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!.
Wes shrugged. “No matter the weather, people still like their wine.” He gave small nods here and there, taking his time with the multiple conversations happening. He thanked Leon for the beverage and took a sip as he took a piece of cheese off the board. This time, paired with a walnut and dried apricot.
“I'm sure traveling anywhere will be nice,” he stated. “Nothing too crazy, as far as I know. Pruning season will come upon us soon, as well as some controller burns to prepare for some soil health.” Wes popped his creation into mouth before secretly give Rocket a nibble of cheddar.
“I can help. I know Cassie can sometimes be my way or the highway in the kitchen.” He didn't allow his sister any kind of jab back and went to fold napkins. It wasn't anything duper fancy, but a simple bishop hat. Made things more interesting.
Wes gave a small nod. “Ah, yes, okay. Nice to meet you, Hudson. I like tea, mainly because it's simple and sensible. Doesn't need a lot to doctor it up. Honey or milk if needed. Never got the taste of black coffee.” It didn't mean Wes never drank it, but tea was complex but not overwhelming. It was hard to screw up tea in his eyes, but coffee was finicky.
“Sleep is needed though. Can't run yourself ragged or you'll never perform well. I'm assuming you don't have a significant other then, if sleeping isn't your Forte. Maybe that was the best thing to say aloud, but it was something Wes had witnessed a few times from his walks and talking to people.
"Ah okay. That doesn't sound too bad then. I'm sure you'll have a few students that will be ready to get back into it and others that will be really slow." Wes was one of those students who struggled a lot during school. Mainly the socializing part. His studies were fine, and he loved geography and anything pertaining to remembering routes. Thankfully, he was never scared to go to school. Wes had heard stories about that, and that was rough.
He smiled at her question. "Probably winter. Less busy for us. Though, it might be the busiest time for you." He honestly couldn't remember the last time he had ridden. Probably before they moved here. Wes was more of a casual rider. Competitiveness was never in his blood.
Wes wasn't exactly prepared for the barge of questions coming his way. Thankfully, it was just from one person - so he didn't feel overwhelmed. Maybe it was because he expected the person to say yes and do their own thing.
"I do, yes. I'll on occasion to half of High Street with a few blocks of residential." Wes didn't understand why High Street had to be split, but it helped control who everyone had guessed. He was lucky he got the pet store, but the cute animals often were a distraction when the days were rough. "What is your office? I mainly get tea here. But coffee is good."
“Well, I’m sure there’s some stuff on the social media that you could look into?” he offered. “Like some dance, or race…I hear disc golf and ultimate frisbee is something that people like.” Even though he wasn’t someone who partook too much, he heard plenty from his coworkers who had children like the age group Cassie taught.
“Yeah, it’s been kind of slow – so I’ve been helping in the mail organizing room. It’s been fun! See more of my coworkers, and it’s been a bit hard to keep up with the conversation. But they’re very nice about it,” Wes replied, making sure his plates were clean enough before gingerly placing them inside the basket. He hand sanitized his hands before going back to pet more of Rocket.
“When does the school year start for you? Any lessons at the barn, too?”
Wes was looking forward to some coffee or even tea after a long day. He had to stop by the pet store and get more dog biscuits since he had run out today. And he couldn’t help that happen! While he was sure that the pups and cats on his route would be okay, Wes couldn’t let it. Maybe because he wanted to make sure they were spoiled.
After putting in his order, Wes found only one table that had an available seat. He wasn’t exactly keen on it, but maybe if he was lucky – the person would also the silent. “Excuse me, do you mind if I share a table with you?” Wes asked.
“It was hard one of the days, but that was because of some crazy wind that came through. But they were a hit. I did have a few people ask if they could have their cross-country skiing or some snow shoe walking tours come through. I haven’t thought about it too much yet, but that could bring in some more money in the off-season. We get a good amount of snow.” He gave Rocket a few more scratches before standing up and stretching. The golden was a bit offended before he went off to get a few laps of water.
Wes looked over the board he bought and grabbed a slice of prosciutto and a grape, meticulously wrapping the meat around the grape. “Any major traveling plan for the upcoming year?” Wes asked, popping the grape into his mouth.
“As long as they’re enjoying themselves.” While Wes agreed that their parents would need to slow down, it appeared the family line was more about them working until nature forced them not to. Sometimes sitting still was boring. Wes knew all too well that feeling. It was why he liked doing his mail route.
“What classes are you teaching this year?” Wes couldn’t remember what her schedule was. There were times that things changed, but he, unfortunately, wasn’t that into remembering. He tried though, so he could ask Cassie how her days were. He didn’t know if he could handle it, teaching. Being around a lot of adults was hard, the idea of kids was scarier. She liked it though, from what she had told him. That was all that mattered.
“You can put it out. It’s a charcuterie board. There’s wine, too,” Wes said, taking a seat in the kitchen. His hands were folded neatly in his lap. Posture straight. It didn’t take long for his thumbs to twitch. Not out of nervousness, but an inability to kind of sit still. Thankfully, Rocket placed his head on Wes’ lap, prompting the man to give his dog nephew a scratch.
“Water with lemon, please. Yes, work is busy. A lot of date nights there. We got the Edison lights out and the igloo tents. Something new.” His hand kept scratching Rocket’s head, as his eyes remained staring a bit into the distance. Cassie and Leon were used to it, his long-lost stare.
