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!.
Jax Shepherd was a little surprised that almost nine months later, he was still in Hickstead, UK dealing with the fallout of his father’s death. Life would have been so much simpler had the man not left them anything at all and remained a ghost of the past. Part of Jax wondered if their father had decided to do this just to laug at them from beyond the grave. Between the lawyers, the will, the estate, and not to mention his fucking sisters not getting along, Jax had been spent. Even his boss, Dahlia, and his close friend, Olympia, had commented on his attitude.
He suppose given everything, and the stress that had come with it, it had been good that he had been rather shitty about containing Emberlyn Myer. Considering everything that had happened in her life, she didn’t need Jax and his shit disrupting everything that the young woman had going for her. And yet, selfishly, the man still wanted to contact her. Every time he stared at her number in his phone though, he managed to talk himself out of it for one reason or the other – bad mood, wasn’t the right time of day, he wasn’t good enough for her. The thoughts were endless.
In fact, his endless thoughts were why he was out of the house now and heading to the farmer’s market this mid Thursday morning before work. Jax wanted to clear his mind, that and grab himself a premade sandwich and coffee. Coffee for now, sandwich for later. He kept on meaning to text Penny, Wisteria, or Meghan to come out and join him one of these mornings, figuring that they would like to explore the stands, but figured the baggage that came with such a request might not be worth it. He was making his way to Dog House Roasters when he bumped into someone, and Jax was quick to say sorry, “Oh, sorry about-“ but as his hazel eyes stared down at the person, he realized he knew exactly who it was, “Ember?”
They say its a suicide mission. I intend to prove them wrong.
thanks aofie!
Thirty Six . Inactive US NAVY . Floral Designer . Crushing
She had been up for quite some time now and was one cup of hot coco in as well as a cup of tea in when she finally sighed and decided to get herself ready for the day. After a relaxing shower she wrapped a fluffy towel around her and went into her closet searching for something cute to wear. Ultimately Em decided on a orangey colored dress and stripped cardigan with black ankle boots. Dropping the towel she changed into her undergarments and slipped the dress over pulling it down. It was what some would classify a body con style dress but it fit her just right and showed off her baby bump in the cutest way possible. Though these days Em was starting to feel more whale like then human like she was always told to embrace her bump and so she finally decided to, she grabbed her boots and cardigan and headed back into the bathroom. Drying and curling her hair before applying a little bit of makeup. Looking at her phone she still had plenty of time to stop by the farmers market before needing to head to work. Zipping her boots up she made sure everything was unplugged and grabbed her favorite clip incase she got tired of her hair being down. Grabbing her bag she tucked her laptop, folder with the kids graded work and her clip into it and grabbed her lunch bag and water cup and headed for the door. It wasn’t a terribly long drive to the market for her and surprisingly finding a parking spot wasn’t bad either. Em started her walking among the stands finally spotting one were she could get some tea when someone bumped into her and the voice sounded just like Jax. The one she had never heard from, she thought that maybe she had scared him off or that she brought to much to the table. “the one and only.” She smiled, “how have you been Jax?” She questioned softly resting her hand on her bump.
Jax couldn't help but to smile at her response and feel a little guilty about it too. From what he could tell, Ember hardly seemed annoyed with him for dropping the ball on call failure, but depending on how this day might go - he would be more than willing to make up for it. And then came the dangerous question: "How have you been Jax?” He felt a little bashful now, knowing he was going to have to fess up, "Ah, well, still dealing with my mess of a family," Jax said, "Thinking it might have been better if my Dad just stayed hypothetically dead after all of these years rather than feeling guilty and putting us in his will." Although, if that had been the case, he would have never ended up in Hickstead and standing with the woman before him.
He supposed there had been other things that had been keeping him busy as well, or mentally checked out. Things that he was only just starting to realize they were a problem after it reared its head with his sisters, and a close call with Olympia, leaving them all freaked out. The PTSD. The thing Jax was convinced he didn't have and the Navy had been crazy to think he had, might actually be true. Typical guy that he was though, Jax was still convinced that he could cure it on his own verses talk to a therapist. Snapping out of his thoughts though, hazel eyes ran over Ember for a split second before finally saying, "Looks life life has been treating you well." Wow, he could do better than that, "Got that glow and everything," Jax added on with a laugh now, "What have you been up too?"
They say its a suicide mission. I intend to prove them wrong.
thanks aofie!
