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 8 [~* Editor's Note *~] Dearest Readers, For the first time in far too long, we can breathe. With the Heralds defeated, a heavy weight has lifted and a collective exhale is rippling across Elanthia. The world just feels a little lighter. This issue captures that moment of shared relief. Within these pages, you'll find bold explorations and thoughtful reflections, fanciful celebrations and glittering discoveries. Some pieces revel in beauty and wonder while others invite us to think more deeply about the world we are building together. I am especially delighted to welcome two new contributors: Dioe Sancara, who raises a stirring call for liberty against entrenched power, and Miskton Ramahk, who reflects soberly on the fall of the Heralds with the hard-earned clarity of one who lived through their imprisonment. They are joined by returning contributors Zehira, Jaelia, and of course all of your favorite columnists. As we turn this quiet corner of history together, I am deeply grateful to have shared this journey with you. Thank you for reading, for lending your presence to these pages, and for continuing to shape the world we share. May the days ahead bring you rest, renewal, and inspiration for what is yet to come. Until next time, 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" *~] Painted in subdued hues, an Elothean woman kneels before a grand altar, her hazel eyes fixed upward as though in prayer. A heart-shaped face is surrounded by luxurious auburn-streaked red hair that tumbles down her shoulders like liquid fire. Surmounding her head is a circle of white metal graced with the image of a nightingale, while her svelte figure is garbed in a misty-grey silk robe displaying silver embroidery. Giving the impression of a holy glow, white, silver, and aurolite ink surrounds her, wisps of it streaking toward the edges of the paper. (Last issue's portrait: Almarius. Winner: Shaylynne. 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" *~] Mimi practiced every day (and every night) with her new tumbler's wheel. She even sometimes forgot to take a tart break! It became a common sight to see the pair - this colorful Halfling and her silvery ring - rolling through the circus. The other performers were impressed with how it seemed the two were truly meant to be! But despite the praise, despite all the training, despite writing multiple choreographies and perfecting them all, Mimi never performed in front of an audience. No, our little acrobat had stage fright. "Impossible!" - laughed the rest of the crew. But it was true! Mimi would blush and mumble her excuses for months, until one day the Ringmaster finally pulled her aside. It. Was. Time. [~* Eat This, Wear That by Valynn and Allye *~] Crobin and Leayne know how to host a party. From the first sip of the locally sourced champagne to the last spoonful of cobbler, the table dazzled. Champagne sparkled with mountain effervescence, white wine charmed with subtle grace, and the emerald absinthe hit like a fever dream before the Lorjan brandy warmed us back to earth. The courses kept pace and the table was never empty. Cool, indulgent caviar, crisp salad and whisper-thin potatoes balanced out pepper steak so fiery it begged for water and lemon chicken melting in citrusy perfection. Select desserts sealed the night with berry cobbler bursting with juice, molten-fudge cake, and a brownie sundae so decadent it hushed the room. Sartorially, the interplay of Light and Dark unfolded with dazzling harmony as guests arrived in their finest attire. The hostess shone in a sweeping gown of snowflake tulle, adorned with luminous damaryn pearls, her radiance a perfect counterpoint to the host's refined, shadowed elegance. Though a few spirited souls appeared in shades of grey (and even one daring scarlet loincloth!) the gathering was otherwise evenly balanced between Light and Dark. Those who embodied Light glowed in sungold, faesilk, and resplendent hues of white, ivory, and cream. Their Dark counterparts sparkled with night diamonds, pitch pearls, Dalaeji black sapphires, and shadesatin, wrapped in hues of midnight blue and atramentous black. Under Crobin and Leayne's care, The River Fisher event wasn't just dinner - it was revelry itself. [~* A winding dashed line spells "Dantia's Destinations" and ends in a bright red X *~] In the guarded zone of Chyolvea Tayeu'a, a silvery arch stands as a silent sentinel, marked with the word "Setheral," meaning "forbidden." Though the arch appears to be crafted from flimsy wood, its protective power is far from weak. A stoic sentry stands watch beside it, eyes sharp, ever-vigilant for those who would attempt to pass. To cross through, you must present a triskele medallion -- a rare token only obtainable by those clever enough to navigate the peculiarities of the area. The path to acquiring the medallion is hidden in plain sight. Seeking entry? Sometimes the smallest openings lead to the greatest treasures. [~* Stars of the Earth with Kiyora: Taisidon *~] An isle wreathed in mists and mystery has captured the attention of many explorers with the return of the luxurious Morada and its perpetually murderous crew. This year, collectors have been summoned by the irresistible call of new discoveries. Whether washed up near Corsair Lagoon, resting in unnamed crevices and caves, or freed from the