Berries & Ink/Issues/Berries-02-09

Publication: Berries & Ink

Volume: 02

Issue: 09

Issue Date: November 1, 2025

Contributors: Eruwyn, Shaoimhe, Allye, Kiyora, Dantia, Valynn, Harkour, Shaylynne, Crobin, Nawain, 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 9 [~* Editor's Note *~] Dearest Readers, As the air vibrates with anticipation for the festivities ahead, take a moment for yourself as you wait for shops to open and games to begin. In these pages, we celebrate the courage to evolve and the beauty of the journey. You'll find powerful narratives of personal growth, from an acrobat's dazzling debut to a warrior's evolution into a leader. Reflections on fashion and gemstones contrast with a perilous rope crossing and the comforting magic of warm bread and hot coffee. It is a collection that inspires you to look forward and savor the world with renewed spirit. We are especially excited to welcome Berries newcomer Harkour Navarre, whose sweet reflection on finding joy with loved ones is perfectly complimented by Nilme Iondu'il's welcoming poetic invitation. This issue is an invitation to explore, to grow, and to find the deep, fierce joy that comes with becoming more fully ourselves. We are profoundly grateful for your readership, which is the constant light on our own path, and the inspiration behind every story, poem, and discovery within these pages. May your own journey be filled with adventure, courage, and unexpected beauty. May your inner fire awaken, and may your own door always be open to new light. With warm wishes, Illiya [~* A heartfelt thank you to our generous sponsor for this issue: Lady Kiyora, Proprietor of "Starlight Selections" *~] [~* Twin apple tree branches abloom with pale pink petals embrace the words "Guess Who? by Eruwyn Cholares" *~] Shiny gilt snowflakes swirl in a miniature winter flurry around a Rakash woman in moonskin. Her classic lupine face displays subtly pronounced canines and a pair of luminous zila eyes highlighted with vivid ink. Her slender, brindled and silver coated figure is garbed in a white silk robe under a glacial blue sochi, both of which appear to be rippling in the unseen winds. She stands proudly, turned in a three-quarters profile as if to show off the grey leather armband adorned with onyx carvings that hugs her upper arm. (Last issue's portrait: Jaelia. Winner: Ayrell. 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" *~] The stage went dark. The crowd fell silent. The anticipation in the air was palpable as they awaited a "brand new performer." Would it be a lion tamer? A trapeze artist? A trick rider? No one knew! Then a single violin cut into the quiet, playing a gentle melody. A spotlight swept through the darkness, illuminating...Mimi. In a dazzling purple bodysuit, our little tumbler broke into the center ring, carried head over heels by her silver companion. When she reached the middle she gracefully stepped out of her ring, never missing a step as she danced in time to the violin's song. It was a breathtaking display, punctuated with feats of acrobatics all contained within one silver ring. The crowd went wild. Mimi was officially a star. [~* A mirrored pair of swans gracefully flank the words "Fashion Alley with Allye: Reflections Before a Festival" *~] It begins quietly, a whispered brush of fabric against thought. Color finds pulse, texture chases meaning. Hands shape silence into form. Fashion is not simply worn, it is conjured. A ripple of desire between what we are and what we might dare to be. Every fold remembers, every seam holds strong against the urge to fray. Every sweeping silhouette surrenders a truth we may not speak aloud. Upon the weaving of thread and dream, we are seen. Not as perfect, but as possible. [~* Stars of the Earth with Kiyora: White *~] One might argue that the most faithful and stunning stars of the earth shine with the full spectrum of the rainbow, their colors radiating forth in its purest, unified form: white. Oftentimes this refers to gemstones of exceptional clarity such as the sparkling Zoluren white sapphire, which has frequently been chosen to depict the proud symbol of its province, the gladiolus. There are opaque contenders as well, as fans of the frost opal with its flashes of icy blue and green against a soft white backdrop will attest. Then there are the hidden treasures of the nimbi, dangerous creatures which occasionally relinquish a nearly opaque, pure white stone possessing a gentle, innate glow. It is hard to dismiss the feeling that holding a thealstone in the darkness of night is like holding a star in the palm of your hand. [~* A winding dashed line spells "Dantia's Destinations" and ends in a bright red X *~] Deep beneath the Zaulfung, where jagged rocks bear the scars of ancient infernos, a fraying rope hangs precariously over a yawning chasm. This rope is no mere bridge -- it is a test of endurance and courage, meant for only one traveler at a time. Follow too closely behind another, and you risk shaking even the steadiest adventurer into the abyss below. Beneath, the chasm teems with dusky-scaled basilisks, their glowing eyes piercing the murky depths, waiting for the slightest misstep. To cross, one must move with unwavering patience, for only the bold and cautious survive this perilous passage. [~* Eat This, Not That by Valynn Aehre - An Elven View of Arnack's Tavern *~] Arnack's Tavern greets travelers with a cheery red door and the promise of happiness. Inside, warmth and laughter scent the air with smoke, spice, and hunter's cheer. The menu is a paean to the hunt and meat. Yak Ribs, Hog's