The disease that wiped the earth of mankind has returned, and it's starting to change its hosts somehow. Reports of unearthly powers are arising all over Toren while more and more become infected.
updates
< 11 JULY 2017 > The staff auditions and OTMs are officially OVER. I'd like to welcome our two new staffers - Lutheus and Crowenth! There will be some new events soon, as well as a big announcement - so watch this space.
< 20 JUNE 2017 > ATTENTION! Staff auditions are up and running. Please click here if you are interested in helping me run Clash.
< 06 JUNE 2017 > It hasn't been too long since we've opened - but we've already got a fresh new look. If you find any bugs in our new skin, please let me know so that I can fix it. Old members might have to update their avatar links and profile info! x
< 07 MAY 2017 > CLASH has officially been reopened and is ready for action! The plot, rules and canons have been revised - read more about it here.
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The ocean was angry.
It writhed and convulsed like some crazed wild animal, rearing and bucking and then crashing in a heap on the shore. The white capped waves boiled, seething with sheer power. There was something incredibly terrifying about this sight; it reminded you that no matter how strong you thought you were, you were no match for nature. Nobody was untouchable. Even the soft mist which usually emanated from the sea was different today - it was sharp, and scratched against sensitive pelts with needle-like effects. Merciless. Today was not the best day to visit the beach, but regardless, here she was. It was, in large, due to her insatiable appetite for adventure. This lust drove her to madness, clouding over her vision with a thick, urgent desire. She was a petite thing, really; not the type you'd expect to find challenging the power of the ocean. Nevertheless, here she was. Her tawny hide was stained copper by the sea water, almost giving the impression that she was coated in blood. Her eyes were wild, and she whinnied in a mad fervor.
The ocean called her.
It's inescapable siren song played in the very recesses of her mind. It repeated over and over and over until she couldn't take it anymore. The sea longed for her, and she longed for it. Horses made out of foam rode the tops of the waves, plunging towards her only to shatter in to pieces as soon as they got near. She wanted to be with them. Halcyon inhaled, the salty tang of the ocean filling her mind. One hoof took a step forward. Then the next. Then the next. Her knees were submerged now, and the torrents whipped around her legs, causing her to trip and stumble. They wrapped their invisible hands around her hooves, pulling her down, down, down...
The ocean took her.
Her throat burned. Icy cold water began to fill her lungs. She gasped for air that just wasn't there. "It'll be over soon," the voices whispered, "it'll all be over". Finding solace in these words, her body went limp. The ocean, calmer now, cradled her in it's vast arms; rocking her to sleep. Maternal and soothing, the steady rhythm of the tide was her lullaby. "Go to sleep, little one. It's time for you to go now." At this last sentence, the mare's eyes snapped open. Death? Was this what she wanted? No, no; she hadn't come all this way to die now. In a wild panic, she made a desperate attempt to resurface. She didn't know which way was up; she was surrounded by a constant shade of inky blue. Closing her eyes, she kicked as hard as she could. Her hoof came into contact with sand - she scrabbled, desperately trying to find purchase on the slippery surface.
The ocean spat her out.
Halcyon collapsed in a heap on the beach, her sides heaving. Water pooled off of her, making it's way back into the sea. The mental illness that crippled her brain and caused her to hallucinate was going to be the death of her - she just knew it. Exhausted and weakened, she remained in a heap on the floor. Tendrils of steam rose from her nostrils, creeping up into the cold morning air.
Last Edit: May 17, 2012 10:15:23 GMT -5 by Deleted
'Lonely traveler, aint trying to battle ya But if you're feeling tuff dog, I welcome all challengers Aint got no family, you see there's one of me Might lose your pulse standing two feet in front of me I'm pissed at the world, but I aint looking for trouble'
The skies darkened with a gun metal gray, the clouds continued to grow as if they would extend to the height of skyscrapers. Thunder rolled through the clouds, as if to warn every creature of it's arrival. Most beings had found themselves shelter and it served them right, for it would only seem the foolish or the wicked ever ventured into a storm such as this. The skies let go and the rains came, the pace was rapid and relentless a creation of power all it's own. There were many places one should not travel in weather such as this, an open field, under a tree, the Ocean... ah then why had he come here. It had been a real transformation from the day he met that elder, he felt himself grow dark reaching his true potential and it would seem the 'devil' thought so too years ago.
