Berries & Ink/Issues/Berries-02-04

Publication: Berries & Ink

Volume: 02

Issue: 04

Issue Date: June 1, 2025

Contributors: Eruwyn, Dantia, Shaoimhe, Valynn, Allye, Kiyora, Crobin, Gragnel, Nawain, Shaylynne, Zehira, Betlind/Elurora, Nilme

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 4 [~* Editor's Note *~] This issue is a dance of opposites: whimsy and menace, laughter and longing, quiet wonder and fierce declarations. It's a collection that invites you to linger, whether in the warmth of a baker's hearth or the chill just beyond a cursed stone gate. From the charmingly excited heart of a tumbling circus girl to the arch elegance of a necromantic diva, this edition is brimming with personalities who refuse to go quietly. Whether they're guiding us through shadowed gates and ancient paths, doling out fashion advice in silks and steel, or whispering love across lifetimes, every voice speaks with unmistakable flair. You'll wander through love poems and moral fables, past glints of starlight on topaz and the steady weight of tradition. Adding new sparkle to the path are our latest contributors, Betlind and Elurora, who offer cheeky romantic advice with palpable Paladin panache. Their wit is sharp, their hearts are sincere, and every line is as polished as their platemail. So pour a drink, find a cozy nook, and lose yourself in these pages. Or better yet, gather a few friends, read aloud, and let the laughter, wonder, and whispers of magic bring the stories to life. However you choose to experience it, we hope you find something here that lingers with you long after the last word. Warmly, Illiya [~* A heartfelt thank you to our generous sponsor for this issue: Sraan Hhrki *~] [~* Twin apple tree branches abloom with pale pink petals embrace the words "Guess Who? by Eruwyn Cholares" *~] Polished wood forms an elegantly appointed room around the well-defined form of a male Elf with an angular face and pale skin. His eyes, colored with ink the hue of blued steel, gaze thoughtfully from under a black silk top hat. A hint of dimples show in his cheeks as if amusement had just left him, though the rest of his face reveals nothing else. His outfit is classic with a stylish twist in the pop of color from his crimson shirt against the onyx of the rest. One elbow leans on the bar, drawing back his tailcoat enough to show off a sword belt with a pasabas hanging from it, its painted shadows hinting at the well-honed edge. (Last issue's portrait: Sofina. Winner: Zehira. MAIL in your guess for this month! The winner will be revealed next issue.) [~* A winding dashed line spells "Dantia's Destinations" and ends in a bright red X *~] Deep within the secluded Kweld Andu near El Bain's stands an ominous carved stone gate. Etched with gruesome battle scenes depicting living warriors fighting hollow, soulless beasts, passing through this gate invites dire consequences. Attempt entry without proper protection, and an unseen force violently repels you. "Beyond my guard lies a vile darkness, a doom. I will not let you pass unprepared. Seek protection, sister!" Persist, and the voice grows more threatening before unleashing explosive force that will leave you desperately seeking an Empath. Only with Protection from Evil can you safely cross the gate's threshold into the darkness beyond. The ancients warded this way against a great evil for good reason -- will you brave it and uncover what menace they feared? [~* A whimsical array of tarts tumbling through a series of hoops adorns the words "The Tumbling Tart by Shaoimhe Bramblebairn" *~] Mimi looked up in wonder at the Ringmaster, from the colorfully striped suit to the towering beribboned top hat. The woman looked kindly down at Mimi, and opened her mouth to speak, but before she could Mimi burst forth with her own deluge of words. "Miss Ringmaster, my name is Mimi and I like to tumble! I also like tarts and sunny days and lemonade and stories around the fire and now I think I really like circuses but I *especially* like your circus and I never want to leave and - !" She was cut off as the Ringmaster let out a hearty guffaw, placing a calloused hand on our heroine's shoulder. "Mimi, was it?" Mimi nodded emphatically. "Well, Mimi, why don't I show you around, and we'll see what we can do about this 'never leaving,' hm?" [~* Eat This, Not That by Valynn Aehre *~] ~An Ode to Saralt Kaste~ In Siksraja's shade by a forest-fringed lake, West of Langenfirth's wandering brake, There's a tiny shop where warm breads rise, Where cinnamon and spice produce happy sighs. Saralt Kaste, oh what a delight! Gingersnaps zing with a tingly bite. Oatmeal cookies, raisins soaked deep, Fratvarit-sweet and too good to keep. Bread pockets warm, a savory prize, Spiced potatoes or lamb with peas inside. Apple toffee doughnuts, warm, soft and sticky, And strawberry cake. Oh! It ain't icky. The best surprise? The cost is small, Less than thirty lirum each. Aye that's all! So wander west, where the hearth burns true, Saralt Kaste is waiting for me and you. [~* A mirrored pair of swans gracefully flank the words "Fashion Alley with Allye: Guilded Grace" ~*] As we ready ourselves once more for the grand Guild Festival, this season's styles celebrate strength and craft. Barbarians may favor rugged leathers and bold cuts, while Bards charm in embroidered songsilk tuned to their enchantes. Clerics don radiant cassocks trimmed in divine hues, and Empaths flow in soft robes stitched with healing herb motifs. Expect starlit patterns for Moon Mages, layering of elemental fabrics for Warrior Mages, and silvered armor flourishes from proud Paladins. Traders shimmer in luxe brocades, Rangers lean into natural dyes, and a shadowy guild may even make its mark with sleek, pocketed silhouettes. Fashion, like the Guilds, is stronger in its diversity. [~* Stars of the Earth with Kiyora: Yellow *~] Royal Zoluren topaz: Highly prized by Zoluren's royal