Thirty Six . Inactive US NAVY . Floral Designer . Crushing
As he spoke, she gave him a nod, “dealing with family can be a disaster sometimes but it can also lead to great things, things you may have never expected to find.” She spoke watching him closely as he seemed to zone out, Em was curious about what was going on in his mind, but she knew better than to push things, in the past it had never gotten her anywhere. He seemed to snap out of it, and she watched as his eyes scanned over her making her feel a touch self-confident. She gave a light laugh and her cheeks flushed, “I wouldn’t say glowing far from I feel like an overstuffed Oreo, but I know she is healthy and growing.” Em placed her hand on her stomach and gave it a small rub, “not much actually just trying to get her space squared away and of course my mom wants to throw an elaborate baby shower so I have to fly home for that, not that I really want to, but I can’t say no to mama bear other than that just working.” She paused and looked at him and then laughed, “wow don’t I sound so lame and unexciting I should probably change that.” Em smiled and shifted her bag. "Then again kind of hard to change something when there isn't much fun for a pregnant lady and people only think to call you for a sober ride home or call you and forget you moved across the ocean.” Em gave another light laugh, "miss your tea is ready.” The women at the stand spoke Em turned and gave a smile taking the tea and stepping off to the side to take a sip of the fresh beverage, “care to walk around before I have to see myself off to work?” she asked looking at Jax.
Jax let out a laugh as the young woman before him tried to put a positive spin on his family situation, "You haven't met my sisters," he said with a smile, "I think you might be too gentle of a soul to meet them. But I appreciate the words. Maybe you're right. Something good will come out of it." The man still wasn't so sure about it, his family had a lot of ups and downs since he was little, but there was no need to let his own drama get in the way of this moment with Ember. Hazel eyes watched as her cheeks flushed a little bit, a cute look on her but decided against voicing it just in case it made her feel a little more self conscious around him: "I wouldn’t say glowing far from I feel like an overstuffed Oreo, but I know she is healthy and growing.”
A playful grin danced across his lips, "Hey, don't knock yourself short. I love double stuffed Oreos. I'm sure your future daughter appreciates it too," and then after a moment, something dawned on him, "I guess this means you know the gender of your baby. Hope you weren't trying to keep that secret." Jax listened to Ember's thoughts on having to fly back home. He could understand how overwhelming it could be, especially with family involved. Not that he had any babies, but Jax had several unexpected parties thrown before, "I'm sure it will do you some good to go home and see the folks. Plus, you'll be getting yourself some authentic Texas food." Jax watched her pause for a moment before flustering up again, but her laugh remained steady and joyful despite it all.
"I'm sorry to hear that's what people think, that's not very cool," he responded now, knowing he would feel annoyed if people would just want to use him as a DD, "I'm sure they think they're doing you a favor. As for the staying in contact, well, I think it's just hard for some people. Not like I'm the greatest at it given I forgot to call you." He said with a laugh now, running a hand through his brunette hair now, messing up whatever attempt at a style he had. At her tea being done and then her offer to walk around, Jax nodded, "Yeah, sure. I was on my way to get myself a coffee from a shop a few stalls down." It didn't look like she had much to carry, but nonetheless, he figured he out to be a gentleman, "Need me to carry anything for you? Not to brag, but I'm pretty strong." As soon as the words left his lips, Jax felt a little awkward afterwards. Well, that was dumb of him, what the fuck was he trying to play at with that? It was too late now though, so hazel eyes just watched Ember, waiting to gage her reaction.
They say its a suicide mission. I intend to prove them wrong.
thanks aofie!
Thirty Six . Inactive US NAVY . Floral Designer . Crushing
She blushed at his comment and then gave a light laugh, “I mean double stuffed Oreos aren’t terrible they actually do hit the spot every so often and no I wasn’t trying to keep it a secret just found out last week actually and besides my parents I didn’t really have anyone to tell .” She smiled and adjusted her bag on her shoulder, watching him as he spoke about how it will be a good thing, “maybe it will be but only because of my parents and maybe a little bit for the food too, good ol BBQ now I’m excited.” She spoke with a laugh as he spoke again and Em nodded, it could be quite hard to stay in contact but she tried for the sake of what friends she did have but to her it just seemed they didn’t want to give her the time of day anymore. “im not holding that against you, you have a life and are dealing with family issues im patient and can wait and look we met up on our own fate is funny that way.” Em spoke with a smile as they started to walk, she found herself smiling at his next comment, “actually if you wouldn’t mind carrying my bag for me it’s getting a little heavy.” She slid the bag from her shoulder and held it out for him to take and when he did she found herself rolling her shoulders, “thank you,” Em spoke taking a sip of her tea, scanning the booths as they walked by them on the way to the coffee booth. “Jax would you be willing to come and help put together a crib and a few other things?” She asked softly almost seeming embarrassed to be asking such a question.