Ever since that day it always seemed that he sauntered to where Death was or where Death was near, almost like an extra sense he was drawn to this shoreline and therefore an assumption was formed. The grand hooves carried the stallion through the slush of sand and water, elegance was with his eerie tranquil movements. Precise in his movements but they seemed so relaxed, so at ease as he traveled down the beach. The lightning that flashed in the skies was the light that illuminated his Rabicano Liver flesh, while the alabaster skull was quite notable. Almost as if an actual bone (skull) was placed on his face, the piercing rust hued gold seemed to almost glow with a primitive gleam. Finally the perfume wafted into his nostrils, ah yes this was the reason he was drawn.
A damsel in distress. She lay on the shore, very close to the clawing tides. The sides of her body were heaving, a indication she had been fighting Poseidon. Most of the time it was pure accident when Death struck, and what did he look like arriving here just as Death almost succeeded? The Grim Reaper due to his ivory head or possibly the Devil himself. Grinning wickedly his massive muscles mass shifted and flexed, when he arrived standing at the top of her head. His hooves positioned right beside her skull, he lowered his muzzle to reach her ear. "There, there deary..." His lyrics ending for a moment while the tones were very deep, and charming certainly. Yet a darkness resided in that voice, something of poison.
'I might crack a grin, I aint looking to hug you Think about it, nobody wants to die There's rules to this game son, I'm justified I'm ready to go partner, hey I'm on the run The devils hugging on my boots that's why I own a gun'
Last Edit: May 17, 2012 18:21:36 GMT -5 by Deleted
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The horizon promised a storm. Ashen clouds rolled in from the North, rumbling menacingly as they advanced. In contrast, the ocean seemed to have calmed down; it combated the malice of the oncoming storm with gentle hushing noises as it lapped against the shore.The fat, swollen clouds seemed ready to burst; they goaded the land with threats of snow and bad weather. Even the trees seemed to be bracing themselves for the inevitable storm; their leaves all swept to one side, and their trunks slightly bowed. And then it came. Rain poured down onto the beach, marring the perfect sheen of beige. Some of the more fragile saplings gave in, snapping clean in half - leaving just the wounded stump of what used to be such promising new life. All of the sensible creatures took shelter wherever they could; in crevices between rocks, in the forest that fringed the shoreline, anywhere that offered ample protection.
All of a sudden, everything became quiet. As quickly as it had started, the storm vanished. Pools of water trickled down the gradual slope to the ocean; there was something almost military about the way the little droplets rejoined the huge mass of water. Halcyon had only been semi-conscious during the downpour, and was just stirring now. As if it was an apology for the storm, a light sprinkling of snow began to fall from the heavens. A flake glided down in a rocking horse motion; softly swaying from side to side as it made it's descent toward the earth. It landed on the tip of Cee's muzzle, kissing her skin with a cold touch. Her ears flickered slightly as she regained consciousness. She was so out of it that she didn't even hear the hoof steps as she was approached by another equine. "There, there deary..." The voice echoed in her left ear. Startled, she scrambled to her feet, kicking up a great deal of sand in the process. She stumbled backwards, trying to put some distance between her and the other horse in case they had less than noble intentions. Before her stood a stallion, who towered a good couple of hands above her. His hide was a rich shade of liver chestnut, and his eyes smoldered with a thousand hues of deep gold. "Who are you?" To her pleasure, Cee's voice came out a lot stronger than she felt; she sounded like a horse who could look after herself. She narrowed her eyes, her lids sliding over the purple iris. That was when she noticed the white marking that masked his face. It resembled a skull. Suddenly, he released a ghastly cackle and the rest of hiis hide melted away, revealing the remainder of his skeleton. Cee froze, her heart beating erratically against her ribcage. Her brain prompted her; "Close your eyes, Halcyon." Too dumbstruck to ignore the command, Cee obeyed and shut her eyes for a moment before opening them again. There stood the stallion, hide intact. Her heart began to relax, and she noticed that the skull on his face was - in fact - just a white marking. Her hallucinations were strong today, and Cee began to regret wandering about in her current state.
