Welcome to Hickstead, home to both Seven Oak Stables, and Blue Acre - two rival stables. Both offer opportunities for their clients to reach the highest level of excellence. Each stable differs from the other, so choose wisely and never forget, loyalty is everything... Meanwhile as the stables battle it out, there's trouble brewing at the university. Be careful, if you don't pick a side you may get caught in the cross-fire...
This is an chilled out rpg with a super friendly and relaxed atmosphere! Remember to sign up with your characters full name in all caps and don't forget to do your claims! Thank you and Welcome, we've been established since 10th March 2009 but unfortunately have had to close guest view of our boards due to multiple sites ripping off our hard work, such a shame! Come chat to us in Discord before joining if you like!.
I'm so sorry. Firstly, for my handwriting. It sucks, I don't really do letters but apparently this is option A, B and C to talking to anyone. There will be a lot of mistakes, please don't be too upset with them, like I said before I'm not an English teacher. Secondly, I'm sorry for leaving. It might seem odd as we've only just met but I like you and I feel like I owe you an explanation. I didn't mean to just up and vanish, I had every intention of taking you out for drinks as we planned. I had reservations booked and everything. I should probably explain better.
I've joined the army - the French army at that. It sounds impossible I know. Trust me this is insane. My best friend's family gave the best part of their lives for the army, they were forced to flee their home because of war. They have a new life now in Hickstead, and after everything they've been through, my friend's brother was recalled. He has more family now to look after than before - a newborn baby and another on the way, a younger brother recently returned from the British army. I couldn't let them do it. So somehow, I've taken his place.
Tt's alright here. It was never something I wanted to do but it felt like the right thing, and for once it felt good to do something for someone else. I've always been a bit selfish. But now they get to stick together and what do I have to stay in Hickstead for aside from you. I won't be gone forever, it's not a long service, and I hope I can still get you that drink when I return. I should have told you before I left but it happened so fast and I'll admit I was a coward. But I think I need you to get through these months. Don't leave me hanging?
Feel free not to reply but know that I'll be hurt if you don't.
Thank you for the letter, I was beginning to wonder if I had done something wrong. There is nothing wrong with your handwriting, and sending letters seems to be a very old art, and a lot more personal than an email. Plus, I can't judge your writing when mine has been referred to as chicken scratches by my teachers, and I can only imagine it's got worse since then.
Well, I guess I can't ask any questions on why you are there, but I guess you being a PE teacher will help with all the PT I've heard that Army boys have to do. Any chance I can get a picture of you in uniform? If it helps, I think what you did was really noble, and they are lucky to have a friend as great as you.
Selfish is never a word I think of when I think of you, but I guess that's for another day. Make sure you look after yourself, wherever you are, and when you get back, I'll buy you a drink. And, a coward you are not! Whatever you do, make sure you come back, I miss you.
No! I'm sorry you felt that way, it was never my intention and I know I should have come to see you before I left but it all happened so quickly and I'll admit that I didn't know how to say it. Maybe there was some denial I was actually doing this. It was a little scary once I'd set everything in motion. Your handwriting is wonderful, your old teachers don't know what they're talking about! I could never make mine all loopy and that, you're lucky it's not gone off the edge of the page. I can't write straight to save my life, I'm surprised reading doesn't make you feel dizzy. We had the option to email but they warned us about the length of time those can take and sometimes we'll be places that the internet won't reach so, writing seems the easiest solution.
I am lucky I was in good shape before I came, the exercises they had us doing weren't too much of a challenge, and if anything I couldn't help letting out my competitive side just a little. But, I found it hard to take the sergeant's seriously and paid for it dearly. This letter might be extra awful; my arms still haven't recovered from the additional press ups I got myself. They only quit shaking yesterday and this was three days ago.
I don't know about noble and I'm pretty set on selfish. I'm ashamed to admit I've missed many birthday's, Christmas', christenings... I'm an uncle to kids that barely know who I am. I've gotten better, but I've never been what anyone would call reliable. But I couldn't stand by this time and watch Dustin walk away. That family have been torn apart by war, and what do I have to hold me back, to keep me from going apart from you. I'm not saying this to incite sympathy but if I'm killed in action, I'm not leaving anyone behind. There will be a handful of people who'll be sad for a short time but that will be all - nobody needs me, not like Dustin's family need him. I'll allow you to buy me a drink when I get back, but the first round will still be on me. I owed you first.
