Berries & Ink/Issues/Berries-01-02

Publication: Berries & Ink

Volume: 01

Issue: 02

Issue Date: April 1, 2024

Contributors: Hanryu, Cythra, Eruwyn, Shaylynne, Allye, Nawain, Stelling, Dantia, Dasheek, Crobin, Shaoimhe, Nilme

Editor: Illiya

You tap a colorfully illuminated parchment. A blob of berry-red wax is affixed to the parchment. It is imprinted with a plump strawberry nestled in a crown of delicate leaves.

[~* Vibrant watercolor strawberries grace the top of the page, depicting a basket overflowing with plump, juicy fruits interspersed with inkpots and feather quills around an unfurled scroll hand-lettered in a playful script: *~] Berries & Ink - Volume 1, Issue 2 [~* Editor's Note *~] Welcome back, dear readers, to another juicy issue of Berries & Ink! We're thrilled to embark on this literary journey with you once again, and we hope you're ready for a fresh batch of stories, poems, and creative musings. This month, we're especially excited to welcome three new contributors: Cythra, Stelling, and Dasheek! We're eager to share their voices with you and can't wait for you to discover their work. Speaking of voices, don't forget that Berries & Ink is always open to new talent! If you have a poem yearning to be seen or a story bursting to escape, send it our way! Just drop me a line, and who knows - you might see your name in print next issue. As always, we at Berries & Ink thank you again for your continued support. Your readership and submissions are what keep the ink flowing and the stories spinning. So settle in, grab your favorite beverage, and let the magic unfold! --Cheers, Illiya [~* This issue of Berries & Ink is proudly sponsored by Hanryu's Armor. A whimsical cartoon captures a wide-eyed puppy, its youthful energy practically radiating from the page, pawing longingly at the glass of a shop window. Inside, a suit of gleaming armor shines like a prized dog bone. "Is your current armor a bit worse for wear? Feeling more 'drool' than 'duel' ready? Shed that old stuff and give Hanryu a howl. His selection is a treat!" *~] [~* Above the petite rose vines twining around the perimeter of the page, in pearlescent lavender ink, are the words "Windows by Cythra Feralclaw" *~] The edge of the night can cut so deeply, But the light in the window gives me hope. The edge of the night won't kill you cleanly. In the darkness you will grope. I'm ne'er lost and alone in the darkness. While the beacon from your window shines. Giving me a sense of calmness. Because its glow is so divine. There's a light on in the window, Whene'er I pass by. Your warmth shines from the window, The window in your eyes. [~* Twin apple tree branches abloom with pale pink petals embrace the words "Guess Who? by Eruwyn Cholares" *~] A riot of vela'tohr flowers surrounds a portrait of a petite Prydaen woman who appears caught in the middle of an energetic twirl. Mischievous violet eyes rest above a whiskered nose, while her round face is further enhanced by a painted mask of thorny vines and vibrant blooms. Yet more colorful blossoms are scattered throughout her long, dark brown mane, its strands flowing around her body as if not yet settled from her spin. Her glittered fur of a soft sandy hue is sleek and soft, the ink artfully used to give it a subtle shimmer. A corset of mossy green and her billowy grey skirt help to further the impression of growing things with their designs of leafy vines dripping yet more flowers along her athletic form. (Last month's portrait: Betlind. Winner: Nanntrina. Mail in your guess for our "Guess Who?" portrait! First correct guesser will be revealed next issue.) [~* Seasonal Stargazing with Shaylynne *~] Skullcleaver the Dwarven Axe: Crush things, crush all the things. Be sure you clean up your mess after, there is no fate worse than the fury of a mother who raised you better. Dolefaren the Brigantine: Island adventures are in the cards. Dig for shells, drink daiquiris, go fishing and find time to relax on Qi's critter-infested beaches. [Critter-infested is crossed out and the word lovely is inserted above it.] Nissa the Maiden: Don't let scars of the past guide you forever. Great things await if you focus this month on healing and the path forward. You will be rewarded for your efforts, probably, maybe. Akroeg the Ram: Do you feel like you're butting your head against the same problem over and over with no resolution? It is probably time to make like a cow, not a ram, and moove on. [~* Fashion Alley with Allye: Concert Couture and Upcoming Trends *~] Hello again, dear sartorial savants! What a spectacle to relay, such boundless creativity and style. I speak, of course, of THE Cythra's Arthe Dale concert. Concerts always elicit a gamut of chic looks, and the attendees of the event did not disappoint! Event Hostess Nilme was elegant in a lavender gown and slippers, cascading beautiful blooms down the length of her skirts. Jaelia was a dreamy delight in starry indigo and plum. Much marblesilk was on display, as Kethrai stunned as usual in a saffron marblesilk ysin and Sonatina donned a flawlessly matched bardic blue marblesilk bandeau and skirt. Many arrived directly from the Black Fox's Pajama Ball, lending an eclectic splash of sleepwear to the mix! Leayne's nightcap and nightgown were set off charmingly by a pair of bunny slippers. Of course, none shone quite so bright as the star herself, THE Cythra, who wowed in a nightsilk corset and starlight velvet skirt, set off by beautiful Triquetra-adorned accessories. In other news, our fashion spies report an up-and-coming trend that is sure to literally blow your socks off: toe bows! I concede, brave readers, that I was uncertain at first if this might be a new innovation in miniature, foot-loaded weaponry, but sources assure me that toe bows are in fact: 1. Lengths of ribbon in any variety of fabric, colors, and pattern that one might imagine, 2. Tied into elegantly looped knots around one's toes, and 3. Sure to be the latest fashion craze. Set an appointment with your tailor (or cobbler?) and get yours today! [~* The Lion and the Man by Nawain Augtaire *~] Once, through strange circumstances, a Lion and a Man happened to travel together through the forest. To pass the time, they argued (like they do), that