You are what you eat

Mr. Stefoniou. Head Warlock of Nightshade. I am a Botanist, a farmer and a foreigner. Please feel free to come to me with questions, and don't mind the dog, she's a cuddly little thing i swear.

[marku-stefoniou]

Dupa-amiaza în pădure || Marku + Annelie

[anneliem-deactivated20140629]

Annelie found herself spending increasingly more time away from the school on her weekends, with friends or without. She’d begun exploring the areas around campus, away from other students and the faculty. She became especially fond of the forest, which provided for her, not only countless things to paint, but a place of serenity where she could wander and think of home. She missed Denmark more than she would have liked to admit, but it was better here. Where she couldn’t hurt anyone.

Above the birds and crunching of leaves, she heard something big moving through the forest. It was faint, so it must have been far away but as she stopped and listening she heard heavy footsteps, the rustle of clothing and ragged breathing…

Marku Stefoniou.

She could recognise him from his heartbeat. A curse in what she assumed was Romanian confirmed it. She considered turning to speak to him, but kept quiet. Maybe he didn’t want to talk… She pretended not to hear him until she heard him speak.

"This is a fine afternoon yes?"

Annelie spun around, “Alo-” she smiled, “Ja, het is. Yes, it is.”

[marku-stefoniou]

Marku gave her a small smile. He got to her and stopped, his stance almost uncomfortable. He really should have no reason to feel that way with a student, but because of their previous meeting he found it a little difficult being just normal.

"You usually spend your time around these woods? You do know how dangerous they are yes?" He looked around and paused staring off as far as he could see into the woods. With a slight sigh he turned his attention back to the girl.

"what kinds of things do you do out here?" He was trying to be friendly, trying to skirt around what he wanted to talk about. What he actually wanted to avoid as well. He let his basket hang in the crook of his elbow while he dug around in his fanny pack for his cigarettes. After a few moments of digging and silence he pulled one out and lit it quickly, smoke billowing around his head. 

He wished he knew how to fix things. Or make her understand. But he could not break certain boundaries, for more than a couples reasons. Maybe he could fix his mishap without having to bring it up.  

[god-ben-barnes]

[marku-stefoniou]

Dupa-amiaza în pădure || Marku + Annelie

Marku was headed from the main campus, a phanny pack hanging loosely from his left hip, a wicker basket in his right hand. He probably looked commical to others but he was content in his ways. The air was still chilly but the sun shone bright and provided enough warmth for Marku to be dressed in a light cotton shirt and a pair of olive green cargo shorts. With the weather already warming up Marku had cut his hair rather short. As he usually did. As he walked he rubbed the back of his head fiercely, the feeling almost magical to him at the moment.

He was headed towards the woods to collect some plants he didn't grow in the greenhouse. It was the perfect day for gathering. Most of what he was looking for would be perfect for harvesting or nearly there. The challenge would be finding them. And for that reason he'd left his beloved dog at home, or rather in the room he called home on campus. 

He neared the edge of the forest and came to a stop. He glanced to his side and stared at the student for a while. Annelie. He rubbed his forehead, remembering the day back in the greenhouse. He felt a hint of embarrassment and remorse. Should he speak with her or continue on. Maybe she wouldn't notice him. Besides, what made him think she would even talk to him if she did. 

"Draco-mi..." He muttered before walking towards her, hoping his smile came off as warm rather than weary. 

"This is a fine afternoon yes?" he said loud enough to grab her attention before reaching her.

[thegreatestdane]

by Bruce Farley

[theleoisallinthemind]

Romain Bernardie james

[plant-a-day]

Photos courtesy of Strange and Wonderful Things, Rare and Exotic Seeds, and Stan Shebs.

Chiranthodendron pentadactylon aka Devil’s Hand, Monkey’s Hand, and Mexican Hand Tree. Native to southern Mexico and Guatemala. Hardy in zones 9-11.

[b-l-a-c-k-treacle]

[beammedownn]

[indefenseofplants]

