Berries & Ink/Issues/Berries-01-10

Publication: Berries & Ink

Volume: 01

Issue: 10

Issue Date: December 1, 2024

Contributors: Eruwyn, Ezathiel, Shaylynne, Valynn, Allye, Shaoimhe, Tirost, Dantia, Katriwen, Crobin, Nilme

Editor: Illiya

You tap a colorfully illuminated 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.

[~* Vibrant watercolor strawberries grace the top of the page, depicting a basket overflowing with plump, juicy fruits interspersed with inkpots and feather quills around an unfurled scroll hand-lettered in a playful script: *~] Berries & Ink - Volume 1, Issue 10 [~* Editor's Note *~] As we turn the final page of Volume 1, dear readers, we must bid you a fond farewell - if only for a little while. We hope you've enjoyed every juicy tale, every vibrant illustration, and the sweet little world we've crafted just for you. We've poured our hearts into each one, hoping they've brought you as much joy as they've brought us in creating them. While we're taking a short pause, our talented artists will be taking a well-deserved break to recharge their creative energy. We'll return soon, ready to share more of the magic we know you've come to love! In the meantime, I must regretfully share that although we received a generous letter and donation from Mevera Redthorne of House Redthorne, the galleon carrying her gold was attacked by the notorious pirate Srinoja. We fought off her pirates from Andreshlew but we were unfortunately unable to recover the funds. Despite this setback, we remain steadfast in our commitment to return, stronger than ever, with even more captivating content. Until then, stay warm, stay cozy, and remember to take a moment for yourself - whether it's with a cup of tea, a soft blanket, or a good book. Thank you for your continued support, and for making this first volume a truly magical experience. ~Cheers, Illiya [~* A heartfelt thank you to our generous sponsors for this issue: Golameth, Wagering Administration Commission, Akeiro & Selame *~] [~* Twin apple tree branches abloom with pale pink petals embrace the words "Guess Who? by Eruwyn Cholares" *~] The artistic color choices create a gilded window that appears to glow behind the poised, willowy figure that stands centered in front of it. High cheekbones and prismatic silver eyes complement the soft features of the Elven woman's face adding to her regal bearing. Her hair, a silky champagne-blonde, is wrought into a plaited coronet that glints with faceted diamonds and teeny flowers. Just a hint of a tattoo shows on the smooth, sun-kissed skin of her delicate collarbone before disappearing under the neckline of her gown. The garment follows the lines of her body in a way that implies custom fitting, before falling to the floor in graceful folds. (Last month's portrait: Rileos. Winner: Ruea. MAIL in your guess for this month! The winner will be revealed next issue.) [~* Idyllic by Ezathiel "Ezzy" Karanea *~] Dew drops dappled with early morning daylight make spider webs bejeweled The scent of pine, Nature's perfume Hanging in the misty air Moss carpeted field stones Standing still and stalwart Wetted by the babbling brook That brushes lazily past Fields of waist high grass Sway in a delicate breeze, Nature's gentle breathing The faint hint of a trail contours the outer edge Leading the wanderer through and past idyllic sights Beneath an azure canopy stretched out above The world below bathed in the warmth of an ever faithful sun [~* Seasonal Stargazing with Shaylynne *~] Lirisa the Archer: Shoot for the moons, if you miss you'll land among the stars. They're still up there, we think, maybe try and take out one of the Heralds blocking the view on your way. Shorka the Cobra: It's the cobras' time to strike. Make a sign, march around, rouse rabble, it's time for your guild to give you a raise. Uthmor the Giant: Dearest gentle Giants, a thoughtcast from the angry moon-mage-in-law tells me one of you forgot her birthday again. She'll be waiting by the mailbox expecting a card for each year missed. Arhat the Fire Lion: Fire up the ovens, Lions, 'tis the season for baking those delectable Chris' Mass Cookies. Any leftover strawberry sweets can be sent to our Editor. [~* Elven Epicurean Explorations by Valynn Aehre *~] Recently I met with Medir al'Malik, legendary barkeep and owner of Medir's Tavern in Chelsea Outlook. As he poured a generous dram of Chelsea Estate's Special Reserve scotch, Medir reflected on his life journey. His youth as adventure-seeking youth to military veteran to opening a tavern in 385 that became a refuge amidst the tumultuous backdrop of war. His passion for spirits began as a personal project to taste and rate drinks evolving into the establishment of his tavern. Medir emphasizes the importance of community and connection through shared experiences over drinks. In addition, he collaborates with a skilled kitchen staff to create food pairings for the spirits. Throughout our conversation, Medir's warmth and enthusiasm for his craft shone through. His tavern is my recommendation as a memorable gathering place. [~* Fashion Alley with Allye: Have Yourself a Very Couture Chris' Mass *~] Celebrate the holiday in style with this year's top trends: - Luxurious misiumosette cloaks in frosty hues are both cozy and chic, infused with icy magic to cast a captivating spell. - Pair your outfit with star-kissed kertig jewelry if you can find it, as these crystal-flecked meteorite accessories add celestial charm. - Velvet gowns and doublets, lined in soft furs and embroidered with wintry motifs, offer elegance and warmth. - Visit the wintry portal when it's open to discover a beautiful array of ice skates to keep feet toasty with festive designs, alongside their matching caps and mittens! Stay warm and enchanting! [~* A stack of delectable-looking tarts are drawn piled against the words "Sweet and Savory by Shaoimhe