Berries & Ink/Issues/Berries-02-07

Publication: Berries & Ink

Volume: 02

Issue: 07

Issue Date: September 1, 2025

Contributors: Eruwyn, Shaoimhe, Valynn, Allye, Kiyora, Nilme, Shaylynne, Dantia, Crobin, Nawain, Lexxa, Ylixia, Vixonia

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 7 [~* Editor's Note *~] Dearest Readers, I know for many of us there is a collective weariness in the air, a shared sigh as we look up at the sky. But as always, life finds a way to fill these moments with its own magic. Joy isn't something to be postponed until the tide turns -- it's something to be found, sought out, and celebrated right now. That is what this issue is all about. Within these pages, you'll find everything from the untamed joy of kittens and tarts (both tumbling and tasty), to the quiet contemplation of festivals gone and being fashionably late. I'm especially thrilled to introduce two new voices to our community: Lexxa, who offers some woefully unconventional advice on choosing the perfect steed, and Ylixia, with an exquisitely charming tale about a nightingale. This issue is a gentle reminder that our lives are a collection of these small, precious moments. As you turn these pages, I hope you feel a little lighter. I hope you find a piece of yourself in these stories and feel a little closer to the beautiful world we're all building together, one small, hopeful moment at a time. With hope and berries, Illiya [~* A heartfelt thank you to our generous sponsor for this issue: the Mountain Guard, stalwart defenders of Ilithi *~] [~* Twin apple tree branches abloom with pale pink petals embrace the words "Guess Who? by Eruwyn Cholares" *~] A precarious pile of costumes towers above the pint-sized figure of a red-headed female Gnome. Tottering to the right as if ready to spill its contents of tails, paws, garb, and various accoutrements across the page in an assortment of vivid hues unbeknownst to the small form whose glittering green eyes are affixed to a giant rainbow lollipop that she clutches in her hands. One foot, clad in a bear claw slipper sticks out, while the other stretches out to the side showing bare toes. She is dressed in a colorful pinafore striped red and white like a piece of candy. (Last issue's portrait: Damiza. Winner: Leilanie. 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" *~] Glinting ethereal silver against the rest of the drab storage, the smooth metal of the ring called to Mimi in a way nothing before had. She ran a hand reverently along its edge before giving it a gentle tug. As though it were some destined sword being drawn from stone, the wheel came to her easily. Mere moments later Mimi was bursting from the closet, planted inside the hoop as she rolled dramatically forth - to crash immediately into shocked bystanders. After much cursing (from the victims) and giggling (from our little tumbler) the crowd was extracted and Mimi proudly showed off her find. It was eventually agreed that the rest of the performers were excited to see what Mimi could do with this long forgotten tool, albeit safely away from them. [~* Eat This, Not That by Valynn Aehre *~] Thipbeet's Tart Boutique Arthe Dale's "Thipbeet's Tart Boutique" is a whimsical shrine to Shaoimhe's favorite indulgence the tart, offering 73 varieties of sweet, savory, and surprising tarts spread across five fanciful rooms. For less than three silver kronar, guests can sample flaky-crusted marvels like a citrusy lemon curd with orange zest, the tavern-inspired Derhal's Surprise flavored with ale, pretzels, and peanuts, a vinegared red cabbage and duck tart, a decadent dark chocolate with plump strawberries, and a nutmeg-dusted pumpkin custard. With fillings ranging from rustic comfort to decadent luxury, Thipbeet's proves itself not just a bakery but Arthe Dale's crown jewel of culinary imagination. A place where even the pickiest palate is bound to find the tastiest tart. [~* A mirrored pair of swans gracefully flank the words "Fashion Alley with Allye: Fashionably Late" ~*] At the market square, I lingered too long. The crowd was thick with color and chatter, and I wondered if I'd missed her already. I hadn't known it, but my gown too was a portent. Shaded a gradient of midnight navy melting into dawn-grey, it was night fading into morning, a moment slipping just out of reach. When I finally reached the fountain where we'd agreed to meet, it was empty but for the tri-colored spray of moonlight. She had arrived too early, or I too late. My outfit carried the story of it, though, as the silver orlog that dangled from my belt ticked soundlessly against my side. Even in absence, fashion gave me a way to honor the space between us. [~* Stars of the Earth with Kiyora: Violet *~] The shades of violet (a personal favorite) are many, ranging from lavender to midnight. Highlighted last month by our very own Berry fashion expert Allye, let's dive into a most intriguing gemstone that has captured the essence of night itself... Night Diamond: A more demure crystalline manifestation of the earth, the properties of this diamond are delightful in both its curious interactions with light and signature midnight purple hue. The secretive nature of its deep violet-infused black saturation elevates its mysterious aura when the surrounding environment dims. Instead of setting into still darkness, countless tiny specks of silver brighten to glimmer with all the fire of the stars in the low light. No collection is complete without this shimmering tribute to the night sky. [~* Framed by tiny clusters of rosebuds tinged in the diluted hues of a sunrise are the words "Memories of the Fest by Langen Esturi Nilme Iondu'il" *~] Beyond the misty Gwenalion fog Extending past Lanenfirth's logs, Resides a spot that once every few years Revels and shops and great fun appears! In the Faireground, you will hear happy sighs - Endless things that you can buy. Shops