Are you ready to have your mind blown away? What you are looking at here is not some strange kind of mushroom, though fungus is involved. What you are seeing is the inflorescence of a parasitic orchid from Australia that lives and blooms UNDERGROUND! Meet Rhizanthella gardneri. This strange little orchid is endemic to Western Australia and it lives, blooms, and sets seed entirely underground. It is extremely rare, with only 6 known populations. Fewer than 50 mature plants are known to exist. This is another one of those tricky orchids that does not photosynthesize but, instead, parasitizes a fungus that is mycorrhizal with the broom honey myrtle (Melaleuca uncinata). To date, the orchid has only been found under that specific species of bush. Because of it’s incredibly unique requirements, it’s limited range, and habitat destruction, R. gardneri is critically endangered. The flowers open up a few centimeters under the soil. They are quite fragrant and it is believed that ants, termites, and beetles are the main pollinators. The resulting seeds take up to 6 months to produce and are actually quite fleshy. It is hypothesized that some sort of small marsupial eats them and consequently distributes them in it’s droppings. Either way, the chances of successful sexual reproduction for this species are quite low. Because of this, R. gardneri also reproduces asexually by budding off daughter plants. Despite not photosynthesizing, this orchid is quite unique in that it still retains chloroplasts in it’s cells. They are a very stripped down form of chloroplast though, only containing about half of the genes a normal chloroplast would. It is the smallest known chloroplast genome on the planet! This offers researchers a unique opportunity to look deeper into how these intracellular relationships work. The remaining chloroplast genes code for 4 essential plant proteins, meaning chloroplasts offer functions beyond just photosynthesis. I am so amazed by this species. I’m having a hard time keeping my jaw off the ground while researching it. What an amazing world we live in. If you would like to see more pictures of R. gardneri, please make sure to check out the following website: http://www.arkive.org/underground-orchid/rhizanthella-gardneri/

www.facebook.com/indefenseofplants

Photo Credit: Jean and Fred Hort

[marku-stefoniou]

Stats Physical Attributes Age: 28 Birthday: August 8th Height: 6”4 Weight: 200lb Hair colour: Dark brown almost black Eye colour: Dark brown Origin: Baile Tusand, Romania First language: Romanian Habits Previous Relationships: None Virgin? No Smoker? Regular Drink? Two shots before bed. Drugs (any kind): Opium, cocaine, and any he can get from plants naturally. Talents or hobbies: Collecting and growing new varieties of plants. Walking through the woods with his dog, Crina. Memories: Earliest: The day his father let him use the horse to plow their fields. Best: The day he first arrived in Nightshade. Worst: The night he got home to find his whole family murdered.

[itmovesmemorelol]

Herb of the Day: Lovage From: Witch of the Old World Book Herbs by: Lady Abigail Lovage is a beautifully herb with dark green celery looking leaves with heads of green-yellow flowers. Lovage is a weed that can just about any state but seem to be easier to find the warmer states. Magickal Powers; Attract Love and Healing. A hint to the powers of Lovage is in the name, and is used in all forms of love again. Lovage is used to attract love to you. It can be used in potions, brews, powers and spells. If you have a person you want to be attracted to you and for feelings of love to grow I have learned that by there ingesting of Lovage is the best and fastest way. It is not always easy to get some to take a potion even when given in wines and drinks. Lovage can be cooked into food and this will bring the desired effects as well.  This is soup called “Lovage Love Potage”, it can be served as an appetizer for more than just the coming meal. You will find it quite good for attracting love and heating up love already in bloom. Medical Uses; Lovage is made into a tea, which is a very effective diuretic. This same tea can be used to clean the body. Water infusions of Lovage are excellent for urinary problems, cystitis menstrual pain, and will reduce fevers. Lovage made into creams and oils will treat psoriasis and also treat dandruff. Dandruff can also be treated using a wash for the water infusions as well. Lovage is also used for problems of the digestive tracts and will ease the pain of mouth ulcers. Other; Lovage should not be used in great amounts if pregnant because of its diuretic affect. Author Lady Abigail - Information via Witch of the Old World Book of Herbs by: Lady Abigail on CD. All rights reserved under the US copyright laws and statues. Copyright © 12312011. For more information or see to purchase see: The Glass Witch Magick Shoppe * Because we have to: The Don’t be Stupid Clause or Disclaimer … If you are allergic to this herb don’t use it.

source: Ravensgrove Coven

…

The Dance at Alder Cove

/|\

☽✪☾Youth/Father/Geezer☽✪☾

\|/

Customs of the Ancestor

[itmovesmemorelol]

