Berries & Ink/Issues/Berries-01-03

Publication: Berries & Ink

Volume: 01

Issue: 03

Issue Date: May 1, 2024

Contributors: Eruwyn, Allye, Ezathiel, Shaylynne, Shaoimhe, Dantia, Crobin, Aislynn, Cythra, Nilme, Ysindre, Tirost, Xionara, Crowfeet

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 3 [~* Editor's Note *~] Welcome, dear readers, to a very special issue of Berries & Ink. Art has the remarkable ability to revel in life's joys yet also offer solace and a quiet space for reflection. Through its embrace, we remember loved ones and express emotions that transcend words. On these pages, art unfurls like a vibrant tapestry, even in the face of loss. May it ignite your own artistic spark and give voice to the whispers within your heart. ~Warmly, Illiya [~* Twin apple tree branches abloom with pale pink petals embrace the words "Guess Who? by Eruwyn Cholares" *~] A slight hint of stubble shows on the face of an Elven man standing casually in front of a crowd, his gold eyes glint with metallic ink giving them a mischievous appearance. Short, blue-black hair is arranged in that sort of tousled, finger-combed style that looks easy but usually takes planning, the hue complementing his tanned skin and making his eyes stand out all the more. His cloak is thrown back to allow his grip on the set of bagpipes he is caught in the midst of playing, the sapphire blue of the fabric framing the instrument, while the grey of his shirt serves as a backdrop. A pair of tight, dark leather pants and ebony boots completes his roguish ensemble. (Last month's portrait: Cote. Winner: Nanntrina. Mail in your guess for this month! The winner will be revealed next issue.) [~* Fashion Alley with Allye: Sensational Seasonal Stylings *~] As frost blankets our realms, embrace the allure of winter fashion with our style tips: ~ Cloaks Fit for Royalty: Wrap yourself in a regal cloak crafted from Musparan silk or Elven wool. Avoid ice-veined leather, unless you are particularly fond of the freeze! ~ Boots Built for Adventure: Tread boldly over icy terrain with footwear designed for style and functionality from artisans who prioritize sturdy, waterproof soles. Bonus points for winged boots to save you in slippery conditions. ~ Jewelry That Glitters Like Ice: Adorn yourself with gems to capture the season's beauty. Winter emeralds from Ker'Leor's snowy peaks, frosty geshi pearls, and opals that shimmer like freshly fallen snow will turn heads at any winter gala. ~ Layer with Flair: Pair luxurious tunics with leggings and a fur-lined vest or surcoat. Mix and match textures, but don't forget to accessorize! Now you're ready to conquer the cold in style. May your winter wardrobe be as enchanting as the adventures that lie ahead! [~* Remembering You by Ezathiel Karenea *~] In the quiet whispers of the wind, Where memories linger, softly pinned, There dwells a presence, though unseen, A cherished soul, forever keen. Through tear-stained eyes and heavy hearts, We bid farewell as daylight parts. Yet in the echoes of laughter's rhyme, Your spirit dances, lost in time. Though you have journeyed far away, In dreams and stories, you still sway. For love's embrace knows no farewell, In every tale, your essence dwell. So with a heart full of fondness I consider myself one greatly blessed. To have known you, to have shared time with you, I wish you the best, as you move to something new. [~* Seasonal Stargazing with Shaylynne *~] Ka'Len the Sea Drake: Sailors beware the sea near Basalt Isle. Local rumors allege the undead kraken from the last raid had siblings, and there's a fifty percent chance it's not made up. Lirisa the Archer: Keep your bows taut, danger lurks in every dark corner. Especially for the one with the salty moon mage-in-law who sent in this forecast and said you'd know who you are. Shorka the Cobra: Winter is here! Enjoy a cup of steaming Flamethorn's Folly at Barsabe's in Crossing. Sweet and creamy, the hot tea is infused with the full-bodied flavor of dark chocolate, hazelnuts and a hint of mint. A seasonal favorite for the cold-blooded soul. Uthmor the Giant: You'll wake up feeling like you can move mountains but a Gnome born in the month of Uthmor is still a Gnome. Make big things happen without overdoing it. [~* A stack of delectable-looking tarts are drawn piled against the words "Sweet and Savory by Shaoimhe Bramblebairn" *~] For those I have never had the privilege of meeting in person - well, what are you waiting for! Come find me and let's explore the greatest little village around. While I did not grow up in Arthe Dale, it has quickly become a favorite spot of mine. I know you're thinking, 'of course, SheShe, you're a Halfling!' Well *yes* but also! Have you ever just let yourself stroll through the paths of the dale? Or picnic'd on the knoll? I encourage you to just sit on the grass some day and dip your feet in the swimming hole, listening to the life around you. And, it has to be said...take some of Thipbeet's tarts with you. I think sometimes people get so caught up in the busy-ness of it all that they forget to enjoy the simpler things. Let's rediscover them together! [~* A winding dashed line spells "Dantia's Destinations" and ends in a bright red X *~] At the base of the Carillon in Mer'Kresh, a footbridge gracefully arches over a sunlit brook adorned with roses and honeysuckle. Beneath the gentle current's surface, schools of speckled golden fish frolic among the submerged flora. Some lazily nibble on plants, while others playfully nip at each other. These small creatures evade any attempt at touch by a non-Empath. However, when an Empath's fingers caress their scaly hides, the Empath remarkably senses their injuries. By tossing crumbs of a fresh loaf purchased at Saja's Boarding House nearby, you're bound to summon a school of fish to voraciously consume it! The brook also serves as a place of reflection for Paladins, who can enhance the state of their soul by scattering an offering of coins into the wishful