to appeal to every guild And a good chance your pack will quickly be filled! Not into shopping? Perhaps some food. During a faery wheel ride, you'll see tents of all hues. Into the sky, the view simply astounds Now back to the fest, more fun abounds. Kin and friends all enjoy Guildfest while it's around. [~* Five Fun Facts About...Leviathans, by Shaylynne *~] ~ Leviathan ecologists of the Trickling Sun faction can communicate with the majestic creatures from a distance. ~ Leviathans can both swim and fly. ~ They have edible legs (who knew!?), at least according to Marachek who has them advertised on his menu in Ilithi...but why would you want to eat a leviathan? They're so nice! ~ Leviathans may have been around a considerably long time since they were seen in visions of Primal Elanthia when the planet was beseeched for insight on Wild Magic. ~ The Merelew call them Zemmunhu and it's become a tradition for one to greet us at the start and end of Hollow Eve so we can view the rise and fall of Andreshlew. [~* A winding dashed line spells "Dantia's Destinations" and ends in a bright red X *~] The Velakan Oasis offers a rare respite along the long sand barge journey between Hvaral and Muspar'i. Surrounded by towering trees with wide fronds, it feels like a tropical refuge amidst the harsh desert. A faint path winds past a freshwater pond, where teams of yeehars and their handlers stop to refresh. To the north, endless sand dunes stretch into the horizon, marked only by the deep groove of the barge route. Pale scrub bushes cling to life in the transitional zone between oasis and desert, while to the south, dry vines and withered vegetation struggle to reclaim the land. This fragile haven stands in quiet defiance of the encroaching desert, and who knows how long it will remain, as the sands continue to press in from all sides. [~* The Adventures of Lavacano Gator, Ch. 17: Lessons in Blood ~*] Lavacano staggered back from the docks, his leather armor scuffed and claw-marked, streaks of blood seeping through shallow cuts. The squeaks of the last rats faded behind him, leaving only the sound of his ragged breathing. Every swing of his riste had been clumsy at first, but he had learned--how to keep his footing on slick boards, how to wait for the strike, how to endure. Slumping against a crate, he pulled the favor orb from his pouch. Its faint red glow shimmered as he turned it in his hands. Slowly, almost instinctively, he rubbed the smooth surface with his thumb. Warmth pulsed back, faint but steady, as though the orb itself drank in the lessons of his struggle. Lavacano grinned through the pain. Everild was watching, and the orb was filling. [~* Wisdom of the Pack - The Flight of the Butterflies by Nawain Augtaire *~] Once, in a sun-drenched meadow, a flutter of butterflies set out on a great migration. Their lives were fleeting, no longer than a few weeks, yet they were born to a purpose greater than themselves. "You will not reach the end," whispered a wise old butterfly, her wings frayed from many journeys. "But you will carry us closer. Each breeze you ride, each river you cross, each mile you fly is a gift for those who will follow." And so it was that each generation lifted their wings where the last had left off, taking up the journey as their own. In their brief, shining lives, they flew not for themselves, but for a distant future they would never see. And so it is with us: each step we take is a gift to the next, just as the gifts we have were left by those who came before. [~* From The Gentleman's Guide, Steeds by Lexxa, Equestrian Extraordinaire *~] Choosing the right steed is more than a task. It's fate. When you lock eyes and your steed's ears flick forward, it's like they see you. Will you ride with dignity or haul provisions? Will you joust for glory or fight and die beside your horse? My friend Kattressa would ask all the details. Gender, color, size, markings, armor for the horse. Then YOU - flicking out a yardstick to measure you - and then talk about the budget...before ever picking a horse. She plans everything, and her events are extravagant. As for me? I'm more of a "grab a horse and go" kind of person. If it can carry me, it's good enough! The difference between us? She has one horse. I have one...hundred and ONE! [~* Nightingale by Ylixia *~] Perched upon a cliff above a busy port, a nightingale began to dream. He dreamed not of trees or endless skies, but of sails from far-flung lands. So he sang sweet songs to the sailors below, longing to follow but bound by the land. Into his songs he wove his love for the sound of surf and ships, but his fragile tunes were swallowed by the sea. By night, in drunken ease a sailor said she heard a song which could turn the tide to stone. In fearful awe she whispered how it could break reefs that ships dared not approach and bend even the wind, should the song ever come to an end. Another swore when set adrift with no star to guide, he dreamed of branches, blossoms, and childhood memories. He claimed the lullaby carried him home. Others mocked that no song could hold such sway over those that loved the sea, but they couldn't admit feeling a pang at that lie. [~* A whimsically illustrated kitten is reaching out to bat a ball of yarn that trails around the border of the poem titled "Kitten Knittin" by Vixonia *~] Kitten knittin at my feet Shredding balls with sharpened teeth Why she wants to chew on yarn? Has it ever done her harm? Pouncing furiously on attack When I try to take it back She gives me an evil stare A mighty wicked little glare Until she gets tied in a knot Wrapped in strands so fully caught Her piteous mews are very cute I have to boop her little snoot Detangling comes with such a hiss For this sassy Little Miss Then she walks off in a huff An indignant ball of fluff [~* Thank you for reading! Look out for more juicy bites in the next issue! *~]