'Lonely traveler, aint trying to battle ya But if you're feeling tuff dog, I welcome all challengers Aint got no family, you see there's one of me Might lose your pulse standing two feet in front of me I'm pissed at the world, but I aint looking for trouble'
The clouds rolled back, the skies illuminating with sunlight while the storm slowly lost it's power. The world becoming peaceful once more, droplets slowly came to an end as well. No more rain fell onto the soaked hide, while his illusive eyes continued to gaze at the semi-conscious mare. He did have a knack for showing up when Death was near, or when a deal could certainly be made. It would have seemed that Rum had gave life to this mare by his voice, as she erupted from the Earth much like a volcano. Sands flurried in every direction, the mare stood breathing a bit rapid. The eyes of the predator followed the abrupt movements, and a lovely grin laced his lips. Nostrils gently flared, as her perfume intoxicated his nasal cavity.
The mare's jaws parted and words flowed, a bit confident they were yet Rumpelstiltskin was always one to make bluffs vanish. He was not one to toy with, and lately it would seem that he did not feel 'normal'. Odd indeed and Rum was still trying to deflect the possibility that he was infected. Allowing the simple headaches to be pushed to the side, Rum was more amused with the situation at hand. "I thought it would be obvious as to who I am, though you deary are the one without such a 'common' name." The baritones were wicked, they certainly were pleasing to the eardrums eerily enough. Rumpelstiltskin was of course toying with the mare, for he knew the first two names to come to mind would be the Devil or the Grim Reaper.
A deep chuckle escaped his lips, as he stepped closer to see what reaction would come from the delicate mare. "If I had not come along dame, the ocean may have tossed you more.." Almost implying as if he knew what her outcome would have been. His eyes drifted to the sea for a moment, the waves at ease and the salty breeze drifting along. Attention was quickly focused back upon the divine creature, his gaze greedily gazing over her curves as such. Rum did not care, and honestly who was going to stop him? Certainly not this female, and if she tried it would not end very good for the Dame and what a pity that would be. To see such a beautiful visage be torn away. A sadistic smirk wound it's way over his muzzle.
'I might crack a grin, I aint looking to hug you Think about it, nobody wants to die There's rules to this game son, I'm justified I'm ready to go partner, hey I'm on the run The devils hugging on my boots that's why I own a gun'
[style=padding: 420px 20px 35px 20px; color: #ffffff; font-family:arial; font-size: 9px; overflow: auto;] Just by reading his body language, Halcyon could tell that her attempt at bravery had fallen slightly flat. Not one to be defeated, however, she stood slightly taller and puffed out her chest. The dark tone that laced his voice shook her façade of courage, but she tried not to let this show. As he began to close the distance between them, Cee felt a shiver run up her spine - not necessarily because she was scared as such, but because his presence carried such nefarious implications. Halcyon almost immediately became aware of the sensation of a slight pressure in her veins and her heat began to thud capriciously. Like wildfire, adrenaline began to course through her veins and she felt all of the vestiges of her fear begin to slip away. Closing the distance between them, Halcyon snaked her neck upwards until it was level with the stallions ear. "I'm not scared of you." The petite mare whispered, her voice almost like a hiss. Her vision was clouded entirely by her lust for adventure, for thrills, for excitement; it was a thick, urgent need that could never be entirely satisfied. It could be kept at bay, of course, but it always lingered in the recesses of her mind.
Halcyon was unsure as to how the stallion would react. She took a tentative step back, just in case he flew into a rage. This way, at least she would stand a fighting chance in the event that he lashed out; despite her petite build, she was incredibly fast. "Are you going to tell me your name, then?" Cee phrased the question almost like a challenge; he seemed like the type to thrive on this type of stimulation. Halcyon's ears flicked to the side, listening as a wave broke on the shore. An eery looking mist was creeping in from the sea; it hung low over the ground, consuming everything in it's path with a grey haze.