each of them and their kind were far superior to the other both in strength and mind. In time, they reached a clearing in the forest and there stood a statue. It was a representation of a mighty warrior in the act of tearing open the jaws of a massive Lion. "See how strong we are!" crowed the Man. "The so-called King of Beasts is like putty in our hands!" "Hah!" laughed the Lion, "A Man made that statue. It would have been quite a different scene had a Lion carved it." [~* A twining pair of rose vines, Therengian and Trigomas, encircle the title "Stray Thoughts by Stelling Constalon" *~] I remember a place With cozy sofas by the fireplace Where you could find gypsy misthaze And fine Therengian wine Tarts, savory or sweet Mild dishes, and those with some heat Apple spiced cake and fudgiest brownies So many treats, and most comfortable seats Socialites could gather Or if you would rather Wander the gardens Or find places more private, quieter spaces Lovers sneaking upstairs To get away from the stares The beautiful rooms for the guests Each door guarding, a room to explore For the party exclusive You could be quite reclusive Finding your way to the cellar The finest of sherry and brandy Perhaps after a time We'll all again dine And drink in the hall And relax on the sofas with a drink by the fire [~* A winding dashed line spells "Dantia's Destinations" and ends in a bright red X *~] East of Rossman's Landing lies the enticing door to Viggu's Lair. Found through an abandoned village and underneath a small store, this door guards the domain of the orc chieftain Viggu, a villain who, along with his orc and goblin raiding parties, has long terrorized Therengia. Explorers will encounter a series of interactable mechanisms that may be the key to unlocking the door (or drive you crazy trying!) - a triangular button, a cracked wooden lever, a rusted crank, a pearlescent orb that responds to touch, a hidden rope, and a suspicious torch mounted several rooms away. This puzzle has drawn intrepid minds into its depths for decades, all of whom have failed to unlock its secrets. Will you be the one to finally solve it and confront Viggu? [~* FIGHT by Dasheek *~] I've been feeling the arena a bit quiet lately, and it has me curious. Perhaps some of you have honed your skills to the point that you think nothing can faze you. But everyone fights whether we want to or not. Life throws punches, both literal and figurative. That's why Wyvern Trials and spars are invaluable. They let us test ourselves in a safe space, learn from mistakes, and practice making decisions and fighting through stress. First lesson: Never give up. Mastering these core skills isn't just about personal growth, it's about protecting ourselves and those around us. It's a way to be there for your family, friends, and the community. The arena isn't about winning or losing, it's about growth, teamwork, and building the strength to face anything life throws our way. There is no win or lose, only growth. I look forward to seeing you in the arena. [~* The Adventures of Lavacano Gator, Ch. 2 by Crobin Yuanfen *~] Standing atop the Greater Fist, Lavacano gazed out at the sprawling landscape below, his eyes settling on Dirge. Once a target of Krenze's cruelty, the village now bustled peacefully. Months had passed since the warlord's demise, but a pang of guilt still twisted in his gut for his part in the devastation. He was still an outcast - the villagers' fear of goblins kept him at bay. But at that moment the rhythmic thud of boots shattered the usual quiet. A group of villagers approached, armed with shovels and other makeshift weapons, accusing him of kidnapping one of the children. Goblins wouldn't kidnap children, he argued, but bandits...he'd heard whispers of them moving through the forest. Lavacano slammed his fist on the table. "I know where they might be hiding. But you need to trust me." [~* A stack of delectable-looking tarts are drawn piled against the words "Sweet and Savory by Shaoimhe Bramblebairn" *~] You made it to the second issue! So did I! Honestly, I read the first issue and thought...I'm not good enough to be on the same page as all these brilliant authors. I'm just a little acrobat! But you know what, the best part of this world is how different we all are. Let me tell you about my first performance with my Cyr wheel, Twizzle! I was showing off to my family and I thought I was the empress of Riverhaven. (Also Riverhaven should have an empress.) I started spinning so fast that I went one way and Twizzle went another and, well...I broke my uncle's nose. Tumbled right into him. Twizzle tormented some chickens before crashing into the barn...the point is! Whether eloquent or rough, bright or dull, all of us have a story to tell - so what's yours? [~* Framed by tiny clusters of rosebuds tinged in the diluted hues of a sunrise are the words "Berries & Ink by Langen Esturi Nilme Iondu'il" *~] I sat eating my berries, and glanced at my ink. It was getting quite low and I started to think. If I went after ink, maybe pick up a quill? I already have ten, but I'll pick up one still. Add parchments and notecards... the list just goes on. With new ink and a quill, those supplies won't last long. The Crossing Post Office has a selection, quite large, but before I go there, I should hop on the barge. Slafs Riza Rakstit has paper 'neath a layer of tissue. Picking up some surely won't be an issue. Their paper with buttercups is perfect for me, and the blue paper resembling the waves of the sea. I'll need half a dozen of the violet, as well. (It's amazing how quickly my bank balance fell!) I left, armed with paper galore, then I realized I'd need just a little bit more. Envelopes? Wax for my seal? I embraced all this shopping with excitement and zeal! The Post Office in Ratha has wax of jet-black and Shard has the fuchsia - two colors I lack. Fang Cove sells an envelope with a color so creamy. Just thinking about all the options was dreamy. Hibarnhvidar? Not far! Aesry? A Dirigible away! Maybe I'll get a few stampbooks today! I finished my berries and stepped out the door. Wait! What was the main thing I was going shopping for? [~* Thank you for reading! Look out for more juicy bites in next month's issue! *~]