summary: When Draco and Y/N find each other after losing one another in their past life.

Genre: Angst/Fluff

Prompt:  “I wish we could be together in another life” // “I promise I’ll be looking for you in each one” (From @minty-malfoy 300wc)

A/N: If you saw me frantically post this a number of times, it’s because it wasn’t popping up in the tags :/ Anywayy, I took a chance to retell the myth behind the constellation, Draco and infuse it with the characters. I thought it was fun, and I hope you enjoy reading!

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The skies were painted with pink and orange hues as the sun began to set upon Mount Atlas, home to Hera’s garden. Rooted heavily within it was a beautiful tree. One that bore fruit to sparkling, golden apples. It was a wedding gift from Gaia. A gift so precious that the young goddess had begged for it to be planted in her garden, which was filled with life itself. Lush trees covered its perimeter, flowers of every species bloomed with much radiance, and golden rays of light scattered through every nook and cranny. Lacing through the landscape were small creeks and springs, which nurtured the tree to its prime state of beauty. It is these that the nymphs of the evening, also known as the Hesperides, were entrusted by Hera to tend and protect. 

There were three of them: Hesperia, Erytheia, and you, Aigle. You all were a playful bunch who truly loved Hera’s garden. However, moments spent under the sun led to a heightened craving as the golden apples shined with temptation. Enter, Ladon, a grand-looking serpentine dragon who coiled himself around the beautiful tree. Hera had summoned him to protect it after several attempts had been made by you and your sisters to steal some of the fruit for yourselves. 

His body was decorated with scales of majestic shades comprising ivory, platinum, silver, and champagne. His talons presented themselves with intimidation, fangs comparable to the size of daggers, and his eyes flashed a striking blue hue filled with a look of ambition and purpose. The creature was the epitome of beauty and fright. 

His presence was effective in keeping your sisters away--they scoured at the sight of him--but the case was quite different for you. Instead of being overcome by fear, you found yourself marveling at him. Every time you rose from your slumber, he was always there, zealously fulfilling his task. He was immortal and he never slept, yet his appearance was as just astounding as the day before. Because of this, you took every opportunity possible to be around him, to bask in his presence, to simply admire him. Today was no different.

The grass felt soft under your steps, and the sunset glowed as fervently as ever. You sped through the maze of trees, chasing rays of light as it slowly reduced into a specks. The wind blew through your honey brown locks as the adrenaline pumped in your veins. The golden tree was in sight, and wrapped around it, like always, was beautiful Ladon. The serpent lifted his head at the sight of the beautiful nymph as she slowed her steps.

“Are you here to bother me again, Aigle?” Annoyance fills his voice, but it doesn’t shift her stance.

“Oh Ladon, your words harm me so. Nevertheless, I can never find myself to be apart from you.” A giggle accompanied your voice as you spoke. 

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“What do you want?” Ladon was accustomed to Aigle and her antics. Every single evening since his arrival, she’d spend her time doing whatever in the presence of the dragon. Despite the cold demeanor he often showed, he was very tolerant of her bubbly behavior. Moreover, he found himself to enjoy her company--it made him feel less lonely as he guarded the tree.

“I would just like to sit with you today, if that’s alright.” She said as she approached the base of the tree. After her countless visits, Ladon memorized her actions, behaviors, and even her mannerisms. He knew firmly well that Aigle wouldn’t steal the fruit. He huffed in response to her request.

“If you won’t say anything else, I’ll take your silence as a yes.” The dragon made no sound, so with a beaming smile she seats herself, leaning against the trunk in peace.

“How was your slumber?” He asks gently. Ladon gazes at her pleasant expression from the top of the branches.

“It was pleasant, I had a wonderful dream.” 

“And that is?” Her eyes open to return his gaze, animating with glee in the process.

“Humans with magical powers, Ladon! They were like the Gods and Goddesses, except that cultivated their skills through special schooling!” Excitement filled her voice as she stared into his blue orbs intently.

“They don’t sound like the Gods and Goddesses to me.” He snorted.

“Oh don’t be such a killjoy! It was truly wonderful! They dressed so differently too! It was quite peculiar, but it was alright.” The dragon only scoffs in response.

The ground surrounding the nymph had sprouted with blossoms as a result of her fascination. As silence loomed in the air, an idea came into mind. She gently plucked the small flowers. From her fingertips, she then produced small, thin vines. With much precision and swiftness, she interweaved the two together, tied up the ends, forming a dainty flower crown. 

“Ladon,” She called out from beneath him. The dragon looked down as she stood from her spot. With the flower crown in her hands, she reaches, delicately placing her creation on top of his head. Ladon huffed.

“What is this?” He asks.

“A gift, for you! I knew it’d look good on you.” The intensity of Ladon’s eyes softened at Aigle. He was known, by others, for his fright, yet when he was around her, he was appreciated for the beauty she saw in him. The creature didn’t say much with the exception of producing yet another huff. Although, this time it was filled with contentment.

Aigle ran her hands up and down his snout, caressing his face with much gentleness. He closed his eyes and leaned into her touch in response.

“You’re a beautiful creature, you know that, do you?” Her voice seemingly dripped of nectar as she spoke. When the dragon didn’t speak, she continued.

“Do you think I can meet you in another life? Just like this one?” 

“What’s wrong with this one?” His striking eyes opened to peer into hers.

“Nothing’s wrong. I like it a lot knowing that you’ll always be here.”

“Then why ask the question?” Aigle hesitates for a moment.

“I don’t think I can ever see a life with me living without your company. If I’m born again, I wish to meet you in that life too. The life after that, and the one after that also.” Aigle smiles up at the creature as the last bit of sunset glow graces her face. It was a known fact that she, amongst her sisters, was the most beautiful evening nymph. Her beauty, however, exuded compassion and care. Underneath his scaly exterior, Ladon felt a sense of warmth whenever she was near. He appreciated her existence not in appearance, rather for her persistent efforts to be near and to spread joy to a creature as vile-looking as him. 