waters. [~* The Adventures of Lavacano Gator, Ch. 3 by Crobin Yuanfen ~] Under the cover of darkness, Lavacano stealthily slipped into the forest bandit camp, his every movement masked by shadows. As he observed the bandits, he noticed their callous demeanor and the fear they instilled in their captives. Determined to put an end to their tyranny, Lavacano bided his time, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. With a sudden rush of adrenaline, Lavacano sprang into action. With precise strikes and calculated moves, he swiftly subdued the bandits, disarming them before they even realized what had happened. As the camp fell into chaos, Lavacano turned his attention to the captive children, their eyes wide with fear. With a reassuring smile, he freed them from their bonds, leading them to safety amidst the chaos of the forest night. [~* Corn Ice Cream by Aislynn Maylan *~] Ingredients: 10 stones heavy cream 8 stones milk 3 stones sugar 3 spoonfuls honey 4 cobs worth of sweet corn kernels 7 large egg yolks 2.5 stones cream cheese 1 spoonful vanilla extract Instructions: Heat milk, cream, 2/3 of sugar, honey, and corn kernels, stirring often. Once simmering, remove from heat and cover. Let steep for an hour. Puree, bring custard back to a simmer, then remove from heat. Whisk egg yolks and the remaining sugar. Whisk 1/4 custard into yolks, then pour in remaining custard. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat and whisk in cream cheese and vanilla. Strain custard through sieve, then place in an ice bath. Once cooled, freeze in unlochai bucket. [~* Q&A with THE Cythra *~] Q: Where do you find inspiration? A: There's a shop in the Bard guild where they sell it. Q: What about Eury? A: No, she nae sells it. Q: What's your writing process? A: I takes a quill, puts the pointy end on the paper, then I moves the quill while trying to nae tickle my nose with the other end. Q: Do you have a signature writing style? A: Is like my writing process, but I put my name instead. Q: Of your own pieces, which is your favorite? A: My hair, but I got amazing eyes too. Q: Is there a life goal you have yet to accomplish? A: You nae runs away screaming yet. Q: Why are you referred to as The Cythra? A: THE Cythra. Q: THE Cythra. How did that start? A: I dunno what yous talking about. [~* Framed by tiny clusters of rosebuds tinged in the diluted hues of a sunrise are the words "For Chabelle by Langen Esturi Nilme Iondu'il" *~] One of our own. One of a kind. Away to where we cannot follow Leaving us to mourn your loss. Leaving our hearts hollow. The time with you we were allowed - Too brief for us to bear. Know that on your next adventure You take our love and care. You'll be on our minds and in our hearts - Each moment we'll recall. Your laugh and smile, your cheeky grin, We'll never forget them all. "Remember that time," someone will say, Our voices will no doubt waver. Stories of you will fill the room. Each memory we'll savor. Words cannot fully express Your vivaciousness and style. Writing this to honor you Took me quite a while. Between the words my teardrops fell Blurring ink upon the page As I search for words that might tell how The world was your theatre and stage. Upon the boards, behind the scenes, The center of attention In all these roles your light shone through Regardless of your intention. You walked the roads we travel on. Sat at the bars in which we toast you. Filled our lives with so much more Than this simple song alludes to. My fingers start to fail me now. Words aren't flowing from my quill, For overwhelming sadness takes me now. I expect it always will. You've impacted many, and we'll grieve your loss. No one like you has come before. One of our own. One of a kind. We couldn't love you more. [~* Brightly colored tambourines create a border to each side of the words "Ghosts by Gypsy Ysindre" *~] You tell me tales Of the good old days When everything was new Of those who helped And those you fought Who are now a part of you Your eyes light up As you recall Friends from long ago While some remain Some are lost Where you do not know As you tell your tales Across your face Old emotions play Some bring you joy Some recall pain Those ghosts of yesterday [~* Elegy for Druesyllia by Tirost Armagna *~] Pardon, sweetly singing wren, Who warbles forth her lovely song, But sad occasion brings me on To mourn the passage of our friend. Too soon has our Druesyllia crossed That Starry Road beyond our bound - No longer at the Pond be found To craft or teach or mischief cause. With playful twinkle in her eye, She with grace would disappear, Until her tail would tickle ears, And she tumbled laughing back in sight, Or with one to adventure newly set She'd advise with thoughtful wisdom kind, While her needles like the wind through pines, Crafted armor to protect their life. If 'mid danger one should be struck down, Druesyllia sped to take their hand. Swiftly for an Empath and a Cleric ran, And worse fate with her claws unwound. Like the wind that through the grasslands pass, She to our souls' rich soil carried seeds Bearing fruits, flowers and verdant trees That to the wind their fragrant bounty cast. [~* Falling by Xionara Swiftstrike *~] Leaves float down from trees Leaving naked bare branches They gather below. So too does my heart feel cold Until we hold each other. [~* Advertisement ~ Tall red letters spelling out the word "REWARD" are plastered over a monochromatic sketch of a small cog. Beneath the depiction in stylish Reshalian script are the following words: *~] In the Spring of 444, my ship, the Sultry Siren, was commandeered by the Riverhaven Port Authority for unlawful possession of illicit goods. I am offering a 100 platinum Kronar reward for any information regarding the smuggling of a crate of samatak onto my ship. Please find me at your earliest convenience. Signed by Crowfeet Zarinova, Captain of the Sultry Siren. [~* Thank you for reading! Look out for more juicy bites in next month's issue! *~]