As she waited for a response from the stallion, she allowed her gaze to wander over his frame. His coat was a rich shade of liver, edging towards black, except for the striking white marking which masked his face. The ivory veil made his eyes ever the more shocking; their rusted hue against the bone-white made them seem as if they were alight. Cee's tawny coat seemed full of imperfections, in comparison; his was a flawless sheen of colour, whereas hers was dappled and mottled by darker shades of beige. It had to be said, though, that her eyes were almost more unusual than his; the pupil was fringed by a light lavender, and this colour gradually darkened to a shade of mulberry toward the edges of her eye. Realising that it must look as if she was staring at the brute, Halcyon quickly averted her eyes, not wanting to inflate his ego any more than it already seemed to be. Feigning disinterest, she looked out to sea, concentrating on the horizon as if her life depended on it.
'Lonely traveler, aint trying to battle ya But if you're feeling tuff dog, I welcome all challengers Aint got no family, you see there's one of me Might lose your pulse standing two feet in front of me I'm pissed at the world, but I aint looking for trouble'
The delicate mare did not retreat when he drew near, instead she hissed within his ear. Rumpelstiltskin was certainly not one to be fooled, you see when one is this dark there are not many others who compare. Smirking as she spoke her words, he replied. "You were the only one who spoke of fear deary. " It was the truth, Rum had not attempted to strike fear in the mare but it had been done. For why else would a being bring up that they were not afraid when no accusation had been made. Grinning Rumpelstiltskin met her exotic eyes, a deep violet and they held a very innocent gleam. It was always enticing to see purity, the way even in darkness it seemed to shine. Though Rum was wicked, and therefore would even harm one of the most sacred of creatures.
Rumpelstiltskin was amused with her bluffs, they never persuaded him because he knew far to much about the things that go bump in the night. Tilting his ivory skull to the side, allowing his surreal eyes to gaze upon the framework of this dove. Her words were challenging, but held no backbone which is why he could detect her bluff. The stallion had only made slow and calculated movements, though after her voice ended something took place. Rum slinked forward quickly, slithering around her petite frame like a constritor around a hare. This female needed to understand that he would not take a lousy challenge, if she wished to challenge him do it with force. His muzzle gently graced her neck, just close enough to raise goosebumps.
Then he spoke. "I'm Rumpelstiltskin, and you dame what might I call you or would you prefer me to bestow a nickname?" His words were taunting and though held a deadly charm. The baritones were deep, and certainly commanded attention in any octave. Rum left her side and once more positioned himself in front of the delicate female. His masculine structure shifted lightly from one side to the other, waiting to see what would take place before his eyes. He was curious to eventually see why she felt the need to act in this manner, what was it that drove her? He was fascinated by others, that is if they were anything somewhat amusing.
'I might crack a grin, I aint looking to hug you Think about it, nobody wants to die There's rules to this game son, I'm justified I'm ready to go partner, hey I'm on the run The devils hugging on my boots that's why I own a gun'
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Rumpelstiltskin. It was an odd name, yes; she vaguely recalled a character in some fairytale with the same name, and wondered whether or not the tale bore any relevance to him. In her mind, she decided that she would just call him Rum from now on - of course, the nickname might not be to his liking, but what did she have to lose? "Okay, Rum it is," A small grin played around her muzzle, the corners of her lips twisting upwards ever so slightly. "My name is Halcyon. Or Cee, if you fancy being familiar." Her voice was subtly laced with sarcasm; she highly doubted that the stallion had any intentions of forming a friendship with her. He seemed like the type that was out to cause trouble, but right now, she didn't much mind. Perhaps a bit of trouble would spice things up a bit.
Rum's sudden movement caught Cee slightly off guard. She noticed that he moved with an almost serpentine fashion; tensed like a cobra, ready to strike. Halcyon felt like his prey, and the sensation made her uneasy; she shifted her weight from side to side, a nervous action. As his muzzle grazed over her neck, she felt a trail of goosebumps raise in it's path; not due to cold, but due to the almost electric tingle that was transferred from his skin to hers. It was likely due to the fact that the mare had not had the pleasure of equine company for a long time now, but in the recesses of her mind, she recognized that it was because she felt intimidated.