Before he could respond, a rustle from a distance perked his attention. A threatening presence filled his senses, and sent his blood boiling within.

“Aigle, hide. Now.” The nymph’s eyes began to widen in fear as their peace was interrupted with much urgency. Ladon roared once more.

“Now. Aigle. Now!” The nymph steps back hesitantly, searching his eyes for reassurance that everything was going to be okay. Instead, she was met with uncertainty, increasing the worry she felt in her heart. Nevertheless, she followed his command, camouflaging herself within the brushes surrounding the tree. The rustles continue to increase in volume, making out to be the footsteps of someone near. Using her power, she travels through the garden, seeking out the foreigner. Her senses heighten at the sight of a deranged Heracles, the hero who was once praised now desperate for redemption.

He drags his feet through the garden muttering, “Golden apples. Where are those damned golden apples!?” Heracles had his hand clutched on the grip of his sword, seemingly ready to withdraw it from its sheath.

Aigle continues to follow him with her heart beating against her chest. Her thoughts flee to Ladon’s well-being, as she thinks of strategies to protect him. With attempts to stall the demigod, she lifts her hands, inducing trees to spring up in a sporadic fashion. However, Heracles doesn’t seem to notice as his focus remains on his target. He trudges on with much frustration, and Aigle continues to throw any kind of distraction to keep him from finding Ladon and the golden apples. However, her capabilities grow faint as her energy depletes. Tears stream down her face as she watches Heracles inevitably locate the tree. She watches as Ladon, who remains fervently coiled around its trunk, extends his body to coax the man away. 

Her last sight of him alive proceeds as Heracles withdraws his sword to strike his body. Within a split second, Ladon who was alive, laid on the ground in two. Fluid oozes from his insides and stains the grass beneath him. His breaths are sparse. 

Meanwhile, Heracles steps forward, kicking the dragon’s bottom half aside, and proceeds to pick the golden fruit from its branches. Satisfied with the amount he has collected, he walks away without any thought of the serpent laying practically dead on the floor.

Aigle lets out a piercing cry as she comes out of hiding. She runs to him and falls to her knees with her face striped with tears, heartbroken. With shaken hands, she delicately strokes the side of his face for the last time.

“Aigle,” He croaks. The nymph who was once radiantly shining, releases a sob. She gazes into his weary eyes for one last time.

“I promise I’ll be looking for you in each one.” At the sound of his last words, Aigle breaks into a wailing mess. She mourns her beloved friend, her beautiful and brave dragon--Ladon, who valiantly carried out his task while bringing her much joy. The moonlight shines upon them as she continues to wallow in tears. Her sounds are so heartbreaking that it catches the attention of the Goddess of Marriage herself.

Arriving within a flash, Hera gasps at the sight of Aigle embracing what was left of Ladon.

“My dear, what happened here?” She lifts up the nymph into her arms, caressing her hair gently.

With sobs filling her voice, she chokes out, “Heracles. Ladon tried to protect the tree. He really did! And yet-” The goddess shushes her cries as memories of him flash through her mind. Her breaths slow down after a moment, and her once audible cries now reduce to silent tears. Hera, with a soothing voice, comforts the girl.

“Aigle, I know you loved him very much. For your love and loyalty I bestow you a gift.” The nymph looks at her with confusion. 

“Look at the sky.” Following her directions, Aigle stretches her neck to the night. Upon doing so, she’s met with a new formation of stars--one that took the shape of her serpentine friend. The dragon, Draco. As she looks up, tears stream down her cheeks.

“He’ll always be here, looking for you. He’ll find his way back to you. I know it.”

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Y/N jolted awake with tears in her eyes. The sounds of birds chirping immediately fill her ears, as the rays of morning light infiltrate her yellow-clad room. She gingerly touched her face, the feeling of longing still burned in her chest. The dream was so vivid and so real that her heart felt heavy within her wake. The last few words Hera murmured rang clearly in her mind. It wasn’t something she could shake off so easily even if she tried. Ladon. Would she ever meet him in this life? She glanced at the clock--there wasn’t much time until class began. Wiping the wet traces off of her face, she got up to fix herself before making her way to her first lesson of the day, Divination.

Chatters filled the classroom when she entered. The space was split with Hufflepuffs nearest to the entrance and Slytherins on the farther side. The girl was shrouded in sadness as she made her way to her seat. Her eyes were red and puffy, her nose was slightly runny, and her body felt weak. 

“What’s gotten into you?” Your friend asked. You only shook your head in response, not understanding the reason for your sadness yourself. The sound of the bell prompts the class to begin. You wipe the tiredness from your eyes as Professor Trelawney navigated her way to the front of the room. 

“Welcome to another day of divination, my children! Today we will be learning about something important: dream interpretation!” Her voice resounds at the mentioning of the topic, catching your attention and making your heart race.

“Dreams, my dears, are the most crucial means to look into the future! Each dream that you have contains a meaning--a message--depending on its contents! Let’s get started!” Trelawney glides across the room, peering at various students. A great majority looks at her with exasperated expressions, while others turn away to avoid getting caught. She stops at a familiar blonde.

“Mr. Malfoy, let’s begin with you!” A scowl can be seen plastering his face in distaste. 

“Any dreams recently?” The question wasn’t something that would be usually asked in such a public setting. It was weird to you, certainly enough. However, what was more odd was Draco’s hesitance. He was a striking character most of the time. He always had something snarky to say, most especially when it came to divination, but today he kept silent. You examined his nervousness as he shuffled in his seat. You couldn’t blame him.

