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.
The forest was alive with life. Birds twittered over head as they flew like acrobats through the tree tops. A squirrel scolded a chipmunk that was trying to steal it's stash and all the while the gentle pitter patter of rain drops descending from the canopy leaves echoed through out the forest. It was times like these when the great stallion wished he could freeze time so he could live in this moment forever.
The two-toned beast moved quietly through the under growth, water from the earlier downfall clinging to his coat and dropping from his ivory tendrils. He had been traveling for days, trying to find some secluded area to call home. Or at least as close to home as he could get. There was no real home for this patriarch. The social life just never seemed to work out in his favor, always ending in disappointment. And so he would move on. On to a new stretch of solitude, then a new awkward home, then repeat. Sometimes he wondered if it would just be easier to live alone.
Slowly the trees began to thin out, growing small and shorter. The bright rays of the sun began to peirce more brilliantly down to the earth causing the stallion to squint. The great forest opened up into a small clearing. Barely bigger than half a football field, tall emerald grass grew in a thick blanket with wild flowers blooming hap-hazardly across the ground. The sight made a smile spread across Keskoo's face. Peace at last.
He moved from the forest's edge into the meadow. From the height of the grass, the stallion guessed that only the deer of the forest knew of this place and with them he was happy to share. His joy bubbled up until it could no longer be contained. The great stallion bucked and broke into a canter, circling the meadow, kicking up his heels in child like excitement. His neck arched and his nose skimmed the ground, taking in the earth scent that lingered after the rains.
With a sigh Keskoo fell to knees and rolled in the sweet honey dew that clung to green blades. He had not felt this content in a long time and it was nice. Finally he stood up, slowly yet surely his great bodice rose back into the air and he shook, water and dirt flinging from his being. His coat shone in healthy brilliance now that it was free from the muck of his wondering. Scars marred his beautiful ivory and mahogany coat, symbols of his past battles. He was a sight to behold to those who did not know him. A strong, healthy stallion in the prime of his youth.
Keskoo sighed contently and bowed his crown to graze on the fresh spring shoots, only half aware of the world around him.
Word Count || 477 words Muse Level || Fair Status || OPEN to all
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The world was a symphony. A million creatures played to the same tune, united in their love of life. The deep, thrumming bass line came from the toads, lazing contentedly at the side of a pond. Their squat bodies reverberated with the power of their song. The birds, perched overhead in the canopy, played the melody; a clear, joyful loop of sheer jubilation. It was achingly beautiful, the way such tiny creatures could produce such an exquisite noise. A staccato drum beat played unobtrusively in the background, a mere afterthought in the grand orchestra, yet it still sounded right. Halcyon half-realised that the sound was, in fact, her hoofbeats - but she was far too preoccupied listening to the song to really notice. A kaleidoscope of colours accompanied the music, twisting and turning to the beat. A lavender streak rose into the air, pirouetting and turning somersaults before finally bursting into a thousand other colours; oranges, reds, yellows and blues. This was one of Halcyon's more enjoyable hallucinations; it was a rare occasion, and she revelled in it's splendour.
Halcyon returned to reality with a thud. She forced her eyes open, and squinted into the daylight as if she had just awoken from a deep slumber. Noticing the strange perspective, she realised that - somewhere in between slipping in and out of the hallucination - she had managed to fall over. A curse escaped her lips, and she began to heave herself to her feet. The soil was spongy, and it was incredibly hard to find purchase on the slippery surface. Not one to take life to seriously, Cee chuckled to herself and rolled into a position where she could finally get up. A violent shake sent particles of dirt and twigs flying in all directions; she could only begin to imagine what sort of a state she looked.
The mist that had desperately clung on to the fringes of the land for so long had finally lifted. In it's place, the sun had begin to reclaim it's territory; feeble rays had begun to filter through the treetops, staining the forest floor with a mottled golden glow. Even out of the hallucination, Cee had to admit that the Earth was looking particularly beautiful today. She broke into a trot with a spring in her step. Even the air smelled sweeter; the dew, and the early blooming flowers, and the -- Halcyon froze mid-step. Her nostrils flared, and she lifted her head slightly as if this would help her to identify the smell. Tentatively, she began to wind her way around the trees, stepping cautiously until she found a good vantage point. A stallion was cantering around the meadow, filled with all the joy of a new born foal. A smile began to tug at the sides of Cee's muzzle as she watched, amused by his antics. The stallion threw a small buck, kicking out his back legs with what seemed like exultation. Just as Halcyon thought his celebration was coming to an end, his knees buckled and he rolled, sending a cascade of dew drops into the air. Momentarily, they glittered like crystals in mid-air, before gracefully falling to the ground. This last action proved too much for the mare, and a husky whicker of amusement slipped past her lips.
