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 won't ever leave you, even though you're always leaving me
“They have a vegetation Bimba pop, but also bulgogi tacos.” It was an Asian fusion kind of place, something that Lil didn’t mind. She often cooked for herself at home since she enjoyed cooking more than going out. Lil wasn’t on a strict diet or anything, but she watched what she ate due to her lupus.
“I’m doing, alright, thanks. Nothing too bad, which is good. Less dead bodies are always a good thing,” she joked. “What about you?” Lil asked back as the line started shuffling along.
I won't ever leave you, even though you're always leaving me
Lil shook her head. “Most of the pandas in zoos, come from China. More of a way to help the population there, as well as educate those around the world. We were lucky to even get the lottery spot. We are hoping to get some new animals to fill this area once they are gone. Most likely another bear type, as people do like them,” she smiled, fiddling her fingers behind her back.
A small laugh escaped Lil. “Oh, yes. My favorite is when the cubs roll down the hill during playtime. Something about a big ball of black and yellow just rolling. And, of course. I’m glad I could bring a little joy to someone today.”
Her dark eyes continued to watch through the glass as the feeding frenzy ended. The Panda moved at her speed but was quite quick out of her favorites of the stash. Seeing the panda eat, made Lil realize she hadn’t eaten too much herself today. Feeling her belly rumble, she asked, “Who’s ready for smoothies, hm? My treat! I do recommend the swirl if I do say so myself.”
I won't ever leave you, even though you're always leaving me
Lil hadn’t expected an invite out to a food truck, but she wasn’t going to refuse time with Tobi. The two had been getting close to each other but still maintained a professional relationship. Though she couldn’t help with the budding feelings. But those were all crushed when she learned he was seeing someone else.
Thankfully wasn’t too busy today and opted to get there a bit early. It gave her enough time to change out of her zoo uniform and get changed into something a bit more flattering. Finding parking was a bit rough but walking down a side street was fine. The weather was still inviting so she didn’t hurt too bad.
Lil found a place to wait for Tobi and it didn’t take long for him to find her. Was she that easy to find? “Hey, Tobi! Yeah, it sounds like it’s been pretty popular already. I briefly researched their menu, but I may also want to be surprised,” she smiled.
“Nah, never rode. I’ve seen plenty and interacted with plenty – but never took to them like I did the flies. I’m very much happier just watching them from a distance.” She shrugged her shoulders and listened to Brandon’s suggestion of what she should get Tobi. Lilith gave a small nod as she thought more. Maybe a gift card or something was easier.
“Hm, I see. Even if it was for just trail rides? But you are the expert, so a halter would be best. But would a rope version be better, versus a leather one? What’s easier to care for?” There was a love of leather for a lot of the people around here, but did horses also have possible allergies? Did some not like leather around their faces? She obviously had a lot to learn. For once, Lilith was coming off quite uneducated.
Hey!! I don't have anything happening on the actual day. The weekend, I am helping set up the zoo for their boo fest. But I'm done by 6 PM for that. (:
I won't ever leave you, even though you're always leaving me
Lilith arched an eyebrow at the teen’s request and shrugged. “That’s easy enough. No one is here, so you get prime viewing of them anyway. You chose a good time to come. Let’s do that first since the pandas are closer. Plus, the best place to get our version of smoothie served in a pineapple. If you’re hungry that is.”
She pivoted on her heel and began walking in the direction she was headed anyway. Despite her smallish frame, Lilith was a fast walker. Even though there were almost zero people here, she still liked to turn her head and make sure they were still following her. Granted, she was sure Eva’s laser eyeballs would burn some loose hairs.
It didn’t take long for them to get to the panda exhibit. And it was as if Lilith predicted. There were zero people in front, as the other sections for the pandas were up high. Most people preferred that view. “We’re in the prime spot for feeding time,” she said, motioning to the exhibit entrance for the keepers. Lilith held up her hand and counted to five by putting up each finger. Once the pinky was up – the keeper's door opened and two keepers came out, holding buckets of apples and carrots.
“You’re lucky you made it just in time. Our program is ending with them soon, as part of our deal with China’s Conservation. They’ll be gone at the end of next month. We’re currently at the female’s enclosure. The male is on the other side. It’s a split one, as they are more solitary species.”
