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!.
With Alana busily preparing for the upcoming school year, Jon found himself alone. He knew better than to mope around his apartment, so he had made plans with Andrew to catch up.
It would be shocking to people who knew hockey, as they played for different teams - but now that they were both retired things were changing.
Jon locked up the store and walked over to the Nightclub - opening the door where he was welcomed with the sound of patrons chatting away. He didn't see his friend yet, so he headed over to an empty table - hopping up on the bar stool and waited for a server.
Not long after, a woman came and set down two menus before leaving. Jon picked up the menu and began glancing at the drinks. He would also most likely be ordering food as he hadn't had dinner yet.
The man looked up and glanced around, not wanting to be rude and order before his friend had arrived. It wasn't long before the front door of the establishment opened and he could see Andrew approach him - giving him a wave so that he could see he already had a table for them.
How long had it been since Andrew saw Jon? He hoped it wasn’t the wedding, as it had been a few months now since he got married. To be fair, Aurora and Andrew were still in their honeymoon phase – but he didn’t think that it would end for them. It had been a long time coming.
Dressing comfortably, he kissed his wife and kiddos goodbye for a few hours. Andrew made it to the club and found Jon after the wave that was given. A smile crossed his lips and Andrew made his way over. “Hey Jon!” he greeted, patting his friend on the shoulder. “How have you been? Summer been treating you well?”
It had unfortunately been since the wedding since he saw his friend. He had been busy travelling through Italy with Alana and running the clothing store.
Jon stood up and pat his friend back. "Always nice to see you, Andrew." It had been refreshing for him to find someone who understood how difficult it was to adjust from playing pro hockey to retirement.
"The summer has been busier than I thought. Alana and I ended up going to Italy a few weeks after your wedding and the store is picking up business with all the back to school shopping." Back to school time was busy for him too. He picked up the menu and began to decide on what he wanted.
"How does it feel finally being married?" Jon knew that the engagement was long for them. "And how goes the family?" He knew it was a bit difficult learning how to adjust with Maeve.
Andrew made an O face and smiled. “Italy, already? You must really like her then,” Andrew teased. How long had it been since Jon met someone? He had met Alana at the wedding and she was a lovely woman. A bit shy around people she didn’t know but was easy to talk to. But if Jon was happy, that’s all that mattered.
“School’s already back in session soon? Gosh...it feels odd.” Granted, Maeve had managed to keep her own schedule – and Alexi wasn’t in school just yet. Aurora had been planning a few new lessons, but she always seemed to be year around anyway. When Alexi would be in school, Andrew would for sure know his teachers would be getting amazing gifts. Teaching was extremely difficult, no matter the age.
“Really great. It’s a shame it took us as it did but we were finally in a space where we were ready.” Thankfully, there wasn’t any resentment. It was one less thing looming over them, and life moved on. Though, it did take them a moment to start saying, wife and husband. “Maeve is adjusting well, I think. She’s a shy kid – but she’s kind of reaching out. We try to give her guidance when she needs it, but we don’t want to appear overbearing.”
“It’s a bit quick I know but we’ve been dating since before Christmas.” Jon shrugged his shoulders. He hadn’t dated anyone in a long time - by choice. It was a difficult adjustment for him and he wanted to be in the right place before pulling someone special into his life. “I do like her. She seems to understand me.” Jon smiled. He was always scared telling someone he wanted to be in a relationship with about his previous profession - not that it was illegal - it was just different. “I think I really liked her when she was so accepting of being a retired pro hockey player.”
It wasn’t something that just anyone understood. Sure, most hockey players had women throwing themselves at them for their money or fame but that wasn’t something Jon wanted. He found it disgusting and as Captain he needed to show an example to his younger teammates. “Doesn’t it? I thought my days of school were over.” He really didn’t mind as it meant the store was busy. “How long until Alexi goes to school?”
