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!.
Where there is no struggle, there is no strength. - Oprah Winfrey
Tempe didn’t know if she needed to be suspicious or not. Tanner had sent her a text to meet him at the pond for a picnic and a family photoshoot. At least he didn’t tell her that it was a surprise, as Tempe was not a fan of surprises. Something that she had voiced quite a few times, especially when it came to birthday parties and so on.
She couldn’t tell him no, as they were already having a bit of a hard time spending time with each other lately. Summer and spring were the busy seasons for both, and despite living in the same house – it didn’t mean they had all their meals together. Thankfully, the shop was closed for the day of the picnic. Tempe’s schedule was open – which gave her time to get ready. She showered and dressed in something that was not pants for once. With the weather getting warmer, Tempe needed some movement and freedom.
Her hair fell in its natural curls after a good amount of product and diffusing. A light layer of makeup, but nothing outlandish. She gave herself a small look over before driving to the park. Tempe found the spot Tanner told her to meet. Instead of family, there was a nicely set up picnic table with a light blue tablecloth runner. A vase of wildflowers and two bottles of sparkling apple cider in a chiller. As well as a disposable film camera.
Tempe tilted her head as she slowly approached. On a small plate, a note read, you deserve this! Dammit, her son was about to make her cry. It took her a moment to notice the second place setting across from her. Would it be filled by the person who she hoped it would be?
Where there is no struggle, there is no strength. - Oprah Winfrey
A small laugh escaped Tempe. It was true that the people didn’t know how things worked. But it didn’t make Tempe rage like it did for Elliot. She wondered what made him stick around for so long. Other than his dad, of course. He was a good worker, but almost everyone knew that it wasn’t fulfilling for him.
“And why haven’t you told him no? I mean, you already know that you don’t want it, right?” she asked. Maybe It was because Tempe didn’t have that father-and-child blood relationship that Will and Elliot had. Something about lineage. While Will was a somewhat old-fashioned person, she didn’t think he would force Elliot to take over.
“Yeah, I would. But I also know if I do, I don’t know if I would be able to build as much as I’d like. And I do enjoy building and going out.”
Where there is no struggle, there is no strength. - Oprah Winfrey
“It’s a health issue at this point, and I don’t think should be seen as a criminal issue. But not everyone is strong enough to leave.” Now, it wasn’t the time to be political about it. Tempe had a lot of thoughts, and she was lucky she didn’t end up in the slammer for her addiction. The smell of alcohol made her ill, and she was so afraid to fall off a ladder. She was safe, and sometimes maybe too safe if that was a thing. But she couldn’t risk it.
She caught the look he gave her, matching his eyes. “Thank you,” Tempe smiled. “It was a lot of hard work and having the right people. Sometimes I still feel like I failed. But I have to remind myself that I’m alive and I’m becoming successful.” Tempe was still working her two jobs, but with the need for custom – her house cleaning at the hotel was becoming less and less. Jeremy had been quite kind with her, knowing full well that Tempe had a better life outside of making beds.
“Can I have a hug?” she randomly asked. It was better than going for one without consent. But she needed it. A tight, warm hug – and Kas’ scent fill her senses.
Where there is no struggle, there is no strength. - Oprah Winfrey
Tempe looked at Kas with a soft look. “It’s alright. I think the biggest issue was he told me he was fine with me having had a kid, but didn’t realize that kid had to have an age limit.” She didn’t know how much more to reveal to Kas. The man already knew that Tanner was in his twenties. If someone did some basic math, then there was something a bit odd.
“Honestly, same,” she added with a light laugh. “I never really experienced a legitimate date until I was older. My upbringing was...rough. Chaperoned dates, rough. Then a lot of other things piled up.” Tempe gave his hand a gentle squeeze, forgetting that they were still locked together.
“I understand that, too. It takes a lot to do so. Shit, I let someone in once, and I ended up in rehab with a pill and alcohol addiction. Far from my kid that I couldn’t raise properly on my own for years.” The words dribbled from her, as she felt the salt kiss her eyes. Tempe didn’t know if she was spilling too much, but how long could she hide something like that? No one was entitled to her history, but Kas had been a constant for a very long time now.
