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!.
Scott felt shame saddling right up alongside his pride as he slowly moved his chair towards where he'd heard there would be a food delivery for those that needed assistance. Another time, another place, he would've been fine enough to get his own groceries and furnish his home easily enough. But those times were gone. Fleeing what had been his home, losing everything he owned to a woman he'd loved... it was a sickening blow and he was ashamed to even admit to the fact that she had been the one to leave him with the bruises and anxiety. He couldn't even bring himself to reach out to his friends in the army any more because he could almost hear the laughter in his ears, the toxicity. But he sorely needed the help.
His savings were thinned; just in his attempts to escape and the constant physio that he generally needed to stop atrophy had steadily chewed away at what he had. It made this new life difficult. He'd outright cut his physio out; as much as his doctor had stressed he would need it, he had stopped attending because if he had a choice between food or getting someone to move his dead legs, he was going to chose food.
But even still, he felt bizarrely out of place when he arrived, looking more than a little bit lost as people moved around him. He hesitated to move, not wanting to clip people, but also not cause a jam because he was too stupid to get out of the way. It took some time before he got out of the way to sit in a corner to wait out the crowd, making sure to apply his brakes and undid the waist strap so it didn't dig in for longer than he had to endure it. Surely over here he wasn't liable to fall out of his chair, if anything, he figured he'd be left alone for the most part.
ummer brought a lot of issues for Dahlia. Not just the gardens, but the unhoused people and those that needed assistance – the numbers rivaled those in winter. It took a lot out of Dahlia, but it was good work. She had a strong heart, but it was easily tested.
The food delivery people had yet again become overwhelmed, where it was now allowing people to come and pick up food if they were able. Almost like a soup kitchen, but people were given a set amount of prepped meals to take for a few days. Everyone was usually very honest and never took from others in the area. Granted, that didn’t mean it happened. There were times people had gotten so desperate – security had to separate people. It was extremely unfortunate.
When the line appeared to have slowed down a bit, Dahlia grabbed her water bottle and left the counter to catch some sort of break. As she waved and said a few hellos, Dahlia made her way to a somewhat less crowded corner of the building. Her eyes landed on a man in a wheelchair – someone she didn’t know. Hickstead was bigger now, but Dahlia had a good idea who was on assistance. It didn’t look like he had been helped yet either.
She approached cautiously, not wanting to spook the man. “Hi,” she greeted. “Have you been helped yet?”
He couldn't help fiddling with a coin, finding comfort in the repetitive motion of making the coin roll back and forth between his fingers. He could only guess at why it gave him that comfortable sense, it was likely because it was simple movement, something his brain could process on a simple loop.
“Hi,” she greeted. “Have you been helped yet?”
Scott jumped a little before looking up, the coin stopping dead in his hands as he looked up briefly to see whom was talking. A stranger, a lady, but nothing like his ex. He started playing with the coin again, calming himself down. He stopped fiddling for a moment, setting the silver coin on his knee and frowned a little bit.
He rumbled a little bit in his chest, trying to find his voice - it had been so long since he spoke to someone - "N-no."
His voice was thin and hoarse, raspy from disuse and he coughed quietly, shaking his head before putting a hand to his throat and slowly shook his head, moving into hand signs - Not much of a talker, sorry.
He wasn't even sure if she'd understand the rapid gestures, if his words got lost in translation. He had yet to find someone who could understand or wanted to understand sign language, something he'd picked up because of how little he talked.
ahlia had an apologetic face on, not pleased with herself for scaring him. She gave him a calm smile, noticing his hand movement with the coin. It was an interesting fidget, something she hadn’t seen before. Whatever worked for people, that’s all she cared about. If it was something dangerous, then it would be a different story of course.
He gave a scratchy, no, but then went silent. The man started moving his hands and she nodded. She had been forced to learn both BSL and ASL for the work she did. It wasn’t a chore for her, as it made her a bit more accessible to both her patrons and people that needed help.
No worries, she signed. Do you need food? Supplies? Dahlia asked, ready to get the man whatever he needed.
No worries, she signed. Do you need food? Supplies?
He blinked, shocked. He hadn't encountered someone that could sign in a long time.
You sign? You understand?
Scott looked at this stranger with a little more wonder, trying to work out if this was genuine or false. He was baffled and he caught himself staring a little too much, so he turned his head away a little bit.
Food is mainly what I need. He sighed. I feel stupid for asking.
And he couldn't deny it - he did feel insanely stupid for coming here, asking for help when he knew he should've been able to cope. But as quick as that defiance came, that want to try died quickly. His brain bringing up past instances of trying, only to end up failing. What even was the point? His ex had done everything and proven to be the better party, the better individual. He shrunk back a little bit subconsciously before reaching up to rub at his face.
he nodded. I do! Multiple versions, so if there’s a preferred one you like, please let me know. When the man said he wanted food, Dahlia smiled. Of course! And no, never feel silly for asking. This is why this place is here, to feed and help those who need it. It’s very brave for anyone to come in and ask.
What kind of food would you like? Pre-prepared? Or ingredients to cook with? There were plenty of options here, and she hoped she was going to overwhelm him with her questions. But so far, he was talking with her. Even if it was all going to be yes or no answers.