“It was a great day for a wedding! You two did a great job planning everything.” Jon didn’t know what to expect when he attended but he knew Aurora was someone who wanted something simple. “Being ready is the most important part I think. I know you two were waiting a long time but I hope it was worth it.” Jon had only been really involved in his brother’s wedding and he was treating it as a commitment when his time came. “Any honeymoon plans in the works?”
Jonathan decided on what he wanted to eat and drink - setting the menu off to the side. “I don’t know Maeve well but she seems like a good kid. It’s nice of you to take her in though.” He had seen Maeve once or twice at a competition and she seemed quiet. “That’s a good way of dealing with it though. Does she seem to enjoy school?”
Andrew smiled and tilted his head. “Was that something you were worried about?” he asked. He and Aurora had been together before he retired, so he didn’t have that perspective. Andrew didn’t think that people would care either way, but Jon was worried about it. It was something, being a known celebrity figure or something. England didn’t seem to care too much about the hockey world – so Andrew wasn’t worried about being recognized.
“He starts school in a few more years. I’m sure his best subject will be English. I think I’ve done a lot more trips to the library for him than for me personally,” he laughed. It was good though, the young boy reading. It meant that he was interested and would pick up things quicker or easier than others. Granted, Andrew knew this was a privilege – being able to be home all the time and helping him learn. There were great daycares, too – but there wasn’t a reason for them when he was home.
“Thanks! It looked like everyone had a great time and it was nice. Exhausted for sure. We may or may not have gotten some tacos afterward.” Thinking about food, Andrew skimmed over the menu. Everything looked appetizing, but the salmon was looking promising. “We’re thinking of going through Europe. We haven’t really thought about it, though. The wedding aspect was a priority, but we can wait a bit more on the honeymoon. Maybe during the summer of next year.” They were financially okay, but Andrew liked the idea of a break between the two massive financial decisions.
“From what we can tell, yeah. She’s doing well and getting out of her shell. She’s great with Alexi too. I hope she can branch out a bit more, but no rush – really.” Their waiter came over – and Andrew ordered a Tom Collins and some chips to start off. He wasn’t planning on leaving quickly – so he would enjoy himself.
“Is marriage something you find crossing your mind? Now that you don’t have to worry about traveling and the time limits.”
Jonathan knew not every person was accepting of it. He was lucky his own parents were so supportive of him, knowing a few of his old teammates weren’t in the same boat. “Yeah, I guess since she is from North America, I figured she would know who I was right away.” It had taken him a while to realize that no one in England knew who he was. “I guess it’s different since Aurora knew you played hockey since she met you.”
He glanced at the menu, not realizing he hadn’t made a decision on a drink or food yet. It was still a little weird for him that he could now technically drink as much alcohol as he wanted but, he wanted to keep healthy. Jon decided on an Old Fashioned and mozzarella sticks to start before setting his menu off to the side. “So just a few more years of being a stay-at-home dad then. Teaching him how to read early is always good though, I must admit I don’t go to the library often.” He wasn’t much of a reader, but it was good for young kids to learn.
“The most important thing though is that you two had a great time. What time did you two get home anyway?” If he remembered right, he and Alana left pretty late. It was nice having a night out with his girlfriend, who never said no to dressing up. “Well, I hope it was a cheat day then.” Jon laughed, realizing that he hadn’t picked a main course either. He would probably go with the steak sandwich with the side salad.
Jonathan knew that wedding planning was difficult, so he wasn’t surprised when Andrew mentioned that their honeymoon was going to wait. “That sounds nice though. Any ideas on where you’d like to go first?” There were too many options for travel throughout Europe as it was easy to get there from England.
“Glad to hear that. I’ve seen her compete a couple times and she looks like she enjoys being at the barn too, which must help.” Jon was sure that the four of them spent more time at the barn than he did, though he rode at Seven Oaks. “I know you two won’t push her too much out of her comfort zone.”
Jon raised his eyebrow. He never really thought about getting married, though now he was dating it was something that should be more on his radar. “I mean, I think everyone wants to get married eventually. Even if it is secretly.” He shrugged his shoulders. “It would be nice to settle down with someone, but I don’t know if I’m ready yet or not.”