Halcyon's brain flitted back to Rum's earlier statement, insinuating that - despite her efforts to conince him otherwise - scared. It was true; he had never mentioned the idea that she was frightened, but Cee simply assumed that he was the type to think he could simply scare people into submission. Maybe she had been to quick to jump to conclusions, but for now, the jury was out on whether or not she trusted the stallion or not.
'Lonely traveler, aint trying to battle ya But if you're feeling tuff dog, I welcome all challengers Aint got no family, you see there's one of me Might lose your pulse standing two feet in front of me I'm pissed at the world, but I aint looking for trouble'
Even though Death had not come to this beauty, Rum was still amused with her company. There was something that was about this female, she seemed as if she wanted to stay and yet leave at the same time. It was odd indeed, and Rum was quite interested on finding out what this conflicting feeling was. Nostrils flared as the world went silent, after the horrid storm it brought not only heavy mist but some dropping temperatures too. The wind carried a different feel, one that was brisk and a bit chilling. Snow fall would possibly follow suit, yet time would still be the only definite answer. His golden eyes continued to focus upon the mauve ones of this mare, with her voice breaking the silence. Rum was not one to fancy a ton of nicknames but Rum always seemed easier for any creature to say.
The Rabicano's ears alerted to the voice once again, this a retort to him giving his own named. "Halcyon what a pleasure it has been to meet you...I see you are familiar Cee." His toxic tones dripping from his words, the tone deep and charming. Rumpelstiltskin was not one to purposely induce fear, instead he was one to play of the actions or words of others. Developing thoughts, feelings, etc. into others minds and the greatest achievement it was usually their own words in which brought their downfall. Rum was certainly not looking for murder on this day, and with the headaches that seemed to worsen one had to battle their own mind to stay focused. This fellow did not find battling the disease to be difficult, instead how to survive was always the one thought on this equines mind.
Shifting his weight in the dampened Earth, the light swirling of snowflakes began to fall. Gently landing upon his muscular frame and melting just as quick. As he watched Cee, it would seem as though she began to doubt her earlier statements. The bluff had been called, and now it was time to see intimidation or fear set into the opposing being. "What is it Cee, cat got your tongue?" He teased, as sarcasm laced his vocals. Rum did not pause for long until he spoke again. "It is as if two souls reside in you, why such a conflicting persona?" Rumpelstiltskin was quite well at reading others, and sensing what was around him. He unlike other focused on his other senses and did not rely on pure sight.
'I might crack a grin, I aint looking to hug you Think about it, nobody wants to die There's rules to this game son, I'm justified I'm ready to go partner, hey I'm on the run The devils hugging on my boots that's why I own a gun'
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The reaction was always the same.
It didn't take long before people started noticing that something about her was odd. It was almost like an instinctive thing; regardless of how hard she tried to disguise it, they always knew. There was some part of her being that they just couldn't comprehend - something that made them think she wasn't right. It didn't get to her; anyway, as her grandma had always told her, "They're just curious". In a way, she supposed, they had the right to be; it wasn't everyday you got to meet someone with a brain like hers. Rum was different, though. Most would react with disdain, wanting to disassociate themselves from the crazy mare as quickly as possible. Others would laugh; not so much with her, but at her. Luckily, she had developed a rather tough skin over the years, so the jeering no longer got to her.
Why was he different? Halcyon knew he had realised that there was something about her he couldn't quite put his finger on. So why wasn't he laughing or subtly finding away to end the conversation? In fact, it was quite the opposite; he seemed almost... Intrigued. Fascinated, even. The little mare's ears flickered forward at his use of her nickname, and she allowed a faint smile to play around her maw.
Beginning to feel restless, Halcyon turned and walked toward the sea. She made a mental note not to go charging into it this time; it hadn't worked out too well last time. Instead, she just allowed the waves to lap around her hooves, gently washing against them in a steady rhythm. "I'm not exactly normal," Halcyon called over her shoulder, turning her left eye to the stallion. "Let's just say my brain's a little bit... different." Cee let out a small chuckle; it was hard to put her illness in to words. Nobody really understood what she meant when she said "hallucinations"; it was hard to comprehend something that you had never experienced yourself.
