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!.
It was kinda funny to Leon Jager that he was the one waiting at the airport, normally it was the other way around with him arriving and his long time girlfriend, Cassandra McLellan, was picking him up. But not today, as she was flying to Toronto to watch him in the All Star Games. He had already settled into the Maple City, having mapped out his plans outside of the games. While it was no foreign land to him, there tended to be just enough time in-between visits for the dust to settle and for Leon needing to reacquaint himself. He also forgot how fucking monstrous the arrivals section of Toronto Airport was, it felt like a city in itself even though it was simply a baggage terminal.
He knew it was miracle that they had managed to work out a time where both of their flights would arrive almost at the same time. Hopefully, she'd make it through customs fairly quickly. He already had his bags in tow, he had even ducked into a bathroom to change out of the suit and tie and traded for sweats, a hoodie, and a baseball cap. Leon knew it wasn't the greatest design, Canadians could spot a hockey player from a mile away, but it gave him some cover. The time for autographs and pictures were over, he just wanted to blend into the crowd and go unnoticed.
Apparently someone saw through it though, as he felt a tap on his shoulder. Leon braced himself, expecting the worst as he turned around and found himself pleasantly surprised, "Cassie," he said with a smile now, leaning in to greet her with a kiss on the lips, uncaring about if it was a show for strangers, before he pulled back, "I missed you as always. How did you see through my disguise?"
I'm addicted to the thrill, It's a dangerous love affair
Leon chortled a little when his girlfriend made a statement about the rain, "Eh, well, it is England. Isn't rain what they are known for?" He certainly felt like that was the joke throughout all of Europe unless living in Canada for so long had made him forgetful. As for designing fun string lights around the winery, his girlfriend made some solid atmospheric ideas, but as Wes pointed out, some people just want their wine - which, Leon couldn't blame the population for that sentiment.
"Running a winery sounds likes a lot of work and personal, Wes," Leon commented now, probably stating the obvious, "Honestly, I'm impressed you do it. But I do hope you can still work out some fun." He, himself, knew he was incredibly lucky, like Wes, to be able to do something that he loved for a living, but damn, he'd be lying if he said he never wanted a break from it all to be lazy, if only for a week. When Cassie chimed in about school and then the team, Leon heaved a sigh, but had a smile on his face, "Yeah yeah. No pressure indeed. We'll see what happens. You can still come for that first month of summer before I come here."
Leon went to setting the table now, trying to remember where all of the various forks and spoons with. But he seemed to be doing okay, at least he could remember the knives always had to point towards the plate 'to avoid cutting' supposedly. The man wondered who had been dumb enough to pull that off to make it a rule, "Those napkins are looking good," he commented now before he could hear and even smell the sizzling oil of a fry pan, "Are we going to be smelling steak soon?" Leon called to Cassie now, his mouth already watering at the thought.
I'm addicted to the thrill, It's a dangerous love affair
Great. Let me know when your flight's book and I'll make sure you're taken care upon arrival. Who knows, maybe I can get away with meeting you at the airport.
Dwahs. Stop making me blush. The guys are making fun of me.
Cassie's comments about how the corkscrew didn't have feet and remained in the same place made him shoot her a playful but aggravated look, "I don't know...sometimes I think the Borrowers take stuff." Granted, the subjects of that childhood fairytale never took anything so big that it would be noticed by humans in the household which they were living, but Leon was still allowed to have his suspicions. As serious and practical as the man was, he decided he was secretly allowed to humor himself some more fantastical things in life. But sure enough, he found the wine bottle opener exactly where Cassie said it would be, and went to work.
Pouring three glasses of wine, he listened to Cassie wistfully comment to Wes on how romantic his winery event sounded. At least his back had been turned to him, mainly because it had made him frown to himself. Had he been a slacker? Was he getting lax in his nine years of dating the girl of his dreams and forgetting to be romantic? Shaking the thought off, he turned around and delivered the respective glasses to their drinker's stations, "I bet you could bring back the igloos. I've seen bars in Central Europe with those out all winter long." Since apparently, they too, thought it was romantic, "That way you can keep it in business during off season too. I bet those cross country skiers wouldn't mind some wine after romping around in the snow." Especially if it was mulled, but perhaps that was Leon's German thinking talking.
Leon figured he better get to setting the table like Cassie had asked earlier and at least claim that he did something helpful for the evening. Wes interjected into this thoughts though with a question, "Nothing on the horizon. Team's near the top for our division so I have a feeling coaches will be pushing us during these next few months." And maybe even get a cup out of it, but Leon didn't feel like jinxing himself quite yet, "I want to drag Cassie to Newfoundland though just because," he said with a smile now, "I better go set the table though. You're free to help me if you want Wes or stay with Cassie. No hurt feelings either way." And with that, Leon headed into the dinning room to make certain it was set for the oncoming onslaught of food.