Don't sweat it, I know exactly what it's like to fly by the seat of your pants when making plans, sometimes it makes it seem a little less 'real' if you don't say the words to anyone, and it makes it easier to just follow the plan, and not a lot of time to think about what you're doing, and I'm now rambling and turning this into a novel. OMG, ignore all that, I understand the not talking about it and just going. My writing used to be really messy, but when I got into photography, and then doing it as a side job, I had to learn to make my writing neat, so I copied a few styles till I found one I liked, that didn't take me hours of concentration to keep it neat and tidy, and not get writing cramp.
Sounds like they have a good way to make the underlings follow the rules. So, you might need to cowboy up and do your best to keep in line and do as you're told - as hard as that's going to be for you. Just think of the awesome upper-body strength you will get from all those press-up! Maybe I should ask your sarge for some tips to stop Bear from jumping the pasture fence. I made the mistake of leaving the bunkroom door open last night, woke up to a horse pulling my covers off me! Yeah, the boss-man wasn't too impressed, the damn horse is just lucky he's cute.
As I haven't seen any of my family in over four years, and only talk to them under duress (or I'm feeling really guilty that my grandparents aren't getting any younger), I can't comment, nor can I judge. No talking about getting killed! I need a climbing buddy, so you better be planning to come back!
Sometimes I do thank the Lord I met you Lani, you seem to understand me when a lot of people never have. Where were you all those years ago when I first left everyone behind? Maybe you could have explained it better for me! I know I said it before, but when I return home, maybe we should travel together - if you would like of course. Can't just assume these things. There's so much more out there I haven't seen. Funny, I just realised I called Hickstead home. I've never really thought of a place as home before. Even where I grew up. Guess that's changed.
That takes patience - to practice to copy a new handwriting. If anything mine is only going to get worse as I go - my mum would call it laziness. I'd agree. I like your handwriting though, it's pretty and I can read it - not like Doctor's notes. Cowboy up. I like that. Make me a badge with that on and I'll wear it with pride. Or a hat! Whatever would be cooler. I'm not good at being told what to do - I've been my own man for too long, but you don't get much of a choice here. I get it, it's not just some random job, if you go off on your own you get yourself or other people killed. It's just tough to go against the grain.
I wish I could have seen that; perhaps Bear just wanted to make sure you were tucked in nicely. I hope he didn't make too much of a mess for you to deal with? Tell me there's at least CCTV somewhere for me to view when I get back? I'm sorry you don't get on with your family, that must be tough. They say we can't choose them, but sometimes I think even if we could it wouldn't help. Don't worry - I'll be coming back. You've promised me a drink after all. It's all that's holding me together.
Naw, you write the sweetest things. However, you probably wouldn't have liked me back then, I was a bit of a bitch, some might even say not a lot has changed since then. And while I'd like to say that I'm a clever person, I know what I know now, because I wasn't that smart back then. I'd love to go travelling with you when you get back! There are so many places to see, and take photos of! Plus, your charming company will make it all the more fun.
Well, when one moves to a brand new place, they have to recreate themselves, and part of that was learning how to write, or print... whatever! I needed to be taken serious, so I had to at least pretend that I was an adult and I wasn't just some kid trying to take pretty holiday pictures. I'll make you a badge with a hat on it, maybe a lasso around the hat. Make it look really cowboy! I'll need to put my thinking hat on and see what I can come up with, though you need to remember that I'm a photographer, not an artist. I so get you on not being good at being told what to do! Sure, I have my list of things to do here, but I like doing them in my own way. As long as it all gets done, I don't see what the problem is. All you need to remember is to click your heels when you're supposed to and keep your head down.
Bear was probably trying to work out why my stall isn't full of shavings like his. Who knows what's going on in that horse's head. I'm just glad he remains inside the property fences. There are probably footage of him walking into the bunkroom, and I wasn't smart enough to think to get a picture of him while he was stealing my blanket, I was more worried about trying to get him to back out in a straight line so that he didn't increase the size of the door.
