Berries & Ink/Issues/Berries-03-05

Publication: Berries & Ink

Volume: 03

Issue: 05

Issue Date: August 1, 2026

Contributors: Harkour, Eruwyn, Shaoimhe, Allye, Karatyna, Valynn, Vendelt, Crobin, Stelling, Aedie, Sheearyn, Cherisse, Nilme

Editor: Illiya

You tap a pale blue paper. A blob of berry-red wax is affixed to the paper. It is imprinted with a plump strawberry nestled in a crown of delicate leaves. You gently open the folded paper.

[~* Soft light breaks across pale blue paper sky above a sun-drenched forest clearing with rain-streaked strawberries and inkpots framing the hand-lettered script: *~] Berries & Ink - Volume 3, Issue 5 [~* Editor's Note *~] Dearest Readers, There are seasons when the horizon behaves like a shifting fog, refusing to show us where the road leads, or if it is even there at all. As I pieced these pages together, I noticed the issue felt poised between life's violent upheavals and the simple, healing need for sanctuary. We are excited to welcome two new contributors: Sheearyn offers a practical guide on respecting an Empath's boundaries, while Cherisse reflects on how vela'tohr plants unite us in shared respite. We have another fascinating installment from Aedie about the dangers of mimes, and a tender and longing poem from Nilme. And this issue would not be complete without our beloved columnists: Harkour, Shaoimhe, Eruwyn, Allye, Karayna, Valynn, Vendelt, Crobin, and Stelling. To our readers, thank you for giving Berries purpose when the horizon seems unclear. Whatever transitions or hardships you are facing in your own lives, I wish you courage amidst the fog. With warmest affection, Illiya [ANNOUNCEMENT] Anino's by Rainbow Retail in Haven and Rainbow Retail in Shard congratulate the 456 Praxium Solo Champion Nvalia Gryphon on her historic win [~* This issue was also brought to you by a generous donation from Lileath *~] [~* One Year So Long and So Short: Autumn Comes by Harkour Navarre *~] Time seems to grow so long Two sides are poised for war Air warm with hundreds of breaths Cast over the field soon fighting for A horn blasts out into the day A battle cry to direct the troops Answered without pause across the way Advance soldiers, men, and youths Both sides advance in a tide Neither able to stop or turn I look forward into their eyes Whisper a prayer for safe return Cries and yells meld together Tense knuckles white on hilt A world once so vast and wide Reduced to this one bloody point The first swings quick and fluid Over time turn to weary chops Sweat or blood runs down my face Mixed unknown in matted locks Each step forward paid in blood Both sides pay the toll The melee seems hours long Moments feel like hours to weary soul The melee wanes with battle won Final blows fueled by hate A strike sends stars across my eyes I stumble numb to my fate. [~* Twin apple tree branches abloom with pale pink petals embrace the words "Guess Who? by Eruwyn Cholares" *~] A Rakash man in his prime stands atop a knoll, his gold-riven obsidian eyes gazing out upon an approaching group of goblins. His black hair is tousled by an unseen wind, one that also bends the grasses around his feet. Dark streaks run along his neck, only to disappear under the hulking suit of armor that protects his monstrous build. The armor is a gruesome amalgam of sinewy flesh and teeth, sanguine inks help bring the macabre detail out, all the way down to the gaping leviathan maw of a helm that he holds in one hand. Standing out in bright contrast is a damite pauldron emblazoned with a sungold crest of Zoluren. (Last issue's portrait: Eskila. Winner: Vendelt. MAIL in your guess for this month! The winner will be revealed next issue.) [~* A tiny cartoonish tart carrying a bindle walks atop the words "The Traveling Tartling by Shaoimhe Bramblebairn" *~] Well, I'm here from another month of traveling. BARELY. Why did no one tell me how scary Hara'jaal is?? All I ever heard about is "ohh, look at my great new tattoo!" and "ooh, what a pretty island view!" NO. It's belligerent pirates and invisible lizards and tyrannical barons. Oh, and a volcano that looks extremely threatening. And a mud pit I got stuck in. Really, now. What the heck, guys! And I don't even care if those crummy pirates come after me, the shops weren't even that good and the food tasted gross! Ugh. Spare yourself the boat ride, it was boring anyway. I'm finding some place with a nice relaxing hot spring for my next trip! [~* Myths of the Mouse: Kingdom in the Clouds, by Allye Karayilma *~] The wind roared in his ears, rushing past in a ceaseless gust as the owl duchess carried him high into the sky. Her talons gripped his shoulders and arms in a firm vice, and his thankful prayer for his protective jousting gear was lost in the din of their flight. Beneath them, the trees fell away, their thick leafy canopies losing detail as they pressed on, higher and higher. At last, the lay of the land was veiled by layers of clouds and mist. And then, there it was, before him like an unwavering mirage. Twining bowers poked through the delicate vapor to form an immense structure, draped in downfeather banners and teeming with swooping birds of every type and hue. A beautiful castle in the clouds. [~* Aether and Whiskers - A Title for Tiny: A Name so Enshriney by Karatyna *~] 'Let's play a quick game for a wonderful name! Come tell me, my friend, what you want to proclaim! Is it Peanut or Pip? Is it just Jellybean? What fits a new buddy so bright and so clean?' I gave a squeak and shook my wet nose I stood tall and proud and puffed out my toes 'I don't want a soft name like Sugar or Puff! A spirit familiar should sound pretty tough!' My Lady smiled big and patted my head 'Like Thunder? Or Danger? Or Shadowy Dread? A name with some muscle, but still very sweet We'll call you Sir Chomps-a-Lot, bane of all feet!' I twitched my whiskers and let out a cheer For the ultimate name any creature could hear! The crow gave a caw, but I don't care Sir Chomps-a-Lot takes a bow right there! [~* Eat This, Not That by Valynn Aehre *~] Zuhaichaga Inn Taproom, Ilaya Taipa, home to the Elven River Clan, where deals, drinks and dishes happen in a raucous atmosphere of dark mahogany, savory kitchen