I'm addicted to the thrill, It's a dangerous love affair
News must have traveled fast that he was back in town, but given that only a month earlier across all the televisions in North America everyone witnessed Leon Jager's team lose - again - in the conference championship, it was probably easy to guess that he was back in Hickstead to be with his girlfriend, Cassie McLellan. And while the loss had been a little over a month old now, the man could not help but to still be a little bitter over it. The better team had one that day, yet Leon could not help but to still be plagued by whether or not he could have done something more, something better. Poor Cassie had been putting up with his bouts of annoyance at himself, and as understanding as she was, he knew better than to push his luck with her much longer - it was time to move on.
The hockey bros text coming alive with the prompt of getting together couldn't have come at a better time and it had certainly been a while since the group of them had gotten together. Leon felt like he was always the odd one out, not close to retirement by a long shot so he was missing out more on the get together due to his wild schedule. But just like he did with Cassie, the man always made sure to make up for it in the summer. Today would be no different. The 'war stories' of the past were always fun to listen to, and it was nice to hang out with his friends. Plus, their hangouts were always good to break up his time with Cassie so that he didn't get on her nerves. While they had long figured out the long distance relationship, the move back in together each summer always took a few weeks of adjustment.
Saying goodbye to Rocket, he texted Cassie to let her know that he likely wouldn't be home yet when she left the barn and headed on his way. Taking a cab to Pizza Planet, Leon got out and caught sight of Jonathan in the window. Grinning, he thanked the driver and headed inside now, making his way to the table as the man was finishing up his text, "Guess retirement's still suiting you well, huh? Can't believe I beat the others here first."
I'm addicted to the thrill, It's a dangerous love affair
Thanks to the golden retriever, Leon and Wes didn't remain in the living room very long as they made it back into the kitchen to be reunited with Cassie who looked to be finishing up with the main side dishes. Once he knew that her brother was comfortably situated, he went to work with unwrapping the charcuterie board which looked beautiful as always, if one could use that to describe food. Naturally, it did not take long before the man was pilfering from the board - Wes always seemed to have the finest meats and cheeses, although he expected nothing less from a winery owner, "Cassie, where's the wine bottle opener again? I swear that thing migrates itself." While Leon had never been much of a wine drinker, he was more of a beer person himself, it was hard to deny himself some of Wes's wine.
Brown eyes surveilled the kitchen once more, making sure that Rocket was out of the way. Like always, the golden retriever was basking in the presence of Wes and thankfully, would be preoccupied for the rest of the evening until their guest left, "Nah, we survived the furry torpedo. Although I think you and I will be days old chopped liver now with Wes here as far as Rocket is concerned." He listened to the brother and sister converse about the winery and valentine's day, something about fancy new lights and igloo tents before the other man got a distant look in his eyes, staring of into the distance. Leon had grown accustomed to this over the years of knowing Cassie's brother, sometimes it would still catch him off guard though, "We're lucky to have you then on this busy night."
Leon planned on giving his girlfriend a busy night as well, but after her brother left. He took to nursing some of the cheese and meats again, realizing he should probably still make himself useful in this situation. How though, he wasn't sure. Leon learned from a young age with his mother that he didn't fuck around or get in the way when a woman was in the kitchen, "Lebkuchen, do you need me to do anything? If nothing else but to give you a sampling of this fine charcuterie board?"
I'm addicted to the thrill, It's a dangerous love affair
No fighting? Where's the fun in that on the ice? Well, I guess putting goals on the score board beats landing any punch to Calgary face.
HA! I think she will be there. Kinda hard to argue the idea of not going to sunny Florida. It's okay, I'll survive either way. One day I'll get a bro's date out of Connor.
You know, I've known that man for what, over ten years now, and he still makes me nervous. I don't know what it is. But I guess I'm safe since I will always make sure you're happy <3 The University in Hickstead has ice?! Well, you know, if you somehow need a guest appearance for your kids, I can make it happen
Dwahs. Don't tell anybody else that I'm sweet though. I got a reputation to upload. And great! Let me know what school says, I'll make sure to get you the 'i'm the girlfriend' tickets and access, Lebkuchen, if you can come. Otherwise, next stretch break, you and I have a date in Hickstead. Well, until a playoffs game. Then Edmonton it is.
Ouch, you wound me </3 Jk Jk The next time they throw a punch, I'll throw one back and dedicate it to you. I'm trying to be a gentleman currently, even if they are not.
Ehhhhh, I love Lauren and all, but it's nice to just solely have a guy's weekend. Practice and games don't count. And yes, not having you does make me feel like the awkward third wheel to their couple stuff.