I do? Here was me thinking I was never going to make it to the big romantic leagues. Now you sound even more like my type! I hope you weren't trying to persuade me otherwise, sorry but the more disruptive the better. Don't be dense of course you're smart - and I know how messed up that sounds but trust me, I'm a doctor. I really hope you get that reference. I was never a complete moron, if anything I think I was too clever when I was younger, and it got me into more trouble than it was worth, but I've learned by a long shot that actions have consequences. I will hold out through this for the idea of travelling with you - hopefully it won't be long until I'm back.
I can understand that. I felt a little like that going to my job interview. I've worked many different jobs over the years but people knew I wasn't going to be sticking around long because of the nature of them, so they weren't particularly difficult interviews. This one at the uni was - it was kind of daunting. I take you serious though, I think you're a very serious adult! And your pictures are award worthy! I'd say Oscar worthy but that's not right is it? I look forward to receiving my hat. I would give you the address here to send it but I want to be with you when you hand it over. Plus... I've been told we'll be moving out of base camp soon. Have to admit I'm scared, Lani. I'll take the hat however it comes, it'll be my favourite hat all the same because you made it - artist skills or not!
That sounds hilarious, I need to see this footage when I come home. Careful he doesn't see what you have and start to think maybe he needs some added luxuries like a TV or a fridge in the corner of his stable. I didn't even think about how big he would be compared to your door! And did he even really fit in your room? I can't believe you missed the photo op. Guaranteed you'll come home late one day and he'll be starfished on your bed.
You don't have to be in the big leagues to impress me, and I have no intention of making you change who you are, so don't worry about that, because I really like you the way you are!
You would be the only person, on this planet, that would ever refer to me as a 'serious adult', but I'll take the compliment. My photos are hardly Oscar worthy, but again, I'll take the compliment. They're at least good enough that people want to use them for advertising, and we'll see how well I do with my card ideas. I'll have your hat ready for you when you come home.
Just for you, I'll make sure that I get photos next time. He fitted in enough that I woke up to his muzzle in my face. When I was warned about waking up to be faced with bad morning breath, that was not how I pictured it. You, Sir, are very lucky that Bear can't read, because you would have just given him ideas and I'd walk back over from dinner and find him curled up in my bed, snoring away on my pillow! Ewww, could you imagine the amount of drool a horse would leave behind?
I'll treasure those words until the day I die. I promise I'm not being sarcastic - it's not usual for people to say those kinds of things about me. Call it mushy or sad, but I'm not a reliable sort. Or I never used to be. I'm trying to be better at that, this recent disappearing stint aside of course. People generally want to change me though. I'm not responsible enough or thoughtful enough or whatever else I'm meant to be. So it means a lot, and this was quite a load of crap for me to circle around to that. I'll have to hide this reply from the lads or I'll never hear the end of it.
Tit for tat then on the unlikely compliments! I'm glad I could return the favour. Seriousness is absolutely over-rated but I know how much it sucks when people laugh at the idea of you being called it instead of accepting that you have the ability from time to time. It's just more fun to throw caution to the wind and live your life. That sounds like really good news though, they're definitely good enough for more than advertising. Maybe you should branch out with them some more? Get them out there for people to use?
I'm upset you didn't think time but I'll let it go for the fact you're saying there will be a next time. I'm still laughing over this, and I am so not going to let you live it down. How do you know Bear can't read? Have you tried? When I get back I'm going to teach him how to get into your bed. That will be my mission! I'm sure it can't be that tough as he's already figured his way into your bunk....first obstacle sorted.
Receiving letters from you makes me wish I'd signed up for a pen pal back when they were the rage during middle school! I'm sure that your students would say that you're reliable, so don't sell yourself short there. I've spent most of my life with my parents trying to 'straighten me out', so I have no intention of trying to change how someone else is. And being "responsible" is way over-rated!! Lines are there to be redrawn, not to follow... well, okay, maybe some lines shouldn't be crossed, but I do like using them as a skipping rope when I can.