“No, professor.” He states simply after what seemed like a solid minute of silence. You kept your eyes on his expression. While his response meant one thing, the bothered look on his face couldn’t go unnoticed. There was something off about his aura, and you could feel it. Trelawny stepped back and nodded slightly. She continued looking for another volunteer to share. As she did so, you kept your eyes set on the Malfoy. You were drawn to him on this day in particular, and you weren’t sure why. His glance met up with yours, paralyzing you for a moment before the professor’s voice resounded once again.

“Y/N, how about you? Any dreams?” The sound of her voice was alluring as your sights shifted to her. She looked deeply into your eyes as though she was trying to search your mind. You stayed still, thinking about the one you had the night prior. If anyone could tell you the purpose behind your dreams, it would most likely be Trelawny. Everyone’s focus was now trained on you. 

“I did have one.” You admit quietly. You were astonished by your actions, having done so mindlessly. Regardless, the professor’s expression lit up at the sound of your words. She gestured for you to continue on.

“It was of a girl and a dragon.” You say with much hesitation. Trelawney’s eyes widened.

“Continue my dear,” she says rushedly, “what happened?” You stayed silent for a bit before cautiously deciding to go on. 

“The dragon protected a tree...and the girl loved the dragon--she was always by his side. Unfortunately, he was killed trying to protect it, leaving her alone and heartbroken.” A rush of emotions filled you once again, mourning the loss of a friend. The woman’s eyes softened a bit, while the class was dead silent, interested in what the professor would have to say. 

Draco, in particular, was mortified. As you sat there in contemplation, a heavy weight seemed to drop in his gut while his heart picked up its pace simultaneously. When the professor asked him to share his dreams, the feeling of vulnerability overcame him when he recalled his own. He had cried silently that night prior--having fallen for the nymph that occupied his subconscious. He recalled the vivid feeling of her touch, her soothing words, and the way the evening sun glowed on her face. He recalled Aigle’s swift-acting power as she tried to stall Heracles. The last thing he remembered from that dream was his death, carrying out his loyalty to the goddess, and making a promise to his beloved friend. What Draco didn’t expect, however, was the retelling of such coming from your lips. It was when he saw the look on your face that his heart sped up once more. 

“They made a promise to meet each other in whatever life came next...then the goddess that oversaw them both casted an image of the dragon in the stars.” The emotions you felt in the dream overcame you as a tear threatened to fall from your eyes. You hurriedly wiped it away and swallowed the feelings before looking up at the professor.

“I don’t know what it could possibly mean, professor. It was very vivid.” The professor looked at you with pity, before turning to her attention briefly to the class.

“Everyone, turn to your partners and discuss your dreams.” With the class’s attention now diverted, Trelawney beckoned you to come sit with her. As you do so, Draco’s line of vision remains on you.

A more secure sense of privacy surrounds you and your teacher. While the room began to fill itself with chatters once again, you directed full attention to her, expectant of what she had to say.

“Typically, dreams are foretellings of the future, child. The appearance of a past life doesn’t usually mean anything unless there’s a specific message involved.” Your eyes widened in disbelief.

“When you spoke about the promise, however, I believe the universe was trying to show you that there is someone waiting for you in this world. Perhaps this person takes a resemblance to the dragon, whether physically or even personality-wise. Nevertheless, he has awoken, and now he’s looking for you.” The words that left Trelawney’s mouth kept you in a state of awe. You sat there with hands folded on your lap, fingers fumbling, and knee bouncing. As you remained in a state of contemplation, the bell chimed, signalling the end of the lesson. As you stood to say goodbye to the professor, she cuts you off.

“My dear, senses tell me that he’s much closer than you think. You best keep your eyes and heart open.” You had nothing to say, so you just nod. Your mind was full of thoughts, leaving you to ponder about the identity of this person all day. 

You weren’t the only one curious. The moment Draco heard what you had to say, his awareness of you increased. His feelings told him to be simple and straightforward with you, but his mind was firm and stubborn. However, his body betrays him as he finds himself pacing in front of the divination class with questions that needed to be answered. You walk out of the room with books in hand, unaware of Draco’s presence. Just as you’re about to turn into the corridor, the boy bumps into you, resulting in you falling over and everything flying out of your arms. 

“What the heck was that?” You ask frustratingly as you brush dirt off your knees. The platinum blonde boy looks at you in shock. You don’t bother looking up. Instead, you proceed to pick up the books that fell on the floor. He doesn’t know what overcame in the moment when he stretched out his hand to you. All he wanted was to feel your touch. You glance up warily at the owner only to be taken aback as well.

“Malfoy?” you ask. His head was turned to the side, eyebrows furrowed, and the entirety of his side profile was exposed to you. You took notice of his pale complexion, the way his lips were slightly parted, and how his jawline sculpted and framed his face. He was beautiful. However, more of your attention was drawn to his locks. ‘Platinum’ you thought. As you did so the image of the dragon’s appearance flashed across your vision. Your eyes widened, but before you could process your thoughts the sound of Draco’s voice filled your ears.

“My arm has been extended for centuries now, Y/L/N, and you’re still on the floor. Don’t you have a class to get to?” You broke out of thought and mindlessly took hold of his hand. As he pulled you up, the boy felt a wave of shivers overflowing his body. The warmth of your skin felt familiar against his own, causing a rage of heart beats to spread across his chest. As he turns his head to face you, you let out an audible gasp.

Alarming you was his striking blue eyes as his gazed pierced through your own. Out of shock, you pull your hand out of his hold and trudged past him without saying a word. You weren’t even aware of where you were going. You simply allowed your legs to take you to your next destination as you cope with the heightening of your senses.

There was no way right? There’s no way that Malfoy could be…You shook your head, trying to take your mind off of the chances as you entered your next class. You made sure to be cautious throughout the day, taking care in avoiding the boy as much as possible. There was no denying the reputation that he had in school--students have been sent to Madam Pomfrey’s a number of times because of him. His rude comments, arrogant pride--they all deterred you away from him. Nevertheless, you felt something blooming in your chest, because the dragon you knew in your dreams was patient and tolerant. You were simply uncertain to say the least.

