Berries & Ink/Issues/Berries-02-01

Publication: Berries & Ink

Volume: 02

Issue: 01

Issue Date: March 1, 2025

Contributors: Eruwyn, Shaoimhe, Allye, Ezathiel, Dantia, Kiyora, Nilme, Valynn, Shaylynne, Nawain, Crobin, Stelling

Editor: Illiya

You tap a red-bordered 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. You gently open the folded parchment.

[~* Gnarled trees adorned with vibrant red strawberries and glossy black inkpots create a magical fairytale forest at the top of the page, the foliage framing the hand-lettered script: *~] Berries & Ink - Volume 2, Issue 1 [~* Editor's Note *~] Dearest readers, after a brief and much-needed period of rest and rejuvenation, we are thrilled to return with a second volume! This issue, perhaps fittingly, carries a gentle whisper of new beginnings. It's a theme that resonated with us during our time away, and we hope it finds a similar echo in your hearts as you explore the pages before you. We've sought out new voices, rediscovered old favorites, and curated a selection of stories, poems, and artwork that we believe captures the delicate dance between the sweetness of life and the indelible mark of words. In addition to the return of your favorite columnists -- Eruwyn, Allye, Shaylynne, Shaoimhe, Crobin, Dantia, and Nawain -- we have some amazing poetry from Ezathiel, Nilme, and Stelling! And we're especially excited to welcome two new columnists: Kiyora, whose insights will add a multifaceted brilliance to our pages, and Valynn, a returning contributor now joining us in a regular column. We've poured our hearts into this issue, and we hope you find it as enriching to read as it was for us to create. Thank you for your patience, your support, and your unwavering love for the written word. We are so grateful to have you as part of the Berries & Ink family. Here's to new beginnings, fresh ink, and the sweet, enduring power of stories. ~Warmly, Illiya [~* A heartfelt thank you to our generous sponsor for this issue: the Northern Watch *~] [~* Twin apple tree branches abloom with pale pink petals embrace the words "Guess Who? by Eruwyn Cholares" *~] Charmingly decorated cupcakes and tarts artistically arranged upon multitier stands are arrayed around a petite female Prydaen with sepia-striped tawny fur. Smiling warmly from amid the brightly painted deserts, her turquoise eyes sparkle with humor and welcome, their color highlighted by the perfectly applied night-black kohl. Coifed into a mass of curls, her hip-length raven mane tumbles gracefully across her shoulders. Fitted flawlessly to her limberly agile figure is a sleeveless gown of glittering pink sapphire silk that is neatly complimented by delicate jewelry and a pair of platinum-hued slippers with glass heels. (Last issue's portrait: Ruea. Winner: Damiza. MAIL in your guess for this month! The winner will be revealed next issue.) [~* A whimsical array of tarts tumbling through a series of hoops adorns the words "The Tumbling Tart by Shaoimhe Bramblebairn" *~] Well, hello! It's me, SheShe! It looks like we're back! You didn't think you'd get rid of me so easily, now, did you? We're going to do things a little differently this time, though. Just a little! The first season of this publication was all about life, its sweet and its savory. This season will be also be about life...but in the *circus*! Each issue will take you through the life of a circus performer we'll call..."Mimi." From finding the colorful tent, to learning her acts, to becoming a main attraction, and all the somersaults of chaos in between, I plan on taking you all on an adventure fit for the big top with our little acrobat! So tune in each month as we traverse the tightropes and tame some lions with - The Tumbling Tart! [~* A mirrored pair of swans gracefully flank the words "Fashion Alley with Allye: Battle Fashion for the Fight Ahead" ~*] With the clash between the Heralds and the Immortals looming, our brave warriors and defenders must balance battle prowess and style. ~ Gleaming plate and brigandine serves both to protect and inspire. ~ Layered leather or chain offers agility for scouts and assassins. ~ Teleportation and invisibility cloaks, imbued with magic, can provide a fortuitous escape when overwhelmed. Most importantly, as war approaches, remember - when on fire: fashionably stop, elegantly drop, and gracefully roll. And don't forget to get that beautiful armor repaired! [~* Beneath the Angry Stars by Ezathiel Karanea *~] Hush now, little one, close your weary eyes Beneath the angry stars that guard the troubled skies Dream of winds that whisper, soft and sweet and free And rivers flowing golden to a peaceful sea Oh, the immortal hands will find you where you lay And guide you from the shadows to a brighter day The mana will awaken, pure and unrestrained And all the scars of chaos will be gently healed again Rest now, child of light, let no fear remain Though portents burn above, and the heavens weep with pain Your dreams will shape the morning, the storm will surely cease And in your tender heart, a song of endless peace Sleep, oh innocent, though the stars may scorn The dawn will rise undaunted, a new world will be born Beneath their watchful fury, the calm will softly start For in your quiet dreams lies the hope of every heart [~* A winding dashed line spells "Dantia's Destinations" and ends in a bright red X *~] Shrouded in fog and surrounded by dense forests, Lake Gwenalion stands as a dominant feature of central Therengia. This deep, boggy lake drains into the Faldesu River, nurturing settlements like Riverhaven, Langenfirth, and Rossman's Landing along its banks. Should you miss the barge during your travels, consider alternate transportation! For a mere 1 gold Kronar, you can rent one of ten boats at the docks in those towns and set sail on Gwenalion's waters for an hour, complete with the coveted title of 'Captain.' Trust the skill of the boat pilot to navigate between cities, or take the wheel yourself, guided by various colored buoys scattered across the water. And as you journey, keep your eyes peeled for 'Gweny,' the legendary lake beast! [~* Stars of the Earth with Kiyora: An Introduction *~] It is said a Trader from ages past coined the