Bramblebairn" *~] Well, here we are. At the end of our time together. I hope you've all enjoyed it as much as I have! I'm proud of what I've done, even though it may have been silly at times, and heavy at others. So long as you remember to try new things, and take care of each other, and eat lots of tarts, then I'd say I've had a successful run! And so I'll leave you with one last thought - time is fleeting, so do what makes you happy. Enjoy the ride, even if the horse is a little bouncy. Even if there's a pointy lance on the other side. Even if - well, you get the point! Because everything comes to an end, fill your time with everything life has to offer before it does. So for now I say "na marie" - goodbye! And thanks for all the tarts! [~* Return of the Stars by Tirost Armagna *~] Lonely was the sky, bereft of those luminous children That ever through the heavens danced in bright array, Stolen, like the luminaries of the world below, By ancient powers of a forgotten age. Held, but not forgotten were those glor'ous stars, And folk who for their dauntless courage bright, Seeking boldly the gods' good order to restore, Bereft of hearing, touch and sight. Yet memory lived of those bright lights! Nor did the gods of those who yet remained, Mourning the loss of ones they loved, Forsake them to a hopeless fate, For above there wove like tailors' thread Through the lightless fabric of the night, The scorpion of the Void's High Lord, And into lonely cells a portal pried. Where like a crashing wave of Nature's wrath, Came those who will to force not bow nor scrape, Who risk their souls for life and hope, And whose valor helped their friends escape. Amid a flaring, brilliant burst of light, Those, once taken, now were free! And above the sparkling banner spread Unfurled by faith, by love and daring deeds. [~* A winding dashed line spells "Dantia's Destinations" and ends in a bright red X *~] In the timbered halls of Hibarnhvidar's Paladin Guild War Room sits an intriguing tactical device--a sand table. Blanketed in white sand, this ingenious table serves to simulate war campaigns. With a tap, push, or pull, wooden pieces representing troops, fortifications, and supplies can be strategically maneuvered across sculpted terrain. Rotate the table, and scenarios transition from forest ambushes along rivers to desert sieges of mighty castles. Pirate raids, goblin hordes, cavalry charges, and mage battles--the sand obediently manifests any clash you can envision. For those who dare to master the art of war, this sandscape offers an infinite arena to endlessly reshape possibilities. With a single turn of the table, you redefine destiny itself! [~* Legends and Lore by Katriwen Thornhollow *~] This story comes to us from the bard Eoworfinia Galarang, who wrote of the mysterious selkies of Ratha. Many years ago, Eoworfinia came across a pair of odd artifacts, a songbook filled with tales of mystery and a coral flute called a shintu that made no sound. One song told of the elusive selkie, who could sing songs of creation. She felt drawn to find it and followed clues from the book to a remote beach on Ratha. There, she met a beautiful creature in a grey pelt cloak who began to sing. The bard was inspired to play the shintu, pouring forth a melody to match the selkie's song. And when a vicious merrow attacked, the selkie came to her aid. Eoworfinia tells us to remember: "If the creatures with teeth so sharp, the merrows, surround you, call out to the selkie with a shintu and she will come to your aid." [~* The Adventures of Lavacano Gator, Ch. 10: Proving His Worth by Crobin Yuanfen *~] Lavacano crouched, heart pounding, as he surveyed the outlaw camp. The scarred, broad-shouldered brute of a leader sat by the fire with his men. With a flick of his wrist, Lavacano tossed a flask of oil onto the fire, sending flames shooting into the night and chaos everywhere. Moving swiftly, he took down two outlaws before they even noticed him. The leader rose, glaring. "A goblin? You've got guts." Lavacano grinned. "Maybe you'll be the one regretting this." They clashed, the leader's heavy blows forcing Lavacano to rely on his quick footwork and instincts. Lavacano delivered the final blow, and the camp fell silent. Back at the Barbarian guild, Agonar waited, his expression as hard as ever. "You did it," the guildleader said, nodding with approval. "Not bad for a goblin. Welcome to the guild, Lavacano. But this is just the beginning. You've proven yourself here, but the road ahead will be harder. Are you ready for it?" Lavacano hesitated, then smiled. "I've been ready my whole life." Agonar's grin was faint but genuine. "Good. We'll see what you're truly made of." As Lavacano stepped into the guildhall, the roar of warriors greeted him like a promise of the battles to come. For the first time, he belonged. But in his heart, he knew his journey was far from over. The challenges ahead would demand even more of him. And he couldn't wait to face them. [~* Framed by tiny clusters of rosebuds tinged in the diluted hues of a sunrise are the words "A Quiet Evening by Langen Esturi Nilme Iondu'il" *~] The city sounds grow silent as the day comes to a close. I marvel at the peace it brings while the fire glows. The room is still and shadowed and my book and chair await So I say goodnight to all that lays beyond my garden gate. I lose myself in the story, in between small sips of tea. With endings that inspire delight, my books bring joy to me. I place the finished tome on the bookcase with great care, Amongst the many others that safely rest up there. I fall asleep to thoughts of far-off places and I dream. With the morning sun, I think about how real they seem. It inspires me to write, so I pick up ink and quill Should I spend the early hours creating worlds? I think I will. [~* Until next time, dear readers. We'll be back soon with more juicy bites! *~]