clutches of fierce foes, aspiring gemologists can anticipate uncovering exceptional finds. Emberlight obsidian has made its mark with fiery veins reminiscent of smoldering embers glowing against a dark expanse, while the hibiscus tourmaline pays homage to its tropical birthplace with an ombre masterpiece of vibrant pink hues. The crown jewel of an expedition? Dusky shadowbloom amethysts, bringing with their gentle unfurling of shadow and violet the peaceful essence of nightfall upon the island. [~* Five Fun Facts About...Holidays, by Shaylynne *~] ~ The New Year is Shosandu, spanning the first seven days. The winter's cold summons Asketi to rampage cities least devoted since the prior festival. ~ Langen's Feast is a fun one, with revelry revolving around the firth's famed Gwenalion ale. Pair it with local fish and a lake view from a sandy shore, and you're sure to enjoy the third of Ka'Len. ~ The month of Lirisa brings the Holy Week of Everild, honoring Kuniyo in tandem, and Rangers gather to converse and compete with blade and bow. ~ Surmirae Anladorlo marks the month of Arhat with long days, warm nights, and rumors the Immortals gather for their seasonal Great Moot. ~ Chris' Mass is a celestial celebration, when the stars align and glowing ribbons of green and red light ripple across the sky above. [~* On Liberty by Dioe Sancara *~] I have been invited by the editor to raise my quill, instead of my sword, in service to the liberation of all peoples from the tyranny of a corrupt and degenerate hereditary aristocracy. The institutions that uphold aristocratic rule are unnatural and unjust. They exist to force obedience and compel the labor of countless people for the benefit of the few. These aristocrats provide nothing for their community, but grow ever more corrupt, gluttonously feeding the most vile appetites and cruelest vanities with unchecked power. Hope for the common people can only be won, for it will never be given. To those who yearn to be free, take up your weapons. You are strong, and you are not alone. [~* Zehira's "Don't Be a Moron" Communication Protocols *~] Navigating a conversation with Zehira requires strict adherence to her unspoken rules. Do not expect her to use your name, and never presume to ask why, similarly, her sunglasses are a permanent fixture - do not request their removal. Addressing her as "Z" is a privilege reserved for the very few who have earned it, as is any physical contact. If Zehira favors you with a smile, consider yourself profoundly fortunate. Offering genuine compliments on her outfit and overall aesthetic will always serve you well, but be warned, if she dislikes you, she'll make it unequivocally clear. She has a particular fondness for tea and her cigarellos, which she'll declare with a smirk are her only vices - believe her. Following these guidelines explicitly is paramount, because despite her allure, one must never forget what she truly is, a narcissistic serial killer with chilling delusions of grandeur. [~* The Adventures of Lavacano Gator, Ch. 18: The First Gift *~] Days turned into weeks as Lavacano trained. From the docks' rats to the alleys' vermin, each fight left its mark on his armor and his skin. His riste grew steadier in his grip, his stance more sure. Each bruise and cut was paid forward into the dull red orb he carried, its glow deepening with every victory. One night, back in the temple of Crossing, Lavacano set the orb upon Everild's altar. He cleaned the stone as he had before, the small vessel of water steady in his hands. Kneeling low, he pressed the boar bead beside it and whispered: "I've fought. I've bled. And I've learned. If strength is earned, then I offer mine to you." The orb flared, brighter than ever, before dissolving into a shimmer of light that sank into his chest. Warmth spread through him, heavy but steady, like a hand on his shoulder. Lavacano exhaled, a smile tugging at his lips. His first favor had been granted. Everild had answered. [~* On the Fall of the Heralds by Miskton Ramahk *~] First, my thanks to all those who assisted in rescuing those of us who were imprisoned by the Heralds. I won't speak for the others, but my own experience could accurately be described as nightmarish. That having been said, I think it is understandable that I would view the recent defeat of the Heralds by the Immortals as a good thing. But even putting aside my own experiences, from everything that I have gathered regarding the Wild Magic phenomenon, it is my sincere belief that the Heralds, whatever their actual intentions, were preventing it from being resolved. It's unfortunate that it had to come to this, and it remains to be seen what the full ramifications of this change in the power of the Immortals will be, but I believe that ultimately we have done what was necessary. [~* Community Commentary by Mother Jaelia Evensong *~] A community is never one voice. It is many hearts. It is many ways of living. It is many visions of what is good. Difference does not break belonging. Rivers run beside forests. Stone rises beneath sky. So do neighbors of many minds stand together in one circle. To reach across to the unlike is to find strength in harmony. Unity is not silence. Unity is the weaving together. Difference makes us whole. Wholeness makes us strong. Strength makes us endure. [~* Thank you for reading! Look out for more juicy bites in the next issue! *~]