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!.
I won't ever leave you, even though you're always leaving me
Lilith looked at her workstation at the zoo, lost in thought. She had run into Brandon a few times - but nothing had been planned. The most interesting time was when she stopped by the yard to collect poop samples for a project with some students. It was a study on dung beetles and what other critters liked living their best lives in the piles of feces. She and Brandon had exchanged numbers, in a professional sense, of course. But what was she to do? Ask if he liked coffee. She already knew that from the incident they met.
She let out a frustrated breath and decided she would take a little look around. Maybe a walk around an all-familiar place would be welcomed. Her brain hurt now, from work and personal turmoil. It didn't help that she had seen Tobi with another woman when she had stopped by the barn to say hi on Valentine's. With his favorite chocolates and everything. But she didn't approach and dropped them off at the police station, placing them on his desk for him to see later. Tobi didn't belong to her and she didn't belong to him. But it hurt her. Seeing Tobi smile like that, with someone else, made her feel a certain way. Now, with Brandon - it made Lilith feel like she was swimming in circles.
Lilith slipped a light coat over her uniform. It was pretty warm for February, so she allowed herself to dress lighter. Her long black hair was pulled into two well-done Dutch braids, showing her pale face and modelesque features. Something someone would notice right away, especially with the lack of makeup.
As she was making her way through the smallish crowd around the polar bear exhibit, Lilith saw a pair of people attempting to take a selfie. But there was an obvious height difference. Not clocking the face, Lilith put on a smile. "Would you like me to take a picture of you two?" She asked, not aware of who she had just asked. If she was, she would've maybe walked past - hiding her existence.
Brandon felt like he hadn't seen much of his sister lately. They were on different schedules and rarely ate meals together as a family. After speaking to Jamie at work, he had received the suggestion to take Eva to the Zoo after school one day. He finished his half day shift at the fire station, having being called in to fix the siren on one of the trucks. Brandon checked his watch and headed to clock out, thanking Jamie for the suggestion as he left towards the parking lot.
It took him about twenty five minutes to get to the school, rolling down the window and waving at Eva once he arrived in the car pool line. "So, we are taking a family field trip to the Zoo. I feel like we don't see each other much nowadays." He explained as he drove off towards the Zoo, glancing over at Eva every once and awhile to see her reaction. Shortly after, they arrived at the parking lot, Brandon easily finding a spot for his car. He turned off the engine, pulled out the key and got out of the driver's side, closing the door behind him. When Eva joined him, they walked towards the entrance - Brandon paying for both of them at the cash register.
They first stopped at the polar bear enclosure, glancing at the bears happily swimming in their pool. "Should we be cool and take a..what's it called again? Sel..fie?" It was hard for Brandon to be cool as he was so much older than Eva, but he tried his best. He extended his arm around his sister's shoulders to get her to come in closer when he heard a voice. A familiar one at that.
"Oh, that would be great thanks." He turned his head to make sure it was who he thought it was. Lilith wasn't someone he thought he'd run into again. "Oh, hi Lilith. Fancy meeting you here." Brandon smiled.
thanks aofie!
thirty-one - part time firetruck mechanic & Sales Yard Stable hand - single (hetero)
Eva Garnet had been eyeing the clock - waiting for it to strike 315 so she could be done with her class. Did she have anything important to do after school? No, no she did not, but it beat sitting in Hickstead Secondary where she was the oldest by, well, a lot. While she should already been in Uni by society standards, her time in juvie had certainly took a hit on her schooling, setting her back a year. Corrections thought it best that she do one year at Secondary to graduate, given that it could help her 'adjust back to society'. What a load of bullcrap. As soon as the bell rang, she was up and out of her chair, heading to her locker before heading out.
She didn't even have to try and figure out what she wanted to do with her afternoon, since she had gotten the surprise of her life to see none other than Brandon Garnet, her adoptive brother, show up in his car and inform her that they were going to the zoo. Eva couldn't help but to arch an eyebrow, "The zoo?" she asked dubiously, but any time spent with her brother was better than nothing. He always seemed busy lately, and when he was off work at the Yard, she was at the Yard or he was at the Fire Station. It was funny, since her adoption, it actually felt like she saw less of her brother than before she got adopted. Getting into the car though, hazel eyes stared at out the window as they drove to the zoo, watching everything fly by.
"Polar bears first?" she asked now as they got out of the car and made their way to the entrance, knowing fully well that Brandon would agree to any whim she would have this afternoon while at the zoo given his earlier words. They didn't see each other much anymore, so today was about them and spending time together. It was a comforting thought to Eva. The teenager had missed hanging out with him at the Yard. Jessie was cool at home, but it wasn't the same. It didn't touch the connection she had with Brandon. So they went off to the Polar Bears and when he suggested a selfie, a snort of laughter escaped her, "Yeah, you're right. It's a Selfie. We gotta fit the bears in somehow though!" So it became an intricate dance with Brandon's longer arms and fenagling, but it became clear that her brother did not have the skills that, quite frankly, he as a millennial should have.