The boy looked at his palm in awe as you walked away. When he turned around, you were already gone. He clenched his hand into a fist as if the action would retain the warmth he had felt. He recalled the look of shock in your eyes before it was glossed over by denial and  sighed. How he longed to know.

As the week dragged on, you managed to keep your distance from the blonde--luckily, he didn’t approach you ever since. However, your attempts to concentrate in your classes were futile as small fragments of the dream replayed within your mind. Your thoughts were often focused on the image of Ladon that appeared so suddenly when Draco stood in front of you. You found that the words, “platinum” and “blue” ran through your mind constantly--not to mention his piercing gaze. Such imagery finds its way into your thoughts as you sit in the library, quill in hand as you work on your homework assignments. As you continue, you can’t help but wonder if he felt it too.

“I promise I’ll find you in every one.” A familiar voice rings within your mind without warning, inducing your head to pulse. You tried to fight it off for a moment, but the pain wouldn’t subside. Deciding it was time for a break, you set your quill down and made your way to the courtyard outside.

Meanwhile Draco, who spent his afternoons reading, situated himself on top of a tree, enjoying the silence which contrasted to the heavy banter in the Slytherin common room. A soft breeze ran through his platinum locks as the sun began to darken in its golden hue. He took a moment to observe the color of the sky change, prompting a series of flashbacks to flow.

“A gift, for you! I knew it’d look good on you.” There was no face attached to the dialogue, but he recalled the rosy feeling sharply.

“You’re a beautiful creature, you know that, do you?” Draco closed his eyes allowing himself to witness the emergence of his distant past.

“I would just like to sit with you today, if that’s alright.” The voice rang deeply in his mind. At the instant that the request had emerged in his thoughts, a loud crunching of leaves filled his hearing. As soon as he opened his eyes, you miraculously appeared into view, walking towards the tree he was situated in. His heartbeat raced quickly, but he kept silent, carefully observing your actions.

You sat down on its base and leaned your head against the trunk, letting out a sigh. Your head didn’t stop pulsing after you left the library. Despite that, your body relaxed upon the breeze brushing past your skin. You wrapped your arms around your waist and closed your eyes in contentment, basking in the nature that embraced you. The boy looked at you in awe. There you were right beneath him, as if the universe had orchestrated this scenario perfectly. The sight of your gentle expression stirs warmth within him, and the flow of memories seem to match this very moment to that of Aigle’s and Ladon’s. Suddenly, within the synchronization of time and space, Draco is Ladon, and in his eyes you are Aigle once again. 

The energy that had surrounded the pair from the past finds it way back to you, and the familiar feel of beloved peace and comfort induces you to open your eyes. The sun that had been going down, casts its glow on you as you look up. ‘Blue striking eyes and  platinum hair’ Your heart skips as you place your hand over your mouth. The dragon you’ve been mourning over had presented himself to you.

“Do you think I can meet you in another life? Just like this one?” The lines ring in your mind as Draco hops down. You get up and stand in front of him, your gazes meeting and never breaking. 

“I promise I’ll be looking for you in each one.” Your eyes search his and scan his face. Recalling the days when you were Aigle, tears began streaming down your face. You allowed your previous perceptions of Draco to melt within the energy of the reunion. 

You shakily lifted your hands and cupped his face in disbelief. Draco, in turn, closed his eyes and leaned into your touch. Both hearts paced quickly as a result of the awaited meeting. You stroked the boy’s cheek with your thumb, causing his eyes to flutter open. He watched as your fingers delicately brushed the space in between his eyebrows, proceeding to his eyelids, down the bridge of his nose, and finally his lips.

“Aigle?” Your old name passes through his lips low and hesitantly, but it’s enough to make you gasp. 

“It really is you, isn’t it? Ladon?” Draco grabs your wrists.

“It is.” The boy looks into your eyes as tears silently streamed down your face.

“You found me.” 

“I promised you I would.” You embraced him tightly, allowing the sound of his heart beat fill you up--it was the very proof that he was alive. His arms wrap around you, and you can feel his fists bunching up the fabric of your robes as his face nuzzles into your neck. The both of you took this moment to embrace the new reality.

As you step away from each other, Draco caresses your cheek and pressed his lips to your forehead. It wasn’t a form of affection he was used to showing, yet it occurred naturally within your presence. You closed your eyes upon feeling the sensation of his lips. They soon leave you only to ghost over your own. 

In a low whisper, he asks, “May I?” You let out a soft ‘mhm’ in response.

The sensation you felt on your forehead takes over your lips as Draco’s brushes his against your own. The feelings of longing pour out from both parties, and suddenly it didn’t matter that you were a Hufflepuff or if he was Slytherin. There was a lot of catching up to do, a lot of changes to be made, but all of that wasn’t important in the moment. All that mattered was that you found each other, you had one another--the appreciation you had shared never truly left. Instead, you only picked up from where you left off.

“It’s nice meeting you, Draco.” You chuckled softly as you broke the kiss. The boy rolled his eyes before letting out a small chuckle himself.

“It’s nice meeting you again, Y/N.” He presses his lips on yours once more, as you dissolve in his embrace.

Epilogue:

You both find yourselves in the astronomy tower that night. Draco looks at the girl pointing to the sky. His arms wrapped around her from behind as they leaned against the railing of the astronomy tower, gazing up at the stars.

“When Ladon left, Hera found Aigle in tears and casted his image to the skies in his remembrance.” She points to the blonde.

“That image, that constellation, is you Draco.” He tightens his grip on you.

“And I’ll never leave again.”

A/N: Thank you for reading! Any feedback is very much appreciated!

[daytura]

I FINISHED WRITING LADON AND ORANGE!!!