Nah, I won't rat you out to your father. I am trying to win the boyfriend of the year award. Besides, I think floor hockey makes up for no hockey at all.
Jet lag is always worth it for you <3 Maybe you should come to the all-star game! Its in Flordia, so its bright and sunny compared to your English weather. Connor and I are both in, and against each other in accuracy shooting. So that will be fun. But if you can't come, I'll settle for a play off game since we'll make it in.
As Cassie appeared, the man could not help but to notice that his girlfriend looked just a smidgen tired and his joke appeared lost on her as well. Leon knew better than to push it, "The size of it fooled me." He said with a grin now as he shut the refrigerator door, but not without grabbing a bottle of beer. Before Leon could get any further in their conversation though, the door drank, and Cassie quickly requested for him to go get the door, "Alright. Anything for you. Let me know if you need help with the meats though or anything." Not that he was the best of cooks, but he did like to try and be helpful rather than just stand around.
Placing his beer down on the kitchen counter, Leon headed for the door now, and caught the sight of a golden blur out of the corner of his eye. Rocket appeared to be intrigued by the idea that they had a visitor - meaning that as soon as he opened the door, poor Wes would have quite the greeting to deal with. He opened the door now to see none other than Weston McLellan, which of course, was expected. Before Leon could say anything though, the other man spoke, "Hello! I brought things!” Brown eyes fell to the industrial insulated bag before returning to his face, "Great! Here, come in. I am sure Rocket would like to inspect you." Leon knew better than to get in between a visitor and the golden retriever for the first thirty seconds.
And sure enough, the dog came scampering over with all the high energy. Leon watched the scene unfold and nearly cringed as Rocket nearly took out Weston. Thankfully, Weston's job as a mail carrier seemed to do the trick in keeping him well balanced around dogs, "Here. I'll take that for you," Leon said now, "And I'll spear you the hug. Glad you could come though. Always nice seeing you. Cassie's in the kitchen if you want to hang out in there while we pull out your goodies safely away from the dog here." And with that, he led the way now, figuring once he could safely place the bag in the kitchen would he offer to take Weston's winter coat, "Cassie! I found your brother. Rocket nearly took him out since he brought us some goods."
I'm addicted to the thrill, It's a dangerous love affair
Shhhhhh. Being a softie is my secret with you. Can't be having Calgary figuring out I'm not one to be feared.
I'm trying to convince Connor we have to go to Newfoundland. I want to see those mountains. He seems currently unconvinced though. Probably has something to do with cellphone service and his lady friend.
Glad to hear that the kids are treating you well, or else, I'd have to come hover behind you during classes to make a point. But basketball? Really Lebkuchen? Isn't your father ashamed you're not teaching them hockey =P
Me? Oh, I'm fine. Missing you as always. I'm hoping for a break in the schedule so I can come see you, even if it is just twenty four hours. Coaches are pushing us hard. Everybody's got playoffs on the mind. I mean...I do too, but All Star Game first before I start worrying about playoffs.
The one problematic thing about having people over meant that you had to be on your A game for cleaning all day - something Leon didn't understand since the only person coming over was Weston. It's not like he was bringing a date. He had tried to use this logic with Cassie, meaning that they could spend more time lounging throughout the day and perhaps some other activities before truly having to get ready. Somehow though, he had lost the logic warfare. Given that his girlfriend's brother had a proficiency in hosting though, with the winery and all, Leon supposed there must be some unspoken pressure about this night tucked away. So he helped her clean what felt like all day which surprisingly, took a long time for a flat.
As the morning sun turned to high noon and then moved towards dusk, brown eyes always flickered to his watch to make sure they too were running on schedule towards the deadline. Probably had something to do with his German upbringing - timeliness was important to Leon. It was also the reason why he always felt so angry at the airports - because the planes never seemed to arrive or depart on time - which could throw a wrench into everything. Thankfully though, unlike the airports, he and Cassie were still on schedule with a fucking sparkling apartment flat now.
Feeling accomplished, Leon left the living room now and headed into the kitchen now to be with Cassie, trying to figure out how to best help. Or at least, allow her to boss him around since he wasn't exactly sure on what he should be doing in the kitchen. Attempting to be useful, he opened up the fridge, also to snag himself a beer, and found himself staring at a rather large bowl of greenery. Leon couldn't help but to frown when he saw it: salad. Brown eyes looked over towards his girlfriend and said jokingly, "Lebkuchen, why is your horses' food in the fridge?" and then, just like that, he heard the familiar ring of the doorbell, "Do you want me to get that?"
I'm addicted to the thrill, It's a dangerous love affair
Damn the semester. Although I suppose I can't be selfish and steal you away from the children. That would probably make me some monster.
Might do a bro trip with Connor to fill up the free time. How is everything with you now that school's back up and your dealing with the hyper active youth of Hickstead?