Where there is no struggle, there is no strength. - Oprah Winfrey
The mare was indeed beautiful. A sturdier horse she looked, compared to the slimmer line she had seen before. Tempe could feel the warm breath tickle her face and she couldn’t help but giggle at the feeling. She held up a hand, and once given permission, rested it on the cheek of the mare.
“I promise no one is around to chase any missing shadows,” Tempe said, just letting her hand rest on the mare’s cheek for one more moment. Palm softly patted, still unsure of how to pet a horse. Did they like scritches? Tempe didn’t know if she was brave enough to do so yet, so she opted to stroke. Slow ones, nothing crazy – her hand moving from the face to the upper neck.
“I was dumped.” It kind of came out of the blue, but Tempe told herself she was allowed to be vulnerable. “Right before Christmas. It’s been rough…no one tells you how much more daunting dating seems to be in your thirties. But heartbreak is heartbreak nonetheless.” Some people told her it was better that the relationship wasn’t longer. But even then, no matter the time length – it still hurt. Maybe it was because she was honest, and felt a bit led on. Or maybe the world was telling her that she was still an unwanted human being. That was most likely a bit dramatic, but with a past like Tempe’s the thoughts of those demons were hard to lose.
Where there is no struggle, there is no strength. - Oprah Winfrey
She was happy to follow his eyes to see what Tempe believed the horse he was talking about. It was indeed a large horse, unbothered by their surroundings. Tempe remained watching until she felt Kas reach for her hand but then release it. It took her a moment to register what happened, and by the time she did – he was already walking.
Shit, she thought. Tempe picked up her pace and when she was beside him again – grabbed for his hand. But she didn’t let go. Maybe it was because the cloth between them made it less embarrassing. Tempe didn’t intertwine her fingers with his and mainly stayed quiet – other than the small sneeze she gave. And the small excuse me that followed. Her eyes remained forward, wondering how long this moment would last.
Where there is no struggle, there is no strength. - Oprah Winfrey
“Oh yes, I believe it is Eva. Granted, my son has been getting a lot of female attention lately. As long as none of them start talking about marriage or kids,” she joked. Some people could say Tempe had no right to tell Tanner to not have kids, but she didn’t want him to have a child in the way she did. Either with him being the victim or the villain.
She graciously handed him her plate of untouched quice. “No, no – you sit. I’ll grab myself a plate and you a cup.” Tempe didn’t allow Elliot any time to refuse. It didn’t take long for her to come back out with a slice for herself and her largest mug filled with black.
Tempe sat back down, tucking her feet in, something she always found comfortable doing. It wasn’t the best thing for her posture, but she was allowed some kind of comfort. “If not for Tanner...I’m guessing a terrible customer?” she prodded, breaking a piece of quiche off. Tempe knew that feeling all too well. Mainly from men who told her that they knew more than she did. But who was often sent out to help them with their botched fence job?
Where there is no struggle, there is no strength. - Oprah Winfrey
A darker shade of pink worked its way across her cheeks and nose. “Well, I can’t fault them for the days my hair looks like some tasty hay. Outdoor work always makes an interesting art piece.” It was only a few days that Tempe couldn’t freshen up her hair. She was a curly-haired person, but often straightened it. But there were times when she just didn’t have time to deal with it. She had allowed herself a professional haircut once, and she loved how her hair looked. Those days were long gone now for the moment. Despite her family telling her she should at least treat herself to some pampering.
She slipped her hand back into her glove. “I think that’s true for a lot of animals. Or at least, mostly. Granted, I may never see the healing qualities of having a snake – but I think it’s the idea of having something to care for. Lack of judgment.” Tempe pondered his offer, despite knowing her answer. She was enjoying this personal time with Kas – and wasn’t ready for it to end quite yet.
“If you have the time and I have permission. Just don’t expect to hop on though!”
Where there is no struggle, there is no strength. - Oprah Winfrey
Summer was over and Tempe didn’t quite know what Fall was going to bring in. Tanner was working his ass off, and Tempe felt like she had rarely seen him over the summer. Plus, he was looking at his phone – giggling like a schoolgirl. If he was staying out of trouble, that’s all that mattered.
A yawn escaped her as she sat in her rocking chair on the freshly finished front deck extension. The crisp air was welcomed and Tempe was enjoying the caramel coffee, waiting for her freshly made quiche to cool down. As she was about to dig in, she saw her cousin Elliot walk up to her. He looked angry, as always, but she smiled at him.