I like the thought of throwing caution to the wind, though I may have done that a few times too many already. I'm not too sure about branching out, but since meeting you, I have been thinking about doing some night classes and getting my GED or whatever you call it over here, finishing high school, and then doing some college university courses. Maybe I'll have a look at journalism, and see where that can take me with my photography.
I think my horse is a bad influence on you, and I will need to keep an eye on both of you! I'm just glad it was my bunk he sniffed out and not someone else's. Or I could be looking for a new job, after I finish working to pay off the damages, and him a new home. I just asked, and Bear said he can't read. Plus I'm not leaving the letter for him to read in his own time, he'll eat them, and that's not happening.
I'm glad I'm entertaining you enough! I don't think a pen pal in middle school would have the same effect, you can't replicate my kind of witty banter - and they definitely would not have been as handsome as me. Shall I attach a photograph next time so you don't forget what I look like? I try not to sell myself short when I can but maybe I do it every now and then so you can give my ego a little boost - you are very good at it after all. I'm glad you agree about lines, maybe we should play double dutch and skip them together?
That would be fantastic! If it's something you want to do go for it! Journalism would be sure to take you all over and be rather fascinating - or even if you like the imagery part of things, what about location scouts and things like that? I don't quite know how you get into that but it seems like that would get you travelling and finding some beautiful places you might not ordinarily see? You sure have an eye for capturing beauty.
Or am I the bad influence on the horse hmmm? Who can tell? We have been having some words since we met, but I won't kiss and tell. I'm sure you are more valuable to them than finding a replacement for you over a loose horse. Bear might be telling porkies about being unable to read considering he can talk, don't you think? Why won't you let him eat them, I'm sure that's all their worth - extra fodder for the pony to keep him warm?
I'm offended by your parting comment, I am never in trouble. Much.
I don't think anyone can replicate your humour, but I've realised how much I enjoy writing letters to you, and receiving them of course! Everyone relies on their technology these days, yes, even me with my digital camera, that writing letters has become a lost art. If you're offering, I'd love a picture of you in your uniform! Though you don't have to worry about me forgetting what you look like, you come to mind every time I think about rock climbing. I'll double dutch with you any time!!
Might see if I can get my high school diploma before I start making plans to go and take on the world one sim card at a time! Once upon a time the thought of travelling the world sounded amazing, but I'm quite happy with where I am now. Maybe my days of running are over? It could be time to actually tell my family where I am, rather than where I'm not.
You kissed my horse? Well, that brings a very interesting mental picture to mind. Probably better that you don't tell, I might get jealous. He's not allowed to eat the letters because they keep my company while I'm on box rest, confined to barracks taking a break from work, because my boss thinks that I need to remain in one place after catching an itty, bitty chill. I'm fine, honest.
I think you and trouble keep each other company, stops things from being boring.
That's because nobody is like me - I am unique, and therefore you have to keep me around! Otherwise your life will be very boring! Phew, I'm glad my efforts are not in vain then, I was about to worry - and quit writing this one back to you. Joking of course, I would never do that to you. It is weird writing letters, I don't think I've ever done it, other than postcards home on my travels before phones were a thing and all that. They said it's easier to do letters, internet is okay at the barracks but we'll be posted out soon and then I don't know what will happen, but I imagine it'll just be a letter when I can. Have you been climbing since we went together? If not, feel free to use my stuff - I should have given it to you before I went but everything was such a rush. My brother can let you into my flat easily enough, I left him with a key.
I'd help you with that, if you wanted or needed it of course. Though you don't need it to travel - just need a bag on your back and some money in your pocket. Not even too much of it either if you don't mind working along the way. Wow, finally giving in and settling down? For a fellow runner that does't sound possible! It's your decision to tell your family or not, whether you feel ready to take that step or not, but either way I'll be here for whatever you decide.
You'd get jealous? Now that's interesting. Why would you say that? Are you sure you're okay? Take it easy and rest up, he's probably right and you need time to recover. The cold season is on it's way, and I need you fit and healthy for my return so we can go out for these drinks!
P.S please find attached said photo in uniform - complete with x's and o'x on the back.
Probably better that you don't tell, I might get jealous. He's not allowed to eat the letters because they keep my company while I'm 