[thedansemacabres]

Medovík for the theoi

[ID: A photograph of a Medovík, a honey cake originating in Russia. The cake is layered, with white filling separating the layers of the cake. The layers are a orange honey colour. On top, crumbles were from the original cake and placed on top of the cake, further covered by honey and white powdered sugar. The cake is placed on top of a laced, thick paper napkin. /ID]

TERMS:

*anguiform: having the form of a snake. * vignette: a brief evocative description, account, or episode.

Across ancient Greek texts, honey cakes feature as a common delicacy for the theoi—with honey itself being a rich, lovely offering. I was recently combing through a book about drākons in ancient Greece and read this section:

TRANSCRIPT:

The notion that the Hesperides should have drugged Ladon to sleep in the fashion of the witch Medea and the Colchis drākon eventually finds expression in a famous speech of Dido in the Aeneid. The vignette she constructs of a Masslyian witch, supposedly her acquaintance, incorporates puzzling details: ‘Near the boundary of Ocean and the setting sun is the most remote island of the Ethiopians, where greatest Atlas twists his on shoulder the sphere that is set  with blazing stars. From this region a priestess of Masslyian race has been pointed out to me, the guardian of the temple of the Hesperides. She used to give its meals to the draco, and she looked after the sacred boughs on the tree, sprinkling moist honey and sleepy poppy. So the portrait initially to be of a woman who, like the Hesperides, feeds and tends the serpent. The honey may or may not be appropriate: it is the traditional sweetening or sweetness-saluting food given, in cakes, to the kindly anguiform gods. But the sleepy poppy seems out of place, an inappropriate gift for an ideally fierce guardian. Why would one be giving this to a guardian one who wished to remain alert, and a guardian who in any case was unsleeping?

Drakon: Dragon Myth and Serpent Cult in the Greek and Roman Worlds, Pgs. 39-40. [1] The information of feeding honey cakes to serpentine deities is not uncommon, even more so for someone like myself who adores Asklepios. Yet, this passage made me realise—in part—that my idea of a honey cake was unlike what the ancient Greeks would have envisioned. In due to being Slavic, I always pictured my family’s rich Medovíks; multi-layered honey cakes that became popular during the Soviet Union. At its core, it is a honey cake—while it may not be what was actually prepared, a cake is a cake. A medovík especially is a multi-day process, therefore allowing for the rigor of its preparation to be apart of the offering.

While I would share my personal recipe and preparation, it is entirely based upon cooking sense—essentially, my own nonsense about how the “dish” feels and therefore no clear, measurable recipe. However, for a clear recipe on how to make an authentic medovík, here is one I have discovered in Baking at the 20th Century Cafe: Iconic European Desserts from Linzer Torte to Honey Cake by Michelle Polzine:

For the Burnt Honey:

¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons (200 milliliters) wildflower (or other mild) honey 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) water, plus more as needed

For the cake: ⅔ cup (150 milliliters) wildflower (or other mild) honey ¼ cup (50 milliliters) Burnt Honey (from above) ¾ cup plus 1 tablespoon (165 grams) sugar 11½ tablespoons (168 grams) cold unsalted butter, cubed 5 large eggs 1¾ teaspoons baking soda 1¼ teaspoons kosher salt 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) cold water 3 cups (360 grams) all-purpose flour

For the Honey Magic Frosting:

1 recipe Dulce de Leche (recipe follows) or one 14-ounce (396-gram) can store-bought dulce de leche ½ cup (118 milliliters) Burnt Honey (from above) 1 teaspoon kosher salt 6 cups (1.42 liters) heavy cream

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). With a dark marker, trace ten 9-inch (23-centimeter) circles onto ten 11-by-17-inch (28-by-44-centimeter) sheets of parchment; flip the sheets over.

2. MAKE THE BURNT HONEY: Put the honey in a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer. It will foam up like crazy; continue cooking, stirring, until it starts to color. Now pay close attention: Keep simmering, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula. Once the honey starts to smoke, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 30 seconds longer. Remove from the heat and carefully swirl the honey in the pan for about a minute, to release some of the heat, then set the pan down and pour in the water, staying way the hell out of the way; it will steam and sizzle! Once the honey stops bubbling like it’s going to kill you, give it a stir and pour it into a heatproof measuring cup. Stir in enough hot water to make ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons (200 milliliters) burnt honey. (The burnt honey can be made ahead; stored at room temperature, it will keep indefinitely.)

3. MAKE THE CAKE: In a medium heatproof bowl, combine the honey, burnt honey, sugar, and butter and set the bowl over a pot of simmering water. Crack the eggs into a separate bowl and set aside. In a small bowl, combine the baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

4. Whisk the honey and butter mixture. When the butter has melted and the mixture is hot to the touch (but not so hot it will burn you), add the eggs all at once while whisking. Continue whisking until the mixture is once again hot to the touch, then whisk in the baking soda mixture: The mixture will look a little foamy and smell kind of weird. Remove from the heat, whisk in the cold water, and let cool until warm but not hot.

5. With a fine-mesh sieve or sifter, sift the flour over the batter and whisk it in until it is perfectly smooth. Do not worry about overmixing.

6. Using an ice cream scoop or a measuring cup, scoop about ⅓ cup (90 grams) of the batter into the center of each of the traced circles on the pieces of parchment. With a small offset spatula, spread the batter into thin even circles. Transfer two of the pieces of parchment to sheet pans and bake, rotating the pans at the halfway point, until the cake layers spring back when lightly pressed, 6½ to 7 minutes (it may take up to 1 minute longer, but remember: You can bake it more but not bake it less, and subsequent layers, baked on warm sheet pans, may take less time). Remove the baked layers from the sheet pans (still on their parchment) and let cool. Repeat the baking process with the remaining layers. I find it easier to peel the layers off the parchment when they are warm, but do not stack the layers until they are completely cool (yes, you will have layers on every surface—clear space!).