“I do! I’m an Entomologist,” she smiled. “I work across a few fields, but I mainly teach.” Lilith didn’t know how much more she wanted to disclose to Brandon, but he was showing interest. Something she didn’t know she had in a long time. Not until Tobi. “Yeah, they’re not for everyone. But I do feel for the parents of kids that are. Sometimes the phase never disappears,” Lilith joked. “I’m sure those that have horse kids feel the same way.”
“Maybe, or something like that. His brain is more on the art side of things. I was, unfortunately not blessed with that,” she said, making her way to another display. It was more horse-themed. “Ah, I unfortunately don’t know what disciple he rides – since I think he does both. I was thinking of a saddle bag. I thought of a belt buckle, but I don’t know how common those are still. What are things that equestrians like or would find useful?”
“Hmm…” she stepped in, and the smell of leather goods wafted through her nose. It was a pleasant smell, like opening a new book or something like that. Her eyes took in all the various goods in the store. It was a decent size, with a few people walking around helping customers that needed help.
“Does she need a new wallet or maybe a key chain? Or is she into wanting a new bag for school if she's a student?” Lilith had to think hard about what she wanted then. “Well, to be fair, I wasn’t exactly a girly girl either. But I was also asking for the newest book of scientific notations and possibly a new light for the tarantula I was studying.” Alright, maybe that was too much information. But it proved that maybe she wasn’t the best person to ask either.
“I have a younger brother, he’s a teen as well. Sixteen now. He’s very into Legos and anything building-wise. So that kind of makes it easy for us to get anything for him.” She stopped in front of some bags that had some intricate details in them. Lilith ran a thumb over some of the embroidery, falling in love with it. She wasn’t shopping for herself, but…she could treat herself, too, right?
I won't ever leave you, even though you're always leaving me
“Well, bug lady is better than Shit collector,” Lilith laughed, her smile widening showing off her well-maintained teeth. “At least, being called out in public by people.” Granted, Lilith could cause some shit if she wanted, something that Eva was clearly wanting to do. The teen's tone was known to Lilith, mainly from her times teaching. It wasn’t exactly the, My daddy’s rich and I know more than you, tone. But there was still a bit of protectiveness. But Lilith ignored it, not really caring per se. But she could play a bit of Eva’s game.
“Have you both just arrived? I can’t do a full tour today, but is there a place you want to see a tour of?” Lilith was about to show off a bit. Sure, she worked here, but her parents also owned the place. It allowed her a lot of clearance, something that not a lot of people knew.
Her smile remained on her face. “I can obviously give a tour of the bug department, but I know that’s not everyone’s favorite. Unless you’re into true crime science or the beetles that eat a carcass clean!” She knew a few of her students were into that, even if they weren’t in the criminology major. Something about death always intrigued people.
“Leather store sounds good. I, unfortunately, don’t know their waist size, but I guess a gift card wouldn’t be too bad.” That sounded a bit less personal, but it made finding what they wanted much easier. Well, that was her thought at least. She swirled her coffee and took a sip, following Brandon in the direction he chose.
“Sister, huh? How old?” Lilith knew that everyone loved a good bath basket. Something about self-care, but that would also depend on age. If it was a teenager, it would be a bit more difficult. Sure, Lilith was in her late twenties, but the age difference was still there. Teens nowadays are all about social media and looking older than they were. At least, from what she had seen. The only time that teens really bothered her was when a tik tok challenge around zoos became a thing. Trying to break into exhibits and stuff. Now that wasn't very pleasant.
I won't ever leave you, even though you're always leaving me
Ah, shit. Of course, out of every other person in the world, it was Brandon. Brandon and someone else. The woman with him looked young, which made Lilith wonder things. But she kept her professional smile on. She knew better than to just assume. Her scientific brain didn’t allow her to do so.
“Well, I do work here, Brandon,” she laughed, pointing to her name badge on her uniform. “In the bug area, of course.” Lilith would’ve said more but the woman cut in with a snide tone. The older woman wasn’t dumb. It was evident Brandon met a lot with this other one. Which leads to a family or a nonromantic partner. If it was a romantic partner, then – that was some serious red flags.
“Eva, a pleasure to meet you,” Lilith responded, offering her hand for a handshake. “I teach a class once in a while at some local universities, and we often go the to sale yard to collect dung samples.” She could say that they met shopping for his sister, but Brandon could say that if he wanted to. existence.