Herb of the Day: Licorice From: Witch of the Old World Book Herbs by: Lady Abigail I love Licorice and traditionally most women like the taste and scent of Licorice. Licorice has been used throughout history in both magickal work and healing the sweet herb is recorded being used in healing before 500 BC. Folk Names; Sweetwood, Sweet Root, Liquorice and Sweet Licorice. Magickal Powers; Lust, Love and Fidelity. Licorice is a natural aphrodisiac effect on women and is taken in drink and potions to excite their interest in sexual encounters. Made into charms sachets and spells for both love and fidelity. Burning the sticks of Licorice while working on love spells will in charge the magick and it will gain strength. Medical Uses; Aphrodisiac, Expectorant, Anti-inflammatory, Digestive and Arthritic. Making syrups using Honey and Licorice is a strong and soothing expectorant for both bronchitis and asthma. Licorice as a decoction is used to ease acidity and ulcers of the stomach. Tinctures from Licorice are used for the natural anti-inflammatory effects on arthritic pain and will ease digestive and lung disorders. These same Tinctures will also encourage the adrenal gland. Tonic made from Vodka and Licorice will treat liver problems and may help those with high blood pressure. The roots from Licorice have been proven by the medically community to be a natural aphrodisiac for women. Author Lady Abigail - Information via Witch of the Old World Book of Herbs by: Lady Abigail on CD. All rights reserved under the US copyright laws and statues. Copyright © 12312011. For more information or see to purchase see: The Glass Witch Magick Shoppe * Because we have to: The Don’t be Stupid Clause or Disclaimer … If you are allergic to this herb don’t use it.

source:  Ravensgrove Coven … The Dance at Alder Cove ☽✪☾ Youth/Father/Geezer  -  I see you

[dianasson]

White Mandrake

[anneliem-deactivated20140629]

Annelie’s breath caught in her throat as he forced her to meet his eyes. She matched his gaze with one of defiant invulnerability, very different from how she felt, but a perfect representation of how she wanted to feel. She listened to what he was saying with a mixture of horror and anger.

"There are people here who wish to see me here for a very long time, and they will not let a child ruin it."

"Child?!" She was eighteen. And perfectly capable of taking care of herself.

"I am already in trouble for this. They know now that you know."

"Who’s that? They we’re the only one’s in the green house… And if that was true, didn’t that put her in danger no matter what she said?" Annelie stopped herself, realising she was trying to rationalise her still being here. She wanted to say something, but she couldn’t seem to form words.

When he finally released her, she let her eyes move to the floor again. But after a second, she met his gaze again, ”I-” She paused and restarted. “…Are you going to be ok?” 

Sincere concern. 

She collected her bag. Annelie wasn’t hungry, but she took his cue to leave.

[marku-stefoniou]

-Marku stood patting his hips almost uncomfortably.- I am going to be fine, I promise. I am not knew to any of this. But if at anytime you feel uncomfortable, the hairs on your neck stand or just feel threatened come to me right away. Ok? 

-He didn't want to let on what he knew but he wanted to keep her safe. Especially because this had been his mistake.- I do not mean to scare you. I think you will be just fine, just as I will.

[parker-fields]

  I’m not a very careful person, Professor Marku.

[marku-stefoniou]

Why not? Is that not the name of the play?  

[jaxon-orlowe]

  Looking for you? [he puffed on his cigarette] Are you like a fugitive or something like that? I feel like it would be a lot to take in all of… this.. [he looked around] Well, maybe not this. here exactly since this place is old fashion. But yeah.. you know what I mean. Well, good for you! [he gave Marku a toothy grin and have him a quick thumbs up] 

[Jaxon was quite interesting the Marku’s story, he sipped his tea and puffed on his cigarette. Listening intently. He then noticed his was finished his tea, he grabbed the pot and filled his cup] You had four sisters, holy crap. He thought you were gay because you found an interest in planets?… How is that gay? [he raised his eyebrow and huffed.] Your past sounds a lot more interesting than mine.. and probably way more sad. I’ve had a fairly easy life, no walk in the park or anything, but I feel lucky. No, can’t do that with my power, so far the closest thing that I know of that can do that is telekinesis. No, I can only take something with me, even people. But, I can’t send things where I please.  

[marku-stefoniou]

-Marku chuckles then shrugs- Something like that. Maybe. I mean, it's still growing on me, and I still miss home, but I am happy to be free of the place.

Yeah, four. -he pauses, a sad smile playing on his lips- They were all such beautiful girls. They all had such kind hearts. I cherished them, I loved them. -he rubs his forehead then drags his hand through his hair.- Sometimes I wonder if they were like me, you know? Witches.

-his mood changes suddenly and he nods- Yes, gay. Ha. Gay. Father, you are correct. I enjoy the company of flowers. Therefore,I like the penis. -he rolls his eyes and flicks his cigarette away- That is just how people think back home. I believe the term is narrow minded. 

If you want me to be honest, I would probably switch pasts with anyone here. In a beat of a heart. But never would I change what I can do. I like my little abilities. 

[parker-fields]

  That’s a good way to turn up dead. 

[marku-stefoniou]

No. Not really.Well as long as you are careful.