family, only a scant few of these exceptionally clear pale yellow gems have been put up for auction by established houses of nobility. Tiny azure and white inclusions run through the center, appearing like slivers of the heavens themselves caught up in crystallized drops of sunlight. They are especially striking paired with complementary metals such as blue gold. Viper's eye sapphire: This vibrant yellow gem was first introduced by Trur Hamarhowr of Stone Clan during the fourth Hollow Eve Festival, and has since been found in the vaults and catacombs of Drathok's Duskruin. Bearing an uncanny resemblance to a reptilian pupil, the deep green needle-like banding resting in the center flashes in the light like the baleful gaze of a serpent and carries a predatory air. [~* The Adventures of Lavacano Gator, Ch. 14: The Warrior's Path by Crobin Yuanfen *~] Lavacano sat near the shrine, eyes flicking between the carvings and the quiet Prydaen beside him. "There are many Immortals," Zynell said softly. "Some inspire peace, others wisdom. But Everild--he's the most diverse of the Immortals." Lavacano blinked. "Sneaky?" She smirked. "He doesn't sit on thrones. He walks the wilds. Finds warriors in the mud, not in halls. He chooses fighters." The words settled in. No crowns. No titles. Just grit. As Lavacano stood, Zynell pressed something into his hand: a small boar-shaped bead. "For your first prayer. He'll know you by it." Lavacano nodded. "Thanks... for your time." Zynell smiled. "Go on then. See if he's listening." With the bead tight in hand, Lavacano turned down the path. It was time to find Everild. [~* Ode to Dusk Berries, Verse Two & Chorus by Father Gragnel *~] Touched by the very hand of Damaris you are. Wonderful right off the vine. Wonderful in a sweet wine. I could just keep a few in my pocket for those hard nights. With this berry you'll have no more nightmares. It eases all your worries and soothes all your cares. Berry, sweet berry, you are so divine. Berry, sweet berry, I'm so glad you are mine. Berry, sweet berry, it's you I select. Berry, sweet berry, to me you are perfect. [~* Wisdom of the Pack - The Donkey's Burden by Nawain Augtaire *~] A golden effigy was once being transported to a new temple in a grand procession of priests and faithful, drawn by a simple cart bestrewn with flowers. The sturdy old donkey who pulled the cart clattered amiably through the streets as the people bowed or knelt, and with each step his head lifted and his hips started to swagger. Halfway through town, the foolish beast, convinced that the adulation was for him and not his burden, was capering and prancing so badly that the cart toppled and the sacred statue was dropped in the mud. [~* Five Fun Facts About... Truffenyi, by Shaylynne *~] ~ Many young men of the Redthorne family bear a striking resemblance to Truffenyi. The what, when, and where is true, but the how and why are pure speculation. ~ His symbol is the ox--thanks to Unaka, this fact should be well known. ~ Along with ox-shaped items and his Famous Faces card, he also accepts herbs and plants with healing properties, or lit tobacco and cigars as offerings. Be sure to light them, he may be ready to smoke right away. ~ Though markedly taller, he takes on a Human form. ~ Truffenyi is a Father figure to both mortals and civilization as a whole. He is kind but stern, and you won't want to disappoint him lest he ground you or take away your allowance. [~* Who I Really Am by Ershta Zehira Al'thor, Breaker of Chains of Velaka *~] This, who I really am is not just an identity, it's an art form. I don't merely command the dead: they rise at my whisper, out of devotion to the beauty and brilliance that is me. Every spell I cast is a performance, every conquest a statement. To me, taking a life isn't a crime, it's a performance, a declaration that I am above consequence, above morality, above everyone. I see myself not as a monster, but as a masterpiece. The screams, the terror, the blood, they're not tragedy--they're tributes. I walk draped in shadow and elegance, knowing full well the living envy me and the dead obey me. Power is intoxicating, but power with style? That's divine. I don't just bend the rules of life and death, I redefine what it means to be unforgettable. Let the world call it vanity, I call it vision. Why fade into obscurity when I was born to be a legend, and eternally admired. [~* It Smite Be Love: Dating Tips for Paladins by Betlind and Elurora *~] ~ Always polish your armor before a date and while you're at it polish yourself too. Soap adds a divine sparkle. ~ Dates can be dangerous. Always carry protection. ~ Don't plate it safe, wear your feelings on your armor! ~ When running late, do not attempt to maneuver to rush towards your date. ~ Bring a nice bouquet. If flowers feel too trite, knives with little bows tied on them say 'I care...and I'm armed.' ~ As you wait on your food, kindly offer to repair your date's silverware. ~ Poetry is always a great way to express your feelings. Remember, 'justice' rhymes with 'just kiss!' ~ Bring your horse on the third date, if they can't handle the steed, they can't handle the rider. ~ Don't be an umbral moth. If you know, you know. If not...trust us, we're Paladins. [~* Framed by tiny clusters of rosebuds tinged in the diluted hues of a sunrise are the words "You by Langen Esturi Nilme Iondu'il" *~] I start to write an ode to Wren, To honor all she went through, To celebrate the life she lived, But my mind goes back to you. I set my quill to pen a tale Of the Ru'atin Peri'el But it seems the story of our love Is the only one I can tell. I could live a thousand lifetimes And in each I'd find you there Our souls are drawn together By the depths of love we share. One day an epic history Of the Sorrow War, I'll pen But I'll write of our enduring love And joyfulness til then. [~* Thank you for reading! Look out for more juicy bites in the next issue! *~]