"Awh, well, congratulations on having a baby girl," Jax said with a grin, "I assume you're happy?" Not that he had any experience himself or with his sisters on how women felt about baby genders, but he knew from his friends in the Navy that always hoped for a boy, but ended up happy no matter what. He assumed it was the same for women, hoping for a girl, but in the end, it didn't matter. As for her small gathering, Jax saw nothing negative that could behold from her parents and southern cooking, "Hey, now I'm jealous. Too bad you can't bring some back for me," he joked, "Granted, Sweet Magnolia's downtown is pretty good if you have a hankering here."
He relaxed a little bit when the young woman laughed now, knowing that all was forgiven on being terrible at staying in contact, "Glad you don't hold that against me. I haven't been very lucky in the past finding someone as understanding as you." What little dating he had done post Academy had all ended because of his lack of communication, it never seemed to matter to his significant other that he wasn't allowed contact when out on mission or training took up his time. The Navy girls got it, but the civilians not as much, "And you're right, I guess the universe did stick us back together today. And now I can't forget to text you." He joked with a grin.
"Yeah, no problem," Jax said now as Emberlynn slid the bag from her shoulder, the man gently took it from her now, ever the gentleman. Holding the bag firmly in his hand, he nodded for her to follow him as they walked at a casual pace down the stalls. Besides him, the young woman seemed to still be window shopping, so he did his best to match her small strides even when Jax was beginning to feel that need for coffee. Then, her voice perked up and he was almost certain he didn't hear her correctly, "Hm?" Hazel eyes looked to Emberlynn now, who looked awfully bashful all of the sudden and it became clear he hadn't misheard her, "Uh, sure. No problem. Happy to help out," he said with a grin, "As long as it's not ikea. The sweds get the best of my anger. You can pay me in beer and take out fried chicken."
He got to the coffee stall now, and ordered his coffee - black, as always, before following up with Emberlynn, "I'll text you my schedule for the next two weeks when I get home. We can compare avaliblity. When do you need it done by?"
They say its a suicide mission. I intend to prove them wrong.
thanks aofie!
Thirty Six . Inactive US NAVY . Floral Designer . Crushing
“Well thank you but I would have been fine with a little boy too, now I’m going to be dealing with a mini me and the attitude oh goodness someone better be praying for my soul when she is a teenager.” Em spoke with a laugh, he spoke again saying he was jealous that she would get to have good BBQ and she gave him a smile, “I would so bring some back for you if it wouldn’t go bad and maybe I will have to try that place out one of these days, I guess I have been such a homebody lately.” She gave a little frown before looking at him as he began to speak again. How could someone not be understanding that life happens and you couldn’t always be by your phone? “well I guess you found the one person who understands that life happens and you can’t always be by your phone.” Smiling she nodded, “nope you can’t now but I will forgive you if you do “ Laughing she rolled her shoulders once he took her bag and the comfortably walked in silence while she window shopped all the while waiting for his response which he finally gave her. Em smiled, “no not IKEA and just tell me what kind of beer you like and I will have it stocked in my fridge and it won’t be take out fried chicken it will be homemade that’s the only way.” With a smile she waited while he ordered his coffee and then spoke once more, “sounds good to me and not a rush per say just would like to have it done and set up, there’s always a possibility I could go a few weeks early or even be pass my due date.” Em didn’t want to seem like she was in a rush to get things done but it was just something on the list. “Well shall we continue our walk?” She spoke again looking at him.
Laughter escaped him, "Maybe he or she will be be a mama's child and lack some attitude." After all, that's how he had been - but maybe it had something about being the 'man of the house' also as the only guy. Either way, Jax had did his best to not give his mom grief once she became a single mom. She did what she had to do to get by, besides, his sisters had all the attitude that the Shepherd Household could handle. "You must have mellowed out since becoming a teenager. You haven't exactly leveled me with any attitude," Jax joked now, "As for getting out of the house, I'll take you out to Magnolia's sometime when you get back from your trip."