'Lonely traveler, aint trying to battle ya But if you're feeling tuff dog, I welcome all challengers Aint got no family, you see there's one of me Might lose your pulse standing two feet in front of me I'm pissed at the world, but I aint looking for trouble'
This vixen was truly something to obtain, the purity that lurked in her soul was unmatched that this devil had seen. Though what honestly drove him mad was this other persona that lurked within her soul, it was fascinating and unusual. Such a pure soul usually never holds anything else, but this mare did and therefore Rum would find out one way or another. The petite mare seemed lost in her thoughts for the time, allowing her focus and attention to be brought into her skull and not on the situation. In all honesty most sinful beings would harm such a pure creature, though in this business Rumpelstiltskin understood where most were flawed. To kill such a pure being is one of the most difficult hunts, where most decide to kill Rum wishes to obtain.
Why the fascination with such pure of heart only made Rum understand himself on a more intimate level. He was wicked, deranged, intelligent but sinister. This would never alter, but maybe love could ignite in this being but it will be nearly impossible to achieve. With her words the fellow could not become more amused and allowed a deepened chuckle to escape. Then powerful jaws opened for words to be released. "Cee I am not of the norm either, tell me how does that delicate brain function?" Rumpelstiltskin was not one to hide his interest in something, in fact he was blunt with every aspect of his life. Shifting his weight he cocked his skull as she chuckled lightly, what did go on in that small skull of hers? It would drive this creature mad if she did not tell him soon.
Allowing his skeleton flesh to draw taunt over bulging muscle, as he drew nearer to the vixen. Allowing it to almost seem like a secret between the two, Rum was not one to go around letting his info run wild. No he was the opposite quite a good secret keeper, though the knowledge he obtained was kept for a later date. The cynical beast gave a light grin in her direction, allowing for a charm to be given off instead of intimidation. While his ivory skull lowered slightly to be at level with Halcyon's, he awaited patiently for the beauty to give her answer. Oh and of course this allowed for Rum to drag in more of her perfume, it was Spring and could a male really be blamed?
'I might crack a grin, I aint looking to hug you Think about it, nobody wants to die There's rules to this game son, I'm justified I'm ready to go partner, hey I'm on the run The devils hugging on my boots that's why I own a gun'
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What exactly was wrong in Halcyon's mind was hard to define. She had heard many different suggestions over the years; it had even been declared at one point that she was possessed by dark spirits. These claims had been inflamed by her brother's day, one day prior to her birth - at times, even she herself wondered if there was something dark inside her. She pushed these thoughts to the back of her mind most of the time, but it was inevitable that they would sometimes surface, raising self-doubt in her mind. During her childhood, the other foals had teased her that she was dropped on her head when she was born, and that was why she was so.. different. Halcyon herself did not know - or, for that matter, wish to know - what caused this strange ailment. Rum, on the other hand, seemed quite fascinated.
After taking her time to consider his question, Cee cleared her throat before replying. "Have you ever heard of hallucinations?" She asked, although it was more of a rhetorical question. "Well, that's what happens with me. I see and hear things that aren't really there - only some of the time, though. Some days, I'm fine. Other days... Not so much." The words flowed from her maw like a torrent of water; she didn't know why she was telling him all of these personal details, but she couldn't stop. "It's like a nightmare, only you're awake." At this, she suddenly fell quiet. She had never spoken in this much detail about her affliction before; it made her feel vulnerable.
Cee dropped her gaze to the ground, her lavender hued eyes flickering upwards towards Rum every now and then, trying to gauge his reaction. Her eyes began to roam towards the sun, watching as it rode across the sky with a subtle fascination. Fire had always been an intriguing idea to the little mare, and the huge ball of it suspended way up in the sky seemed impossible to her. As it continued in it's descent, it painted the sky with streaks of colour; crimsons, apricots and pastel yellows.
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