“Good morning, Elliot. If you’re looking to kidnap Tanner, he’s off walking a pack of ten this AM. I got a broccoli cheddar and bacon quiche here, with a fresh pot of coffee.” Elliot seemed to be appearing more at the secondary Scott home. Not that she had a problem with it, but he did appear giddier.
Where there is no struggle, there is no strength. - Oprah Winfrey
Tempe had a proud momma moment when Kas told her Tanner was a good worker. It meant that she raised him well. When Kas asked her about horses, she didn’t quite know what to say. “Is it that obvious?” she asked with a small laugh. “I..uh..never had the time or funds for it.” There was a wash of sadness that went over her face, as she thought what her life would be like if she hadn’t gotten pregnant. In the end, life seemed to line up for her. Her son didn’t hate her, so that was a plus.
“But they are peaceful creatures. At least, when I watch them. I had a few get interested in my hair,” Tempe smiled softly. “I guess they’re telling me I might need a better hair routine!” Tanner was a better person with the animals. He connected to them in a way Tempe never understood. But they made him happy. “I can see why people like them though.” She was frankly also afraid of falling in a way that could get her back on the drugs she had avoided for years. Hell, even the thought of breaking an ankle scared her.
“I’m also told they’re quite healing. Something to focus on other than your woes. To be honest..I could use some of that healing…”
Where there is no struggle, there is no strength. - Oprah Winfrey
Now, her curiosity was piqued – but she let the topic slide. If he even asked her about anything, Tempe would equally cut off the subject. But that little bit of a boyish grin made her body feel warm, a feeling she hadn’t had in a long time. Tempe wanted to see it again though and had a secret mission to maybe slide it out of him again.
“Just like Tanner…How’s he doing by the way? He’s not being a brat or anything at the shop?” It was an honest surprise to find out that her son was working at the pet store. She only found out when she stepped in to drop off some new rods, and Tanner was the one to greet her at the back. Tempe was a bit hurt that he didn’t tell her right away, but she wasn’t about to be mad at him for it either.
“He’s lucky though. He has a pretty great boss,” Tempe added, bumping her shoulder into him – lingering there for a few seconds before standing back up again. Kas probably wasn’t going to take the compliment too well, but she couldn’t help but comment on it.
Where there is no struggle, there is no strength. - Oprah Winfrey
Tempe made a small show but didn’t go to the full effect of blowing a massive amount of air. She puffed her cheeks like a chipmunk but did a slow release before allowing herself to release a small puff of air back. God, she must’ve looked silly as heck doing it. But it was Kas, she trusted him. The man had heard her hit her thumb once, and that was already a scene to behold.
“Five years is a pretty decent time,” Tempe replied, gingerly patting Wildfire’s face before putting it down. Her fingers needed the comfort of the wool glove again. She didn’t know if she had ever had an animal for as long as that. Tempe remembered a coon hound, but her mother had said it had run off after a year. As an adult, she had difficulty believing it had run away.
She raised her eyebrows. “That’s quite a gift!” Tempe had no idea how much a horse cost, but she figured it was a decent amount. She knew fixing the fencing and everything else pertaining to horses was expensive. Tanner would know about that kind of stuff. Her son knew everything about animals it felt.
A chuckle left her. “Trouble, huh? I guess a little bit of responsibility hurt no one. Have you ridden your whole life?”
Where there is no struggle, there is no strength. - Oprah Winfrey
Tempe’s feet crunched some of the light ice that was remaining on the ground as she followed Kas. It was nice, to see another side of him like this. All she really knew was him in the shop. There was nothing wrong with that, but he didn’t recoil when he saw her here. A sliver of his more personal life.
A smile crossed her face when she saw the horse. His coloring was beautiful and the way he kind of pranced around was funny. The horse approached closer, and Tempe stood a bit frozen in place. It was rare that they ever got this close to her. She was always a good few meters back or watched from her truck.
When his nose poked out at her, it made her jump a bit – as she wasn’t expecting it. But she settled herself and slipped off a glove. She had seen a few people do it, holding up a flat palm, almost as asking for consent in a way. “How long have you had him, Kas?” she asked, hoping the horse would trust her enough. Though her little surprise jump, probably didn’t help her situation. What was it? They smelled fear or were attuned to emotions.