Snout, Boar's Milk are all on the menu. After a moment's careful questioning, I discovered that the Harvasa Rice was "mostly" meat-free and paired it with Lavash Bread. Both were surprisingly lovely, the bread crisp and fragrant, the rice warm and comforting. Simply delicious. On the drink menu, Hot Apple Cider and Berry Mead proffered sweetness amidst the bolder offerings. Arnack's is loud, hearty, and full of life. A place where patrons celebrate simply being alive. I left beneath the moonlight warmed by their joy, reminded that even among carnivores, hospitality is its own kind of magic. [~* A Day on the Island by Harkour Navarre *~] In the morning her eyes look to me, A stack of tickets in her hand. Asking sweetly, "Ready to go?" Off to Taisidon Island. We hunt among the trinkets, Animated items float to and fro. Her laughter rising higher, Enjoying those moments while they go. The afternoon brings on friends, Finding joy with their company. Diving down from high cliffs, Seeking pearls beneath the sea. Cries go out in the air, Of creatures with treasure held. We rush to claim one ourselves, "I got one!" her sweet voice yelled. Soon the night time comes, Our trip is all but done. Hand in hand with my love, Heading home with the sun. [~* Five Fun Facts For Coffee Snobs, by Shaylynne *~] ~ For caffeine with a kick, grab a cup of Tethloren Velvet in Raven's Court. Served piping hot, this dark roast boasts bold flavors like ginger, pepper and cognac. ~ Staying Sober? Warm Haven's End brew at Barsabe's Grocery will do. Fresh cow's milk is heavily laced with spiced honey to make each sip a soothing experience. ~ The Meeting Room of Shard's Silver Eye Inn has steaming midnight black coffee. It is thick, strong, bitter, unsoftened by cream or sugar, and guaranteed to keep you awake. ~ Want it iced? Wait for Andreshlew and Riptide Roasters with its dedicated menu of cold brews all so delicious I could not single one out to name. ~ Nothing like an old-fashioned home-made percolation to perk you up. Sample a variety of fresh stovetop coffees and teas at Black Fox's Java Jumpstart. [~* The Adventures of Lavacano Gator, Ch. 19: Awakening the Fire *~] Weeks of drills had reshaped Lavacano. His favor orbs glowed with Everild's mark, proof of battles won. Still, Agonar demanded more. "Strength isn't just muscle," the guildmaster growled. "It's fire. Find it." During training, Lavacano felt it -- heat rising in his chest, pounding like war drums. When he let it go, it crashed through him like an avalanche, driving back fatigue and hardening his stance. The others named it Inner Fire, the berserk called Avalanche. From that moment, his strikes grew cleaner, his orbs filled faster, and each prayer at Everild's altar pulsed brighter. Circle by circle, Lavacano was no longer just a goblin -- he was becoming a warrior of Kermoria. [~* The Hunt by Nawain Augtaire *~] She pants beneath the oppressive canopy, plucking bugs from her mud-matted fur with a growl. Again the cycle of leadership changes, that lull in the relentless flood of muddy violence coming abruptly as a dozen pairs of eyes roam about, searching for the next target. Spells fumble and swings miss as the group leader is escorted away by a guide, the seething destructive potential of a dozen adventurers faltering without targets. Unable to stand idle as the dark light of Katamba sings in her blood, Nawain focuses on the nearest oozing foe, her whip kissing the cheek of the mass of mud and clay. Her curses entangle the golem's limbs and hinder its defenses, and she prepares an onslaught of malignant energies to bring it low, but a streak of lightning from her left gives her pause. A well-aimed bolt buries itself in the creature's eye from behind her, and two other allies wade in, weapons flashing in a deadly dance. Sharp lupine teeth flash as she grins, heart hammering with each crack of her whip as she realizes the group is now following her lead. The golem falls to pieces in moments, and the combined prowess of the team of experienced hunters shifts and narrows per her direction, carving a swathe through muddy targets again and again. Her heart swells with new feelings -- pride, responsibility, power, and a fierce joy at leading a pack against its foes. She marvels at how long she's been avoiding that role, how long she's tried to support from the back and never lead from the front, and at how far she's come in the last few years. A wild howl tears from her throat as she calls all who hear to the hunt, and knows that something in her heart has changed forever as Mrod's black eye watches from above. [~* Framed by tiny clusters of rosebuds tinged in the diluted hues of a sunrise are the words "Open Door by Langen Esturi Nilme Iondu'il" *~] Journeys can uplift us Relight the muse, open our eyes, Give relief from that which weighs on us Provide respite when we need to hide. Journeys give us new perspective Provide comfort when peace has been deprived, Grow our minds and uplift our spirits, Help us reconnect to our inner guide. No matter how long your journey's been, Or where you currently abide, If you'd like to stop on in, The door is open wide. Journeys can be thrilling Or, as skating, smoothly glide, Grant us the treasure that we hunt, Perhaps give us a bumpy ride. Journeys make us happy, Put a bounce within our stride, They can make the time seem to stand still Hold back the rising tide. No matter how far the journey's been, Or when the moons and stars align, If you'd like to stay awhile, The door is open. Come inside. [~* Thank you for reading! Look out for more juicy bites in the next issue! *~]