Keskoo had stopped grazing and was now staring intently at a rabbit kit. It had tucked itself up into a ball was hugging against a cluster of grass. It's eyes wide and breath short and quick. The studs nostrils flared as she took in the scent of the small creature. He saw its eyes grow just a little bit wider before it couldn't stand it any long. The little kit jumped up and ran off, moving through the grass as easier as a fish through water and he couldn't help but chase after it.
His ivory hock kisser whipped back and forth in excitement. His arch arched gracefully as his slightly roman muzzle bushed through the grass trying to follow the rabbit. In the end the little bugger out witted the might brute and he turned to head back toward the center of the meadow. Cicadas chattered playfully through out the darkness of the woods. Cranium shook the flies away as Keskoo stopped and began to graze once more.
The peace he came there to enjoy did not last long though. A faint breeze carried the scent of another equine. It was faint and giggled with many other smells so the stallion ignored it, praying to ever god that it was just a lingering scent from past travelers. When no one came patriach relaxed once more. He let the song of the forest flow around him as he drank the world in.
How long could he stay here? Even if it was just him and the other creatures of the wood the grass would be eaten up soon enough. Then there as the small problem of predators find him. It was instinct to keep moving, but he never wanted to go back to the real world of social life. Keskoo spook at the sudden wicker that echoed from the forest. His hind legs tucked in reflex and he lunged forward, trotting a few feet before coming to a stop. His crown held high, harks swiveled around trying to find the source of the noise.
Word Count || 344 words Muse Level || Horrible ): Status || OPEN || Cee
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Halcyon found her stifling yet another laugh; yet again, the stallion was off - consumed by some trivial, child-like task. There was something endearing about his seeming innocence; it had been a long time since Cee had witnessed such happiness in an equine of his age. He bounded across the meadow, in hot pursuit of a small rabbit. She noticed the overo pattern coating his hide; it was uncommon in these parts, and she soon found herself studying it. The patches of mahogany and ivory made quite a pleasing combination, marred only slightly by the scars that peppered his skin. Halcyon found herself wondering where and how the stallion had obtained them, and made a mental note to ask him, should she ever get to know him.
The palomino mare froze as it became clear she had been noticed. She inwardly cursed at herself for not keeping more quiet; she had quite enjoyed watching the brute parade around the meadow. Anyway, what was done was done; there was no use regretting it now. Halcyon sucked in a breath, preparing herself, and then took a tentative step into the meadow. The sunlight kissed her pelt, turning it from a muddy, tawny colour into pure gold; she was glad of this, as she suspected that her hide was slightly mud stained, and she didn't want him to think of her as a complete ruffian. As her first hoof touched down on the sweet meadow grass, it became clear that there was no turning back; she couldn't just flee now. For all she knew, he could be a complete psychopath - but then again, she was hardly one to talk.
Halcyon halted a good few metres away from the stallion. Hoping to lighten the situation with humour, she spoke out. "Made you jump." She teased, allowing a grin to tug at the corners of her mouth. The breeze whisked her flaxen mane off of her neck, and Cee flexed her shoulders as she basked in the sunlight.
Keskoo did not know what he had thought would come out of the forest. If anything would come out at all. But the beast that appeared in front of him was not the least of what he expected. The mare moved as delicately as a doe searching for a reason to flee. As she came out of the darkness, the stallion's harks flicked back and he involuntarily pulled his muzzle toward his chest. The effect was like a bird spreading it's wings in defense. She was beautiful slight to behold. A fire glowed in the mares eyes and the mud smudged on her tawny pelt made him want to laugh. It was hard to find a mare who didn't mind getting a little dirty.
His neck arched eloquently, giving him a powerful appearance. Nostrils flared as he took in the mares scent. He never knew what to do when other invaded his peace. Were they threats or friends. He didnt know what to do or say. But, luckily, he didn't have to do anything.
One ear flicked forward at the female's voice. A small smile tugged ever so slightly at her lyrics and he relaxed a little. “That you did. I do believe you made my heart stop.” he said. His voice was rough and husky in the most masculine way, but his words were like honey on the lips, flowing effortlessly from his mouth. There was sparkle in his mix-matched eyes as he looked at her.
Slowly he moved forward. As he moved his muscles rippled under his silky pelt. With each step his skin pulled tight against the long scar the cut across his barrel. He came to a stop a few feet closer to her than were he had begun. He did not want to invade her space and scare her off. That just seemed rude.... But then again she had snuck up on him, gave him a few heart palpitations, which was equally rude. No. He would let her stay until he had a reason to not want to enjoy her company. Which from her clear witty humor, wouldn't be any time soon.