“So you found yourself a non-hockey fan?” Andrew asked. He knew there were plenty of people that didn’t like or even watch hockey. His wife was also an equestrian, so he really had no say about any of it. There was an agreement of being able to avoid being recognized. It was calming and made life a bit calmer.
“Yes, it’ll give me time to possibly coach a bit more. Or work on some home projects. I want to take out the carpet in the master bedroom. It feels good on the feet, but it’s hard to clean. Especially with kids and possible pets."
He thought for a moment. While he remembered quite a bit, there was still a moment of a blur. ‘Honestly, I can’t remember,” he chuckled. “At least we made it to the room, right?” Andrew didn’t get hogg wild, but he knew he arrived late – when they woke up at 12 pm. Something neither of them did.
“She’s enjoying it, and with being kind of sought out after by the owner, I think it helped with her confidence.” Andrew finished off his glass of water which was quickly replaced by a passing staff.
“That’s understandable. I mean, when was the last time you dated someone in general?”
"Shocker, right? I mean...clearly I'm just copying you." Jonathan joked. It was nice dating someone who didn't want to be with him just because of his fame. There was no pressure of him preforming well on the ice anymore and it was a welcome change.
"You want to get into coaching? Do they have a team around here?" Jonathan had thought about it when he first retired, but that meant taking courses and staying in the States. "Have you done DIY projects like that before?" He had done a few small projects around the apartment but nothing too major.
"As long as you remembered saying I do and that the woman you live with is the one you said yes to, then that's all that matters." He joked again, a smile appearing on his face. Jon knew Andrew wasn't one to get trashed on his wedding day - as it was a day he wanted to remember. He also finished his water and the staff member filled it for him. "Does she have her own horse yet? I've heard it's better though to ride more than one though when you don't." Jonathan had only ridden one horse consistently before he bought Sunny.
"It's been quite awhile. Pretty sure my last long term relationship was before I got drafted. And you? Before you were with Aurora?"
“I know she’s been riding one, but I don’t believe she wones one yet. Aurora would know more information on that. I think Maeve is still on lesson horses. With school, I don’t think she would be able to concentrate, you could say. It’s a lot, with horses and schoolwork. I’ve seen a few kids run ragged because of it.” Andrew married a bonified horse girl but then again up their schedules back then, both were extremely busy. “And how have you been enjoying riding? Does your new gal ride or know of horses?”
He thought for a moment. “I had two long terms, one in high school and then briefly in training. Feels weird sometimes, to be with someone for as long as I have. But it’s nice, having someone, don’t you think?” Andrew didn’t think he would be getting so sentimental about it all. But it was true, he had his family now – loving and caring. He was a killer stay-at-home dad, taking care of the house. He hadn’t brought up that he wanted to start a garden yet. Maybe he knew his wife enough to know she would be all over it.
Jonathan nodded, owning your own horse was a huge responsibility. Riding six days a week was a massive time commitment and he was lucky that the horse exercisers were just a phone call away if work got busy for him. "I can see that. Especially if she is planning on continuing her education. I barely can do it myself but I'm lucky to have the help that I do." Sunny was a quite simple and straightforward horse. The paint mare could even be used for lessons when he was away. "It's always an option though if she wants to." Leasing was the best option though - if the horse got injured the medical bills were split.
"Sunny is good thanks. She doesn't enjoy the heat. Because she has so many white patches she hates having her sunscreen put on." Her skin underneath her fur was pink on the parts that were white, meaning she was more prone to them. "She is looking forward to dragging my beginner butt around the Hunter ring. I do wonder what she thinks about me sometimes." He couldn't help but laugh. While he was still relatively new to riding, there were a lot of things Sunny put up with - but that's what made her so solid. "Alana? She doesn't ride but I think I can convince her to get on Sunny." If Lana was afraid of them he wasn't the type to force his significant other to do something they didn't want to.