phrase, "Diamonds are a girl's best friend." In truth, there is a vast array of crystalline treasure to discover for any discerning individual, that both delight the eye and capture the imagination in expressions of art, fashion, and worship. With their ability to refract light, and in some cases even produce it, the gemstones of our land can quite rightly be thought of as Stars of the Earth. While our Immortals march forward with purpose to bring back those celestial beacons lost behind the angry visages that mar our skies, we can turn our gaze back toward the rivers, mountains, oceans and depths for tangible reminders of what will return. Please join me next time as we begin our journey into the fascinating world of Elanthian gemstones. [~* Framed by tiny clusters of rosebuds tinged in the diluted hues of a sunrise are the words "Stronger Than You Know by Langen Esturi Nilme Iondu'il" *~] When difficulty comes your way and troubles seem so near, When you find a rocky path wherever you go. On the days when sad news is the only kind of news you hear, Remember you are stronger than you know. On the days when getting out of bed is a struggle you can't win, When you feel the weariness begin to grow, It's on the days when all your worries flood your thoughts again, That you are really stronger than you know. Sometimes uphill battles, where victory's in doubt, Make you feel like you will break instead of bow, But remember you have others who will help you out, And we'll remind you, you are stronger than you know. [~* Eat This, Not That by Valynn *~] Welcome back friends! This month I present the savory, the sweet, and the sips of the Market Plaza Food Court - complimentary snacks and libations to offset your extravagant expenditures. Begin with the cheese and tomato crusted bread. Crisp, lightly charred fresh bread blanketed by ooey, gooey cheese over tomato sauce as bright as a sunny morning. Savor slowly, it is that good. Next, indulge in the simple delight of fresh and tastebud tingly, silky strawberry sherbet. Take your time with this sweet to avoid a frozen headache. Finish your shopping soiree with a steamy cup of orange and cinnamon tea or a cleansing glass of sparkling lemon water. You will feel reinvigorated and ready for the rest of your retail run. Pay no mind to Heralds staring down at you from the skies who only wish they could feast so well. [~* Five Fun Facts About...Guildleaders by Shaylynne *~] ~ At least three of the Ranger Leaders are related. Tomma is Kalika's sister and Tolle is Kalika's husband. ~ Traders Seranda and Willowbrook do not like each other. Raelem hopes that they make up some day. ~ Empath Annael and Ivinnes from Promado Village were once to be wed, and tragically split over a rumor that turned out to be false. ~ Tiv was a Nomad before he was a Monk. ~ Agonar may not be one to kiss and tell, but Rushleel is happy to squeal that he's quite the ladies man, and once caught the eye of the Bard Silvyrfrost. [~* Wisdom of the Pack - The Rainbow and the Butterfly by Nawain Augtaire *~] Once upon a yesteryear a Butterfly was questing For all the brilliant colors for her new amazing wings. When she thought to just be clever and get all of them together From the Rainbow in the meadow out beyond the crystal spring. When asked to share his colors he politely said he couldn't. For he wasn't yet a master, and some wisdom hurts to learn. "Why, to tame the fierce sarkana, I sought out the sharpest roses. And I learned about afelsn from hot embers as we burned. Bright dzelteno glowed within a sun-drenched field of daisies And the ever-cheerful zala did new spring's grass suffuse Deep zila came from skies reflected in the ancient ocean But forfra, sad to say, came from a deep, abiding bruise." Each lesson is worth learning, even those that leave a mark And if something you would master, to a master you must hark. [~* The Adventures of Lavacano Gator, Ch. 11: A New Chapter in His Life by Crobin Yuanfen *~] As dawn broke over the training grounds of the Barbarian Guildhall, Lavacano stepped into a new chapter of his life. The crisp morning air was filled with the clash of weapons and determined shouts of seasoned warriors -- a promise of transformation. Today marked the start of his rigorous training under Agonar and his mentors, a commitment to transcend his goblin nature. As days turned to weeks and weeks into months, Lavacano immersed himself in a grueling training montage. Under Sekmeht's watchful eye, he swung heavy logs, dodged swift strikes, and endured relentless drills that honed both body and mind. Every bead of sweat and bruise served as a testament to his growing strength, and every nod of approval from his fellow warriors deepened his resolve. This chapter of his life was not merely about training -- it was the crucible in which he forged himself into a warrior worthy of legend. In quiet moments between the drills, Lavacano reflected on his journey from the shadowed forests of Crossing to the heart of the guild. The doubts of his past began to fade as he embraced the challenges before him, finding camaraderie among warriors from every corner of Kermoria. Each challenge conquered and every lesson learned nurtured his inner strength, affirming that true power was born from perseverance and the courage to redefine oneself. With every passing day, Lavacano inched closer to the warrior he always aspired to be. [~* A twining pair of rose vines, Therengian and Trigomas, encircle the title "Stray Thoughts by Stelling Constalon" *~] Morning light, half-closed bleary eyes The usual hungover thoughts-- Lost friends, lost time, lost love... Stoking embers, adding wood, brewing coffee Stepping outside, whiskey in hand Spring on the horizon, just out of sight The chill and the drink stir newer memories A season for renewals, for fresh starts For old friendships rekindled... or maybe more Snow retreats, weather warming Rosebuds drowse along the vine The grass greens, and berries will soon follow Time, like a fresh page, turns once more Not to forget, but to begin anew Perhaps it's time to uncap the ink Wet the quill, unroll the parchment And let a new chapter unfold [~* Thank you for reading! Look out for more juicy bites next month! *~]