Word Count || 358 words Muse Level || still pretty bad Status || OPEN to all || Cee
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Halcyon's entire body was tensed. She was a creature built for speed and swiftness, not for fighting, and so she readied herself to bolt at a seconds notice. Her ears swivelled forward, fully tuned to the stallion, listening for any signs that he may not have the best intentions. Halcyon monitored him closely, her eyes trained on him as she waited for a reaction. As soon as a smile began to form on his mouth, however, the little mare allowed herself to relax; almost immediately, her stance became less rigid and her ears flickered back to a more relaxed position. His voice was kind and sincere, and had an almost musical quality to it. "I apologise; I have that effect on lots of people," Cee chuckled jokingly. She added a wink for good measure, just to ensure that he knew she wasn't really a self-obsessed airhead.
Another grin began to form at the palomino's mouth as her company cautiously approached her. She appreciated the fact that he still left a small distance between the two; there was nothing worse than a stallion with no concept of personal space. The scars were clearer now, and her lavender hued eyes flitted over them - not sceptical, simply curious. She also noticed that his eyes did not match; one was blue, the other was mahogany like the patches on his coat. Perhaps she had finally found someone with eye even more unusual than her own - a rare occurance.
Halcyon eyed the sky warily. Sluggish, swollen clouds were drifting in from the North. They bulged with a full load of snow, meandering slowly toward the forest. Cee hoped that they would be blown off course; she wasn't ready to give up the warmth yet. Their appearance irritated the mare; just as the weather started to sweeten, along came more snow. Savouring what could be the last of the heat, she allowed her lids to slide over her eyes momentarily, as if this would help her to absorb more of the sun's rays.
A small, masculine chuckle rumbled deep in the stallion throat at her words. She was cute. “I'm sure you do. You must have the beat the males away with a stick.” he said in an equally playful voice. His listeners swiveled around catching the whispers that danced merrily upon the leaves high above their heads. The heavens had started to become grey with the heavy underbellies of storm clouds, but the brujo did not fear. He was sure they would receive only flurries for the winds were strong and would push the cloud far beyond them before their bellies dropped their frigid load upon the land.
Golden fae closed her eyes and seemed to absorb the glowing rays of the sun, even as a cloud passed over it, blocking its glory from the world below. Even without the luminescent orb the mare still shone just as bright.“Do not fret my dear, the sun will return soon enough.” he said gently, lifting it chin to look up at the sky. He hopped they snow did not fall heavy in the woods, for he was no fan of the winter chill it brought. No, he much preferred the spring time and the new life it held with in.
“My I inquired as you what you name is?” he asked, his gaze returning to her once more. He found it quite bizarre having a conversation with a mare of who’s name he did not even know. But asking for names lead to more talking and more talking lead to company and company could lead to Keskoo hurting someones feeling. As his eyes looked at the tawny matron in front of him, the way her coat glowed even without light, how she rejoiced in the warmth of the sun, he decided maybe a little extra company wasn't so bad after all.
Word Count || 315 words Muse Level || Fair-ish Status || OPEN to all || Cee
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Halcyon's ears flickered forward at his words. A grin now settled on her maw; she was beginning to warm to the stallion. The sound of his laughter reverberated through the meadow, filling the air with the husky noise. "Oh, you're quite the gentleman." The mare teased, closing one of her lids momentarily in a wink. She noticed that he, too, had developed a preoccupation with the weather; it wasn't surprising - such a sudden change in weather didn't happen every day. Cee watched with something that looked like tenderness in her eyes as the brute surveyed the sky.
A cloud passed over the sun, blocking out the comforting rays of sunshine. Halcyon's brow furrowed, saddened by the loss of heat. A breeze ran through the meadow, causing the long grass to ripple, creating the impression of a vast, emerald ocean. A small shiver ran down the length of her spine; without the sunshine, it was actually quite cold outside. Halcyon shook her petite frame in an attempt to stimulate some warmth in her body. Her ears swivelled forward, and her expression warmed at the stallion's kind words. She whickered in acknowledgement, and took a few steps forward. Her muzzle made contact with his chest, an action made in appreciation of his kindness. It wasn't often that you bumped into such a gentleman; for the most part, they were either vicious or childish.
The palomino mare nodded her head. "Of course. I'm Halcyon - or Cee, if that's too much of a mouthful," She chuckled. "What about you, sir? What's your name?" Halcyon had begun to find herself revelling in the delight of having company that wasn't the twisted characters conjured up in her darkest hallucinations. Not being part of a sect meant that she spent the majority of her time alone, wandering; to have found somebody to spend time with was a rare pleasure. Although Cee wanted to fill her head with more savoury thoughts, she couldn't help recognizing that the stallion was - in fact - very attractive. The odd colour of his coat and eyes was a pleasing combination, and she found herself not wanting to glance away from his frame.