7. Turn off your oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. Take your least favorite layer, slide it onto a parchment-lined sheet pan, return it to the oven, and toast it (in the turned-off oven) until it’s a nice reddish brown and very dry. Remove from the oven and let cool, then grind the layer into crumbs in a food processor, or just crush between sheets of parchment with a rolling pin. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or in a large bowl, using a handheld mixer), combine the dulce de leche, burnt honey, and salt and beat on medium speed until smooth. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add ¾ cup (178 milliliters) of the cream and mix until homogeneous. Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate, along with the mixing bowl, until chilled; keep the mixer bowl or the large bowl cold in the fridge. (The magic can be made ahead to this point and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.)

8. MAKE THE FROSTING: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or in a large bowl, using a handheld mixer), combine the dulce de leche, burnt honey, and salt and beat on medium speed until smooth. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add ¾ cup (178 milliliters) of the cream and mix until homogeneous. Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate, along with the mixing bowl, until chilled; keep the mixer bowl or the large bowl cold in the fridge. (The magic can be made ahead to this point and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.)

9. Switch to the whisk attachment if using the stand mixer and, in the chilled mixer bowl (or the large bowl, using the handheld mixer), whip the remaining 5¼ cups (1.18 liters) cream to soft peaks. Gradually pour in the chilled honey mixture and whip until the cream again holds soft peaks. It should be very glossy but hold a nice mound. Refrigerate the frosting while you prepare to assemble the cake.

10. You can assemble the cake on a 9-inch (23-centimeter) cardboard round or directly on a cake plate, but beware that this is a very tall cake and your cake dome might not cover it; at the cafe, I build the cakes on cardboard rounds and store them in Tupperware cake holders.

11. Place your first cake layer on your building surface of choice and place about 1 heaping cup (150 to 160 grams) of frosting on top. Spread the frosting evenly across the cake layer, all the way to the edges. It’s okay, and even helpful, if you go over the edges a little, which will help you finish the outside of the cake easily. The idea is to have equal parts cake and frosting. Top with a second cake layer, and repeat the spreading and stacking process until you’ve stacked and frosted all 10 layers. 

12. Using a bench scraper (and a cake turntable if you have one), hold the bench scraper at a right angle to the cake plate and go around the cake, pushing those extra bits of frosting into any cracks as you go, smoothing the cake and straightening the layers by pushing them this way and that, until your frosting is perfectly smooth and your layers are all aligned. Don’t worry, though, if the edges of a few of the cake layers are peeking out from beneath the frosting; the final coating of crumbs will hide it all. I do a luscious grandmotherly type frosting flourish on the top, like in the picture on the cake mix boxes from my childhood.

13. Pick up a handful of the cake crumbs and gently press onto the sides of the cake, re-scooping the ones that fall, going all the way around the cake, and using the remaining crumbs, until the sides are completely coated. I do a final little sprinkle on top, as if it fell from the sky onto my cake

12. Okay, this is the worst part: Put it in the fridge until tomorrow. You cannot eat this cake the day you make it. You must satisfy yourself with fallen crumbs and blobs of frosting. (The cake can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.)

14. When you’re ready to serve it, remove the cake from the fridge, admire your brilliance, and slice into wedges.”[2]

The following Duche le Leche recipe:

“To make dulce de leche, place an unopened 14-ounce (396 gram) can of sweetened condensed milk in a large saucepan and add water to cover by several inches (about 8 centimeters). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat so the water is barely simmering and simmer for 7 to 9 hours. This is important: You must make sure the can is always covered with water by a few inches (about 8 centimeters), so check it every half hour or so and replenish with boiling water as needed. Remove the can from the water and let cool before opening. A cautionary tale: Once when I was making this at the cafe, our gross negligence resulted in the water level dipping too low, exposing the pressurized can of milk. It exploded, the sound like a shotgun blast, sending a mighty spray of sweetened condensed milk everywhere. Don’t do this.”[2]

If this does not suit you, a quick search would easily bring forth plenty of recipes, no matter if you search up medovik/medovík, Medovník, or Медови́к. Another I have found, similar to the one I inherited from my Slovak family, is from Czechia, as shown in this video found here.[3] I could imagine a honey cake such as this would be appropriate for the Deipnon or Noumeneia, which is what sparked this post. Kindly serpentine gods such as the Agathos Daimon or Asklepios would be particularly suited to receive this. 

Medovíks are a sweet memory from my own life—the intoxicating honey and the anticipation waiting for them to finally be done all being familiar to myself. I doubt that most hellenic pagans would undergo the journey of making these, but I hope it helps somehow—I love sharing the delightful parts of my white family’s culture, especially for my gods and fellow pagans.

References

[1] Ogden, D. (2013). Drakon: Dragon Myth and Serpent Cult in the Greek and Roman Worlds (Illustrated ed.). Oxford University Press. [2] Polzine, M. (2020). Baking at the 20th Century Cafe: Iconic European Desserts from Linzer Torte to Honey Cake. Artisan. [3] C. (2014, March 14). Honey Cake Recipe - Medovník - Czech Cookbook [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watchv= Xuoqj3AoNJ0&feature=youtu.be

[1introvertedsage]

Quick info:

Magician - upright: Taking action to manifest goals, concentration, having the resources needed, skill, power, can indicate positive conditions for goal oriented actions.