The waitress finally came back and took their orders. Jonathan ordered the steak sandwich with salad as the side, allowing Andrew to order. "I had no idea! I mean of course I knew you had been with Aurora for what seems like forever. Yes, I do agree. Though it feels odd? Or do you enjoy it?"
Andrew chuckled. “Is that so? Well, if you’re enjoying the classes and she doesn’t feel the need to buck you off.” He had experienced that kind of thing, but he had witnessed it while waiting for Maeve or Aurora to finish off lessons or teaching. “Who knows, maybe she is secretly a horse girl?” Granted, that was something that could be hidden. Not in these parts.
After Jon, Andrew ordered the grilled salmon with coconut rice and green beans. Once the water was refilled, Andrew took a long draw of his water before answering his friend’s questions. “Honestly, it’s nice. It’s nice knowing that I don’t have to look anymore, you know? Once you know. Granted, I wish it didn’t take so long – but it worked out. The best things sometimes take a bit, but when people love each other and want to be each other – it will work.”
“Have you had anyone like that, or so? Maybe Alana?”
"She hasn't bucked me off yet, it's the main reason I bought her. She has a good head on her shoulders, which as a beginner I need." Sunny didn't look like your typical hunter horse, but he knew he would never be a professional rider, so it didn't matter. "When are we going to see you in the Show ring? Or at least take Alexi in the lead line class?" It would give the older man something to do, though raising a child was definitely enough work.
Jon raised his eyebrow, wondering if Alana would ever ride a horse. "I really don't think so. The closest I think she would get to a horse is if she sculpted it out of clay." They both had their own interests, which kept their relationship interesting. He loved spending time with her, though like anyone else he also loved his time alone - which was when he was at the barn.
He picked up his fork and began eating his salad. "She is definitely a good fit for you. I can't imagine how complicated thing were though, with you both being pro athletes at the time." He knew how hectic the NHL schedule was - let alone the schedule of a pro rider. "I think being with Alana will be the same. We've only been together a year and a half, but I feel like she is the one I'd like to be with forever. How did you know Aurora was the one?" He was wishing for some sort of sign, though the fact that Alana hadn't broken their relationship meant something, right?
“Yeah, it was definitely a hard time – but we made it work. And I think that it was a testament to our relationship. I’m sure you and Alana have had some hiccups. I find it rare that many people don’t.” Not everyone had the distance issue or even the idea of an hour’s distance. But that often made or broke a relationship. At least from the stories he heard at the barns while waiting for Aurora. Granted, not everyone could handle being with someone who was an equestrian either.
“Oh gosh…” Andrew didn’t quite know how to answer that. “Well, I think maybe because I felt safe. I also found myself not wanting to live life without her. I know that sounds odd, but I just felt happy. She was worth making things work. Granted, that might be different for you. What are looking for long term? Does she fit your standards?”
Jonathan nodded, dating for anyone was hard, let alone someone who was constantly away from home for nine months of the year if the team won the Cup. “I guess it was just a matter of making time for each other when you were home together?” He had only really briefly heard Aurora’s side of the story, though as long as the two were happy together that’s all that mattered to him. “It’s early days yet, but yes. Even though we are living in the same town, we are both pretty busy.” Granted, riding took up some time as well, but it was Winter and he wasn’t one to compete hard-core like other riders at Seven Oaks. “Yeah, it really wouldn’t be life without it’s ups and downs. It’s just nice knowing someone is by your side for it all.” He was lucky his parents were by his side during the times he wasn’t dating anyone - he always had someone to call after a game, no matter how it went.
Their food had finally arrived, both meals smelled amazing and Jon began cutting into his steak with a fork and knife. “Sorry for the tough question, just trying to get advice from the relationship expert.” Jon smiled before he popped a piece of steak into his mouth before chewing it. “Well, someone who doesn’t want to be the life of the party. Those days are long over for me.” He was getting much to old to wake up with a hangover. “Also, getting married is something I want to do too, Alana and I haven’t had that conversation yet though. Don’t really want to scare her off.”