Siege and ivory stud did not know what quite to do when the fae advanced forward and pressed her muzzle into his chest. He knew it was not anything to be taken too seriously; she was simply conveying her affection for his kindness but the touch was still something he had not expected. It had been many months since he had even been near another equine, let alone be close enough for flesh to meet flesh. The golden hellion was warm against his pelt and without thought his muzzle inched out to brush along her neck, his nostrils filling with her scent. She was quite a beautiful creature; the most beautiful one by far and he had seen many in his day. Keskoo sighed ever so slightly. Then quite suddenly he jerked back. He tucked his chin toward his chest, ears turned away, a shameful look in his eyes as he looked at spot where golden limbs blended with emerald stalks.
It took a moment of silence for Kes to gather his thoughts. It had been too long that he had been alone and he hated to disrespect the mare now that she had come into his day. What awful dreariness would ensue if she left now? It would be like the clouds killing the sun. Stallion shook his head; he did not want that at all. "I apologize, dear. It has been many months since I was blessed with another company and I fear my social prows are not as they used to be." He said, offering her a weak, apologetic smile. He seemed much more relaxed now and had moved back to stand near her, accepting her closeness.
Halcyon. The name rolled through the mind and off the tongue. Like honey dew dropping off the grass in the early morning sun rays. It was an eloquent name, very fitting of a mare such as she. "You have a lovely name. But I shall much perfer to call you Halcyon. I much enjoy the way it sounds when spoken." he said with a slight dip of his crown. "My name is Keskoo."The stallion very muched liked his name. I meant midnight and with his coat of darkness meeting the light, he could have been just that. The darkness and moon.
"May I inqure as to what brings a lovely fae such as you out into the forest? Surely there are others looking for you." he said. He did not want her to leave, curious only to what has brought about her arrival.
Word Count || 424 words Muse Level || Fair Status || Halcyon Other || Sorry for my absence. My internet has been down
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The pleasure of such gentlemanly company was an incredibly rare sensation in these lands. They were either achingly dull, or total psychopaths. Keskoo, however, was neither of these; in fact, he didn't fit into any of the (slightly stereotypical) categories she had created for classifying the acquaintances she made. He was kind without being creepy, good humoured without being sleazy and had all the good spirit of a foal without being childish. His name, too, was different; the way it rolled off of the tongue sounded like it belonged to nature, almost reminiscent of a cuckoo's song. Halcyon flinched - a barely noticeable reflex - as the stallion's maw grazed across her neck. She was not flinching for fear; it was more due to a complete lack of social interaction within the past month or so. A trail of goosebumps rose where he touched her, her skin responding almost immediately to the gesture.
Halcyon's ears swivelled atop her poll, tuning in to his words. She noticed that he had taken on an almost bashful expression, and her lips curled at the edges to form a smile. Boyish charm radiated from his being. Halcyon let out a small chuckle as he recoiled quickly. "You have no reason to apologise, Keskoo - I am in the same situation," She laughed warmly. "It's fine; we can be socially awkward together." Halcyon winked at him, her voice laced with good humour. In order to soothe his embarrassment, she leaned forward and nudged his chest playfully with her muzzle. To feel so at ease with someone she had met just moments before was an incredibly strange sensation; it was as if she had known him her whole life, but just hadn't met him until now. With a sudden, sinking feeling, the palomino mare realised that this could be just another hallucination. After mulling over this saddening thought in her mind, she pushed it down, with the rest of the thoughts of doubt which were circling around her brain. His touch had felt real, and that was enough for her.
Now, it was her turn to be bashful. His complimenting of her name caused her to look almost shyly toward the ground, peeking up at him through her forelock. "Thank you, Keskoo. Your name is lovely, too." Halcyon tore her gaze away from the ground, raising her lavender hued eyes to meet his. His next words caused her to think; what had brought her here? She had been heading towards the beach when she had began to hallucinate, and had been drawn towards the forest by it's superb natural beauty. The sounds of the forest, too, had lured her in, playing in her mind like a siren song. "I'm not entirely sure, Keskoo; it wasn't an entirely conscious decision," The golden mare chuckled light-heartedly. "This place has a kind of magnetic pull, doesn't it? It's so beautiful." The last three words were almost whispered, in awe of the magnificence captured in the trees. "I don't really have any friends; I'm a bit of a loner... Or have been, up until now," A good natured smile lit up her face once more. "Now, tell me, Keskoo - what brings you here?" She enquired, tipping her head toward him as she spoke.
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