Citrine: Yellow to brownish orange ~ associated with the Solar Plexus Chakra ~ Manipura~ called 'success stone' ~

Can help promote- happiness, joy, feeling light & uplifted, optimism, self expression, creativity, inspiration

Can help -banish fears, boost confidence, quell fatigue, attract wealth & prosperity, encourage generosity

Draco Constellation: 8th largest constellation first noted by 2nd Century Greek Astronomer Ptolemy

Location: Northern Celestial Hemisphere associated with Ursa Major constellations

Has 14 main stars

Includes deep space objects: Cat's Eye Nebula, Spindle Galaxy, Tadpole Galaxy

Ancients associated Draco with Ladon, a dragon tasked at guarding golden apples in the garden of Hesperides

Associated in early Christianity as the serpent that tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden

Associated meteor shower: Draconids

[myth-lord]

New lists

HUMANOID: Adaro / Asanbosam / Berserker / Buckrider / Dactyl / Eloko / Erchitu / Fomorian / Gegenees / Girtablilu / Harpy / Intulo / Papinijuwari / Pukwudgie / Rokurokubi / Tesso / Vish Kanya / Vodyanoi / Adze / Aigamuxa / Urmahlullu /

DEMON: Bushyasta / Erinyes / Heikegani / Ifrit / Skrzak / Impundulu / Likho / Mahaha / Makhai / Marool / Muscaliet / Nekomata / Nocnitsa / Nuckelavee / Nue / Omukade / Popobawa / Psoglav / Redcap / Sazae-Oni / Sigbin / Cerberus / Akashita / Aswang / Caorthannach / Musca Macedda / Arzhavennik / Batibat /

UNDEAD: Aatxe / Bakekujira / Banshee / Baykok / Chon-Chon / Dullahan / Gashadokuro / Moroi / Oniate / Osschaert / Polong / Sluagh / Tiyanak / Valravn / Yuki-Onna / Draugr / Rompo / Hongaek /

BEAST: Afanc / Ahuizotl / Aniwye / Boobrie / Bruch / Bunyip / Catoblepas / Con Rit / Drop Bear / Echeneis / Havhest / Ichneumon / Isonade / Jba Fofi / Jinshin Mushi / Qupqugiaq / Leucrotta / Miraj / Mishibizhiw / Myrmecoleon / Rock Bolter / Roperite / Salamander / Scorpios / Ulagu / Water Leaper / Yale / Kappa / Xiao / Amarok / Apshait / Ga-Gorib / Grootslang / Karkadann / Karkinos / Lavellan / Xan / Zhenniao / Snow Wasset / Bulgasari / Mapinguari / Salawa /

DRAGON: Aitvaras / Amphisbaena / Asdeev / Basilisk / Burrunjor / Codrille / Gaasyendietha / Gbahali / Haietlik / Hydra / Knucker / Kongamato / Longgui / Morgawr / Nidhogg / Odontotyrannus / Cuelebre / Zirnitra / Cipactli / Fafnir / Bolla / Ikuchi / Velue / Ammut / Azi Dahaka / Tarasque / Xhumpedzkin / Vritra /

PLANT: Berberoka / Cactus Cat / Jinmenju / Kayeri / Lunantishee / Mbielu-Mbielu / Otso / Rahara / Stray Sod / Mandragora / Abere / Jubokko / Aproxis / Inulpamahuida /

FEY: Abaia / Agropelter / Awd Goggie / Bonguru / Buggane / Bukavac / Eintykara / Fear Liath / Jorogumo / Kamaitachi / Kelpie / Kikimora / Kobold / Kumiho / Lampad / Leshy / Mandarangkal / Phooka / Piasa / Poludnica / Sianach / Tikbalang / Yehwe Zogbanu / Leanan Sidhe / Carbuncle / Clurichaun / Cwn Annwn / Encantado / Guiafairo / Lechuza / Shinchu / Peuchen / Mngwa /

ABERRATION: Akaname / Alp-Luachra / Amikuk / Burach Bhadi / Butatsch / Charybdis / Kerit / Cuero / Dijiang / Ewah / Fachen / Iku-Turso / Keukegen / Lou Carcolh / Muirdris / Nurikabe / Olgoi-Khorkhoi / Qalupalik / Scylla / Shen / Stella / Succarath / Yara-Ma-Yha-Who / Ya-Te-Veo / Baldanders / Khodumodumo / Lusca / Hantu Bulan / Chipfalamfula /

ELEMENTAL: Ahl At-Trab / Cherufe / Dorotabo / Ebajalg / Enenra / Gaueko / Planctae / Psonen / Raiju / Luz Mala / Hinqumemen / Soucouyant / Gu /

CONSTRUCT: Agrippa / Bubak / Caleuche / Egregore / Gold-Digging Ant / Invunche / Ipetam / Ittan-Momen / Jenglot / Juggernaut / Stymphalides / Ungaikyo / Wanyudo / Gargoyle / Golem / Hannya /

==

GENTLE CREATURES: Cu Sith / Alkonost / Cyclops / Tanuki / Zitiron / Alicanto / Baku / Dobhar-Chu / Griffon / Sphinx / Motelo Mama / Qiuniu / Tienlung / Barometz / Anggitay / Arkan Sonney / Bagiennik / Cat Sith / Domovoi / Dryad / Faun / Kapre / Kitsune / Leprechaun / Norn / Pard / Piskie / Ratatoskr / Shellycoat / Snawfus / Zlatorog / Issitoq / Tulpa / Liosalfar / Phoenix / Squonk / Hahakigami / Airavata / Boitata / Caladrius / Djinn / Erote / Kirin / Valkyrie / ==

Non-used but cool anyway

HUMANOID: Merrow / Panotti / Sarangay / Selkie / Skinwalker / Tengu / Antaeus / Argus / Chrysaor / Dalaketnon / Echidna / Gorgon / Graeae / Hekantoncheires / Hraesvelgr / Kampe / Ashinaga-Jin / Bolotnik / Bouda / Cacus / Capelobo / Centaur / Cercopes / Cindaku / Cuca / Cueyatl / Dokkalfar / Einherjar / Gawigawen / Geryon / Goblin / Grindylow / Hrimpursar / Lunwaba / Maenad / Mambabarang / Minotaur / Mothman / Orang Minyak / Rougarou / Siyokoy / Taka-Onna / Tenaga-Jin / Utlunta / Yacuruna / Yawkyawk / Yowie / Lamia /