Hazel eyes clocked that frown on her lips as he spoke, a little surprised that his comment about girls who couldn't handle is out of touch communications. In fact, Emberlynn seemed truly annoyed by it all. The man simply grinned though, "Thanks for having my back then and understanding. You know where I work for now, so if I'm really a slacker and you need something from me, you can always pop by." And he meant it, Jax wasn't always the greatest communicator. Sometimes he just needed a gentle nudge, " Thank god it's not Ikea. Just get me a six pack of Bottington's. You can grab it from any local store. And homemade Texas style fried chicken? Color me intrigued."
Thankfully, there wasn't many fall holidays that demanded flowers, so Jax figured he could work something out fairly quickly. His coffee was served up, and handed to him as he handed over a few pounds to cover it, waving off the change. While he knew the United Kingdom really didn't believe in tipping, Jax found himself too distracted to deal with spare money, "Of course. I get it. Probably not the thing you want to be dealing with post birth. I'll have an answer to you by the end of the day." Adjusting her bags, he popped the lid off of his coffee now, figuring he'd live on the dangerous side while walking, "Yeah, no problem. Best stretch out my legs before I gotta go sit around at work. Anywhere else you need to stop by?"
They say its a suicide mission. I intend to prove them wrong.
thanks aofie!
Thirty Six . Inactive US NAVY . Floral Designer . Crushing
Em gave a light smile, “She and she will probably have my attitude until oh God how old was I when I mellowed out, oh never mind that thought but anyways.” She gave a laugh and looked over at him before taking a drink of her tea, he spoke again and she nodded, “I’m making notes in my head of everything to get and where also don’t tempt me to stop by your work if your never not responding I might just do it and give you an earful.” She winked and laughed, Em couldn’t imagine having to deal with putting together furniture now or post, heck she could hardly function now. She was starting to get that waddle and the pregnancy brain was becoming real, like scary real. “I mean I really shouldn’t do any more shopping but it never hurts, baby girl needs things and I could always use things for my classroom and to decorate my home but I should definitely be keeping an eye on the time so I’m not late to work either, though I have some leeway.” Smiling she looked at the stalls as the passed by, stopping at one to buy a pack of llama themed security blankets for baby girl and a couple nuks as well as a fruit and veggie sleep n play. “ you have to be so terribly bored I’m so sorry, oh and don’t feel like you have to be in a rush to get the furniture done there maybe sometime.” She laughed, “ok for torturing you show me one stall that you are interested in and I will get you something from it as a thank you and for being my hero in my time of need.” She took another drink of her tea and looked over at him waiting.
He took a sip of his coffee and laughed, "Making notes on what to get still? How many bags are you going to have me carrying?" Jax teased now, although he really didn't mind too much. He knew he could always call it a light workout if Ember started to panic or feel guilty. Hopefully she knew him well enough that being a jerk is never his intention though. The idea of her stopping by his work to give him a earful actually caused him to laugh, "You? Give me an earful? I can't even imagine you raising your voice, let alone at me." Granted, the young woman was a teacher, so she probably had it in herself to do so, but so far between their two meetings, Ember seemed like a rather quiet and shy.
They started to walk again now, passing stalls while occasionally stopping to peruse. A lot of the stalls now didn't catch his eye, mainly because they were specific towards babies and women. Although it was hard to ignore the veggies and fruits along the way. Still, Jax wasn't really here to grocery shop, "No problem. I have half an hour off before Dahlia expects me back...so fifteen minutes left? Work's kinda quiet anyways. Although maybe I should knock on some wood for that."
He must have had a resting face of something, because he caught Ember's eyes sneak a glance at him before commenting on how he must be bored. Jax offered his boyish smile, "What? No. I'm spending time with you. How can I possibly be bored?" Still, he did need to grab his lunch for the office. The farmer's market was no place to sit down and eat on a bench, "There's a stall that sells sandwiches I need to stop by at," and he couldn't help but to laugh, "I'm not hero, but thanks for the compliment. And really, you don't have to buy my lunch. I'm happy to help you out with the furniture and haul your bags. It's really not a problem." And with that, he lead the way to the stall.
They say its a suicide mission. I intend to prove them wrong.
thanks aofie!
Thirty Six . Inactive US NAVY . Floral Designer . Crushing
