Berries & Ink/Issues/Berries-02-10

Publication: Berries & Ink

Volume: 02

Issue: 10

Issue Date: December 1, 2025

Contributors: Eruwyn, Allye, Kiyora, Nilme, Jaelia, Jaibriel, Valynn, Dantia, Sekmeht, Shaoimhe, Crobin, Shaylynne

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 10 [~* Editor's Note *~] Dearest Readers, As we write this final issue of our second volume, I find myself lingering on the small moments that make it feel so full: festival fun, heartfelt journeys, culinary wanderings, tumbling tarts, and the stories of heroes who stand brave before the world. This issue is dedicated to those who make it more than just paper and ink - To our new contributors, Sekmeht, whose love of forging glows through every line, and Jaibriel, who brings us the whispered world of spiders. To our returning creators Nilme and Jaelia, whose presence always feels like visiting with old friends. And to our columnists, who have walked with us issue after issue - Allye, Crobin, Dantia, Eruwyn, Kiyora, Nawain, Shaoimhe, Shaylynne, Valynn - you give this publication its heartbeat. As we close this volume, our contributors will be taking a well-earned rest while we reflect, refresh, and see what shape the next chapter might take. I am endlessly grateful for the heart that each of them pours into their craft, just as I am grateful for you - for reading, sharing, and showing up with such warmth each month. Thank you for letting our stories be a part of your days. Whatever comes next, may it bring hope, kindness, and the small comforts that stitch life together. With all my heart, Illiya [~* A heartfelt thank you to our generous sponsor for this issue: The Cholares Family *~] [~* Twin apple tree branches abloom with pale pink petals embrace the words "Guess Who? by Eruwyn Cholares" *~] A gracefully slender Elven woman sits in a cozy room upon a plush stool, a harp cradled tenderly in her lap. Her delicate features are painted to display a calm, thoughtful expression that allows her sparkling violet eyes to take center stage in her oval face with their colorfully hued ink. Silver-streaked black hair is pulled back, and allowed to flow over her shoulders in a graceful fall that contrasts beautifully with her indigo corset. Fitted across the back of her hand to encircle fingers and wrist alike is an Elven silver neithrel band with an amethyst wren caught within the web of metal. (Last issue's portrait: Siendra. Winner: Tirost. Mail in your guess for this month! The winner will be revealed next issue.) [~* A mirrored pair of swans gracefully flank the words "Fashion Alley with Allye: Festival Feature on Phantasma Fiber" *~] Fest-goers and maze-runners are captivated by phantasma fiber, a new misty textile born of mica, animite, crystalline dust, and secrets! Its silver-grey sheen lends any garment a natural veil of drifting fog. Artisans are working now with fabrics that incorporate the mysterious material: ~ Phantasma brocade: Silveress-backed, opulent, cloudlike motifs and a soft haze across the surface. ~ Phantasma crepe: Pebbled, medium-weight, twisted fibers creating a muted, smoky ripple. ~ Phantasma gossamer: Sheer, weightless, rising like vapor from the form. ~ Phantasma lace: Delicate, translucent, like settling fog upon the silhouette. An elegant addition to any wardrobe, these weaves are already defining the season. [~* Stars of the Earth with Kiyora: Shifting Tones *~] Dynamic chromatic enchantments have swept through the island of Andreshlew this past Hollow's Eve in a variety of fabrics and fashion, so it seems fitting to finish our jewel-strewn journey with a sister gem to the timeless diamond itself. Found in mines owned by the noble Turmar family of Zoluren and named for a stunning beauty reflective of Lady Ulhari Turmar, the ulhari prism is renowned for its resplendent tones of golden honey and brilliant lilac that shift in a lovely display of dichroism. Elaborate faceting captures its mercurial nature as both hues vie for dominance in the play of surrounding light, and it's the fortunate collector who adds a stone larger than a pebble to their cache of treasures. As long as the sky glitters above, may you never tire of the search for the stars hidden in the earth. [~* Framed by tiny clusters of rosebuds tinged in the diluted hues of a sunrise are the words "Otter Smash by Langen Esturi Nilme Iondu'il" *~] Andreshlew arose! It was time for the Fest! And time for the game that I like the best! The Otter Smash - oh - there's so much to gain, If you don't mind taking on a little pain! For the masochists out there, you just have to try, There's paper with seahorses and stuff you can't buy. Like clamshells and bobbleheads and some kind of fish, Haircombs and knickknacks and all the gum you could wish! You first take a shell and bash it into your tummy, I know it sounds crazy, but you've given them your money So you may as well try, but watch if you do. Getting the shells can be injurious, too! You'll wade in the water, where other folks as well Are smashing their tummies with a little shell. Then out pops a present, or something to toss In the handy waste bucket, (it's prob'ly not a great loss). Andreshlew will eventually rise, so you can play it then, The game Otter Smash, in the old Otter Den! [~* Community Commentary with Mother Jaelia Evensong *~] After the Fest, when shopping is done and storage feels cramped, join Gift-Tide! Clear space, stay connected, and pass unneeded items to new homes. Share lists, mail gifts, or use donation racks and charity chests across our cities. Keep the joy of Glythtide and the generosity of Divyaush flowing as the tide of giving rolls on. Keep the Season of Giving, Merriment, Community and Fun going! [~* Surrounded by obsessively detailed spiderwebs are the words "Secret Truths About Our Arachnid Friends by Jaibriel Laveau" *~] Much maligned are our devoted companions, the spiders, a group as varied as adventurers. Small and large, fuzzy and sleek, there are more than you have ever realized! Let's consider some of the many ways we can adopt them into our lives and our hearts. * Fill that pantry! Spiders have a keen sense of smell and can be trained to locate truffles! * Lonely little ones? Rats make excellent friends for spiders, keeping them free of fleas and other pests! * Ready for a cuddle you'll never forget? The exotic zynachi spider boasts twice as many legs for twice as many hugs! * Forget your cares, rest awhile in the snuggly security of a silken cocoon! You may find tender ministrations from the unyns of the night, though have a care when you wake up, for you may not be where you expect! Spiders are always near, always watching, always listening! And though it is your secrets they hunt, they yield them up to none save our Lady Harawep! And you may trust Her will in shaping our web! [~* Eat This, Not That: Musings from the Recent Past by Valynn Aehre *~] From Therengia's evergreen hush to Ilithi's crystal glow, this year's wanderings have been a revelation. In the north, Langenfirth's hearty fare fortified travelers, Siksraja's warm breads filled the air with soft, fragrant promise, and Throne City's wines danced between elegance and flavors best left unremembered. Crossing into Zoluren, the Market Plaza offered simple comforts, Dokt's cookies tested both courage and compassion, and Thipbeet's riot of tarts proved Halflings treat pastry as art and obsession. Even Wolf Clan's carnivore heaven welcomed an Elven visitor with surprising warmth. Finally, in Shard's Liani's Heaven we embraced playful tart and spirit pairings. Through it all, one truth lingers, the road is shaped less by miles than by meals and the company that shares them. [~* A winding dashed line spells "Dantia's Destinations" and ends in a bright red X *~] In Theren Keep, a latrine (known as a "garderobe") offers a rare kind of sanctuary -- one that stands out in a world where such mundane spaces are seldom seen. Tucked away behind private walls, it provides knights with a much-needed respite from their duties. The air is infused with the scent of fresh herbs scattered across the floor, a small comfort in an otherwise utilitarian room. A half-filled bucket and overturned chamber pots serve their purpose, while a narrow chute, scrubbed yet still hidden from view, completes the scene. In a land where latrines are few and far between, this simple space becomes a vital pause -- a reminder that even the most devoted adventurers need a moment to step away and refresh. [~* The Joys of Forging by Sekmeht Usho *~] There is a special joy in forging that no title can replace. The steady rhythm of the hammer, the sound of the quench, and the moment when raw ore becomes something useful all create a feeling that stays with you. I have spent years helping new crafters find that same joy. Teaching mixes, explaining density, and laughing with them when a blade goes flying across the room has shaped my life. The Crafters Union was built on that spirit of learning and patience. If the title of Forge King helps people feel comfortable asking for help, then I will wear it proudly. [~* A whimsical array of tarts tumbling through a series of hoops adorns the words "The Tumbling Tart by Shaoimhe Bramblebairn" *~] Once that first performance was out of the way, Mimi was unstoppable. She'd dance her way through every show, her and her silver companion! She even acquired a small fan club, who brought her tarts and cheered for her louder than anyone ever had. And though the circus traveled far and wide, the Ringmaster always made sure Mimi was able to stop by and visit her family often (who also gave her tarts), and even organized a private show for Mimi's entire village. Our little acrobat was happier than she'd ever been, and would like everyone to know - follow your heart, even if the path is a little scary. In the end, it knows the way. [~* The Adventures of Lavacano Gator, Ch. 20: Blood on the Stones *~] The streets of the Crossing burned with chaos as creatures swarmed the gates. Lavacano fought at the front, his riste flashing, leather armor torn and bloodied. When a group of townsfolk was cornered, he planted himself between them and the beasts, roaring a defiance that shook his small frame. The avalanche of his inner fire kept him standing long past his strength, but at last the blows fell heavy. Lavacano crumpled, his body shielding the innocents as the invaders broke and fled. Later, in the quiet aftermath, Empath Illiya knelt beside him, tears streaking her face as she coaxed faint light into his broken form. She gathered him gently and carried him to the Grove. There, under the twisted trees, Zynell stood waiting. The Prydaen spread her hands, her voice low and steady as she began to chant over Lavacano's still body. And the night held its breath. [~* Five Fun Facts About Berries & Ink, by Shaylynne *~] ~ As of this release, Berries & Ink will have published two full volumes, I can't help but wonder what scrumptious bites will be served in the third? ~ The tantalizing and tasteful journal features a variety of artists and writing styles that vary from issue to issue. ~ You can request a subscription to receive a copy by mail on the day it comes out! ~ There are sponsors, too, which help to cover the cost of the materials, mailing, and prizes for contest winners! ~ To date, Berries & Ink boasts over one hundred loyal subscribers and the works of at least forty-six talented people have graced its pages over the years. [~* Wherever the next chapter may lead, thank you for being part of this one with us. *~]