DEMON: Andrealphus / Asag / Binaye-Ahani / Delgeth / Leraje / Limos / Raktabija / Rogo-Tumu-Here / Stolas / Tsenahale / Tsuchigumo / Yeitso / Abaasy / Ajatar / Alp / Apaosha / Besta-Fera / Bies / Cagrino / Cath Palug / Chicheface / Decarabia / Druj Nasu / Dybbuk / Each Tened / Empusa / Eurynomos / Ghawwas / Gloson / Hala / Ihuaivulu / Imp / Incubus / Jarjacha / Kasha / Kishi / Kubot / Kunopegos / Libelula Diablu / Makalala / Malebete / Mantabungal / Moselantja / Nadubi / Nure-Onna / Sin-You / Stoa / Stuhac / Succubus / Suiko / Taotie / Tartalo / Ushi-Oni /

UNDEAD: Ankou / Jack-In-Irons / Mekurabe / Mummy / Naglfar / Pesta / Rat King / Umibozu / Acheri / Aerico / Ahkiyyini / Awahondo / Barghest / Bezkost / Buruburu / Candileja / Coiste Bodhar / Djieien / Drekavac / Gaki / Ghul / Harionago / Helhest / Hrokkall / Isogashi / Llorona / Mokoi / Morko / Myling / Nachtkrapp / Nachzehrer / Nosoi / Penchapechi / Rusalka / Tikoloshe / Topielec / Toyol / Tsurube-Otoshi / Vetala / Vrykolakas / Waldgeist / Xing Tian / Zombie /

BEAST: Hippocampus / Veo / Wolpertinger / Camazotz / Cetus / Roc / Ugjuknarpak / Ahool / Akheilos / Akhlut / Alkuntane / Ao-Ao / Bo / Bonnacon / Cadejo / Calopus / Camulatz / Caspilly / Chickcharney / Chimera / Colo-Colo / Dingonek / Emela-Ntouka / Erymanthian Boar / Gastarios / Gulon / Hverafugl / Indrik / Kori / Kranokolaptes / Manticore / Moskitto / Musimon / Namazu / Nemean Lion / Nguruvilu / Olitiau / Peryton / Puaka / Qinyuan / Sak / Sandwalker / Saratan / Scarab / Serpopard / Skeljaskrimsli / Splinter Cat / Teumessian Fox / Thunderbird / Trolual / Tsemaus / Tuyango / Uiluruyak / Utelif / Vatnsandi / Ypotryll / Zamba Zaraa / Ziphius / Hrosshvalur / Serra / Chupacabra /

DRAGON: Shussebora / Amhuluk / Glatisant / Kholkikos / Ladon / Whowie / Beannach Nimhe / Bixi / Cerastes / Dipsa / Falajitax / Gambo / Gowrow / Haermorrhois / Hodag / Hypnalis / Kaiaimunu / Kasai Rex / Markupo / Mokele-Mbembe / Muhuru / Ngoubou / Ninki Nanka / Nyuvwira / Ouroboros / Ropen / Sachamama / Seps / Snoligoster / Suileach / Tatzlwurm / Tizheruk / Wakandagi / Wyvern / Zmey / Scytalis /

PLANT: Umdhlebi / Guarana / Hungry Grass / Paxarbolis / Yanagi-Baba /

FEY: Nuberu / Oread / Yamabiko / Ly Erg / Rawhead / Springheel Jack / Tailypo / Wendigo / Agloolik / Amadan Dubh / Askafroa / Attercroppe / Barbegazi / Bauk / Brollachan / Bugbear / Ccoa / Ceffyl Dwr / Curupira / Erlking / Far Darrig / Fear Dorcha / Fossegrim / Gancanagh / Huey Chivo / Huldra / Ijiraq / Jasy Jatere / Katsura-Otoko / Kludde / Krojemanchen / Lorelei / Melinoe / Nuno / Ovinnik / Parandrus / Porotai / Pyrausta / Radande / Ramidreju / Shadhawar / Shurale / Traicousse / Xecotcovach / Zheng / Hidebehind / Veela /

ABERRATION: Ningen / A Boa A Qu / Baxbakwalanuxsiwae / Deogen / Doppelganger / Ek Chapat / Frittening / Gardinel / Minhocao / Otoroshi / Punga / Abuhuku / Amikiri / Atuikakura / Black Tamanous / Blemmyes / Cuchivilu / Cuegle / Devalpa / Dheeyabery / Erumia / Huallepen / Hyakume / Kamikiri / Kaw-Kaw / Kugdlughiak / Kurage-No-Hinotama / Lakuma / Lilyi / Marabbecca / Marakihau / Metminwi / Migas / Nuppeppo / Qamulek / Rumptifusel / Sagari / Satori / Siranis / Skolex / Tculo / Tenome / Tlanusi / Tripodero / Colorobetch / Stewa Rutu /

ELEMENTAL: Sylph / Undine / Will o Wisp / Bilwis / Nalusa Falaya / Sessho-Seki / Tsenagahi /

CONSTRUCT: Hinnagami / Kasa-Obake / Pixiu / Wulgaru / Fulad-Zereh / Talos / Zorigami / Aoandon / Boroboroton / Celedon / Kameosa / Khalkotauroi / Lagahoo / Oboroguruma / Seto Taisho / Suzuri No Tamashii / Terra-Cotta / Tupilaq /

CELESTIAL: Skinfaxi /

[eclipsesilverstar-blog]

Gift - Nothing Wrong With Orange! 

-Inserts Crappy Title Because I'm Not Good With Them..-

Couldn't help myself but draw LadonXE on FA of his main character; Ladon! Hope you likes xD

Art © EclipseSilverstar Character © LadonXE  on FA