scents and tobacco smoke vying for attention. Chef's star is the salt-baked crayfish, succulent, buttery and more than sinful. Just trust me on this one. If fowl is your preference, the duck practically dissolves before you can brag on it. Drinks with these dishes? Hibble's stout torches your throat, no apologies. Or, you could choose the icemead, cold enough to chill the heart of any fire sprite. All for less than a single gold kronar. * Truth be told, the Taproom is loud, smokey and slightly rakish. Definitely worth the visit. Cheers! [~* The Dark Dyaus, Ch. 5: Tenebran and the Price of Knowing by Vendelt *~] I came back when I said I would. Moon high, street thin, alley dark enough to swallow a man whole. I got a look at their operation, it was crates wrapped in cloth, old cloth, the careful kind. Sculptures. Tapestries, maybe. The sort of things that go missing from wealthy houses and never get reported. I was piecing it together nicely right up until something connected with the back of my head and the cobblestones came up to meet me. They were thorough about it. Professional. When I woke up the alley was empty and my ribs had a new opinion about breathing deeply. Art thieves, not my case, but definitely no good. Grimacing I picked myself up, spit something I didn't care to identify, and walked back out into the street. Somebody else's problem, I had enough of my own. [~* The Adventures of Lavacano Gator, Ch. 25: A Different Kind of Strength by Crobin Yuanfen *~] Though his wounds still lingered, Lavacano returned to the training grounds each day. Between drills, he noticed a young recruit struggling with a riste. Remembering his own first days, he quietly offered a few pointers before returning to his training. From across the yard, Sekmeht had watched it all. "You've changed," the Gor'tog said. Lavacano looked up. "You came here trying to prove goblins could be warriors." Sekmeht's eyes drifted to the teddy bear hanging from Lavacano's belt. "Now you're making sure others become them." Lavacano rested a hand on the worn bear and smiled. Maybe strength wasn't measured by the battles you won... but by those you helped stand beside you. [~* Bottles and flasks sprout from thorny vines encircling the title "Measured Pours by Stelling Constalon" *~] Coffee, like whiskey, so many around Better and worse, but all do the job Best variety? Hit Java Jumpstart! But let's talk about some rare varietals Truly the best ones are lost Needing either a Guardsman with a stash Or maybe Hannah with a bootleg Bar cart round back Telomin Start your day with a RAWR Lion's Roar black wakes you up! Upstairs the crested mug Soothing vanilla and walnuts flavors a treat Best though, perfect for meetings Baronial audiences and swearings-in Porcelain cup of joy! Rich darkness And that heavenly blackberry liqueur [~* The Quiet Threat to Elanthia by Aedie, Cleric of Meraud *~] Where the light of honest trade and holy song should thrive within Elanthia, instead stands a painted figure. Striped in the garish contrast of charcoal and chalk, face smeared with a thick, slimy greasepaint. This predator moves without a sound. To the uninitiated, the simple-minded, or the dangerously naive, this creature is called a "mime," and its practice is dismissed as mere street entertainment. I write to you today to scream the truth that these silent heretics refuse to speak: The mime is a practitioner of the foulest, most insidious distortions of mana this world has faced since Lanival s Victory. Their "performance art" is nothing less than an open mockery of divine creation, enacted through a twisted, unspoken school of heretical magic that threatens the very spiritual fabric of our lands. Stand vigilant and watchful. You shall see their sinister ways. [~* 6 Reasons To Ask an Empath Before Touching a Plant by Sheearyn *~] 1. Sometimes, it leads to a lovely (if brief) conversation 2. In high stakes situations, it benefits you for empaths to be skilled at healing in person. This requires different practice than healing a plant. 3. Over time, you'll get to know your local empaths and have more personalized service. 4. Some empaths will go hunting with folks they've developed some connection with, so you can stay longer in more challenging areas. 5. The more worthwhile it feels for empaths to be present and attentive, the more likely it is that someone will be there who's fast enough to save you if you show up with injuries a plant can't heal in time. 6. Pausing to ask gives you space to take a breath and acknowledge your own personhood, as well as not taking the empath and their work for granted. [~* The Vela'tohr Bring Us Together by Cherisse *~] The vela'tohr plant has brought a welcome evolution to our gatherings, fostering camaraderie while freeing Empaths from being anchored to a single location. Having reliable emergency healing readily available is a true boon. I like to think of the plant as the warm hearth of an inn, serving as a beacon that lets weary adventurers know friends congregate here. Instead of forcing an Empath to be the sole pillar keeping a respite viable, the plant ensures the wounded are cared for no matter who plays host. The personal touch of a healer remains wonderful, but it is no longer a strict necessity. This unassuming plant grants us the quiet comfort of care without tethering anyone down. It also offers quick solace for the wounded when one's spirit for company is spent. [~* Framed by tiny rosebuds tinged in the diluted hues of a sunrise are the words "Songbird by Nilme Iondu'il" *~] Where have you gone that I can't find you? How many places can I search? How fast are the wings that carry you onward? What lifted you off your wooden perch? Songbird, how I need your music. I've been listening for your sound. You fly and soar as you herald daybreak. Filling my heart, tethered to the ground In the mornings, as night whispers Farewells and then falls to sleep I've counted on your song to wake me Bringing beauty to my humble keep. Songbird, sing your song forever. Set your melodies aloft to grow. Bring to another lucky person The peace your seeds of music sow. [~* Thank you for reading! Look out for more juicy bites in the next issue! *~]