It had been a moment when Leon had been in town. Wes hadn’t seen in what felt like ages. Probably not that long, obviously – but it was nice to see him. So when Cassie had told him he was here, a family dinner of sorts was planned. It was the perfect amount of people, three. Granted, if his brother and his parents were to be there – that was fine as well. He could handle his own family. If Leon’s teammates and his family were there, Wes would’ve declined on the spot.
He didn’t quite know what to contribute, other than wine, of course. That was a given knowing his winery. But Wes thought he should’ve made something else as well. His brother suggested a charcuterie board, something they always had for guests in the dining section of the Winery. Better than nothing.
After what felt like hours of deciding, Wes created a charcuterie board and two bottles of wine. A Sauvignon Blanc and a Zinfandel. He carefully had the items in his car as he traveled to his sister’s apartment.
Weston pressed the buzz button and was shortly in before making his way to the flat. He pressed the doorbell they had on the outside before stepping back. It didn’t take long before the door was opened and there stood Leon. “Hello!” Wes replied. “I brought things!” He stepped inside, nearly tripping over Rocket who had probably come bolting from the secret smell of cheddar. “Where would you like this?” he asked, holding up the insulated bag of nibbles and wine.
“Thankfully, no. Met a great Dane name alexander!” Dogs were always a treat, well, any animal really on Wes’ route. There was something about being able to say hello and give them pets or pats, depending if it was a goose or an animal that had more than two legs. “I did hear. Mrs. Lorena had an emergency blockage on her route. A tree fell in the street.”
Wes slipped off his outer layer and plopped down in the rolling chair behind the counter. He sat there silently, a moment remembering his trail and all the animals. One could say he was there, staring into space, with random smiles and bouts of giggles. But Wes snapped out of it. “Did you have anyone drop off any big orders?” Not that it was important, but Wes, as always – was curious. There was something about seeing a large box on the truck. Was it a new mattress? Or maybe a dog bed? It was a fun guessing game.
The holiday rush had hit the postal office like a herd of elephants. But Wes had down his best to at least keep things in control on his end. He only had to prevent himself from talking to the people on his route, as conversations could happen.
With Christmas now over, Wes could feel like he could at least breathe more than he was able to. Cassie had commented on how flushed his cheeks looked one time after he had come over for dinner. Nothing like the holidays to get the blood pumping.
His route was done for the day, and Wes parked his truck and checked it back in. It was still early afternoon, and his bosses knew that he would stick around for a bit. As that was just his routine. He liked being at work, and so far, no one had convinced him otherwise. The only days he didn’t, was when the winery called him.
Boots on the floor signaled his arrival and Wes walked into the break room where Wes spotted a familiar face and gave a smile. “Good morning, Gabe, a decent morning, I hope?” Wes hadn’t known Gabe for too long now – as the other was mainly a clerk. But Wes liked to at least talk to anyone and everyone, especially on a single-to-single-person basis. Large crowds did not suit him well.
“I don’t think Mom and Dad could’ve kept dogs away from us. There was a lot in our neighborhood!” Thankfully, the family wasn’t devoid of pets. Granted, there wasn’t more than two at a time – but their neighbors had a lot. There was also the rescue he helped do paper delivery too when he was younger, so he got a lot of love there.
“Maybe! But I work quite a bit. I wonder if we could have a winery dog, you know? Like how people have a shop dog. Could give it a bit more friendly air, though I am worried about allergies and whatnot.” Wes has always wondered what it was like, to have people to travel with. He had his family but not a lot of close friends like that. Or even a partner to consider the travel. Wes liked the idea of getting out there, but large social interactions made him a bit nervous. He got overstimulated and didn’t enjoy the idea of having to put himself in a stressful situation. Ty had joked that he needed to meet another introvert.
“Hopefully, it’s not just the boys. Or are you truly the only girl going to be there?” He found it odd, but never really questioned anything. Wes was sure the other’s partners were welcomed too, but the social aspect of boys and girls-only trips was weird to him.
“Absolutely! I’m sure we can curate you a good box.” Usually, he wouldn’t have Cass pay, but knowing her – she would insist and he wasn’t about to argue with her. “I think it will too. Winter will be a bit slow, so we’ll take all the people we can.”
Wes finished his plate and placed it down on top of the basket. “I talked to them a few days ago. They’re enjoying life so far. Work’s been a bit busy on their end, but they never complain.”
Weston nodded. “Yes, quite a few actually. I have a new Terrier on my business route. Kind of a shop dog? There name is Buttons, so I made sure to give a lot of pets. There are still a few that bark and growl – but most of them have been really kind.” He knew better than to push anything. Weston always made sure he was safe, and so were the dogs.
“Ah a trip around Europe, kind of then?” Weston asked, taking another bite of salad. Weston had traveled a bit, mainly so he could learn more about this wine business he and his brother had inherited.
“Ty said it was about fifty guests. I think that’s a fair number. I mean, we can technically fit up to one-fifty, but I enjoyed the intimacy of it all. Big weddings…are a lot.” Big crowds in general were a lot for Weston. He didn’t like the idea of having to mingle in that setting. He knew he would have to deal with it when Cassie got married. But that was something different. She knew his habits and wouldn’t be upset if he had to go into a space where he could breathe for a moment.
“It’s tasty! A bit vinegary, so maybe add something to balance it out more?”