It wasn't long before a voice interrupted them, offering to help them out. For two seconds, it felt like a relief, and then, it wasn't. Hazel eyes looked to the woman, who, quite frankly, looked like she belonged on Vogue or Harper's Bazar and then, Brandon opened his mouth: "Oh, hi Lilith. Fancy meeting you here." Wait, Brandon knew this woman? And what the heck was with that smile? All of the sudden, the jealousy snake reared it's ugly head in Eva's mind. This was her day with Brandon. In fact, Eva didn't want to share him at all. Not with this Lilith, and quite frankly, not with anyone. He was her brother. The teenager did her best to not glower and plastered on a fake smile, "Hi Lilith," she said now, "I'm Eva. How do you two know each other?" She didn't bother introducing herself as his sister, the teenager just wanted to see how the woman would react to her presence.
“I’m not saying that everything is survivable. Just that everything except the last thing is.” - John Green
I won't ever leave you, even though you're always leaving me
Ah, shit. Of course, out of every other person in the world, it was Brandon. Brandon and someone else. The woman with him looked young, which made Lilith wonder things. But she kept her professional smile on. She knew better than to just assume. Her scientific brain didn’t allow her to do so.
“Well, I do work here, Brandon,” she laughed, pointing to her name badge on her uniform. “In the bug area, of course.” Lilith would’ve said more but the woman cut in with a snide tone. The older woman wasn’t dumb. It was evident Brandon met a lot with this other one. Which leads to a family or a nonromantic partner. If it was a romantic partner, then – that was some serious red flags.
“Eva, a pleasure to meet you,” Lilith responded, offering her hand for a handshake. “I teach a class once in a while at some local universities, and we often go the to sale yard to collect dung samples.” She could say that they met shopping for his sister, but Brandon could say that if he wanted to. existence.
"Thanks for correcting the old man on that one. The young firefighters are always taking one and posting them on social media. Figured I better start being cool now." Brandon smiled, glad that at least the Fire Chief wasn't someone he would consider a baby. After moving around awkwardly, he finally got the polar bear and both of them in the picture, quickly clicking the button on his phone. He slid it back on his pocket and focused back on Lilith being in their presence. "Oh, I apologize. I thought you only worked at the University. When did you start working here?"
He had only met the woman once before but she seemed nice enough, which was rare as most people tended to annoy him. "I'm surprised you don't know her, Eva. But Lilith tends to bring her class during the day while you are at school. Or supposed to be." He raised his eyebrow at his sister, having only a slight idea of what went on during the day while he was at work. "I should clarify, Eva is my sister. Figured we would have some family bonding time."
Brandon glanced over at Eva, noticing there was some sort of jealous look on her face - it wasn't something he had seen the young teen show this kind of emotion before. It would be awkward if he brought it up now.
thanks aofie!
thirty-one - part time firetruck mechanic & Sales Yard Stable hand - single (hetero)
Hazel eyes kept on darting back and forth between her brother and mystery woman, no, Lilith, tryin got make out what was going on. There was something there, Eva could feel it in her very being, but she wasn't sure on what it was. They were being friendly, but not flirting. Not yet at least. For all of the teenagers joking talk about finding Brandon a girlfriend, suddenly being confronted with the possibility of it being a legit thing did not sit well with her. Yes, Brandon deserved to be happy, but on her terms. Okay, no not her terms, but wasn't she allowed to hold onto him as the older brother for just a little while longer before being whisked way by a mad bug scientist?
Wait a second, visiting the yard to collect samples? Horse poop?! She wanted to gag, but the teenager knew she had to reign it in. Eva could already tell that she might have been a little too snide in her introductions, typically unlike her, so even if Lilith didn't know her, Brandon for certain knew something was up. Speakming of her older brother, she didn't care for the school comment - not in front of a stranger at least. She shot him a look, "I am an excellent school attending, law abiding citizen," before glancing back at the woman now, "But I have heard of you. You're 'bug lady'." Some of the other hands had met her before, and clearly, had not been creative with their choice nickname for her.
It suddenly occurred to her that Lilith was holding out her hand, for a handshake. Hazel eyes just stared at the hand for a moment, was she suppose to shake it like some adult? Well, guess she was technically an adult at eighteen. She could feel both adults boring their gaze into her now, and for now, just for now, Eva relented in her sass. The teenager reached out and shook her hands, "Pleasure to meet you too." Not. Well, now she had to interrogate the woman, "You should join us for the rest of the evening. It will be like...Galentines Day...with Brandon being the sole exception."
“I’m not saying that everything is survivable. Just that everything except the last thing is.” - John Green
I won't ever leave you, even though you're always leaving me
“Well, bug lady is better than Shit collector,” Lilith laughed, her smile widening showing off her well-maintained teeth. “At least, being called out in public by people.” Granted, Lilith could cause some shit if she wanted, something that Eva was clearly wanting to do. The teen's tone was known to Lilith, mainly from her times teaching. It wasn’t exactly the, My daddy’s rich and I know more than you, tone. But there was still a bit of protectiveness. But Lilith ignored it, not really caring per se. But she could play a bit of Eva’s game.
“Have you both just arrived? I can’t do a full tour today, but is there a place you want to see a tour of?” Lilith was about to show off a bit. Sure, she worked here, but her parents also owned the place. It allowed her a lot of clearance, something that not a lot of people knew.
Her smile remained on her face. “I can obviously give a tour of the bug department, but I know that’s not everyone’s favorite. Unless you’re into true crime science or the beetles that eat a carcass clean!” She knew a few of her students were into that, even if they weren’t in the criminology major. Something about death always intrigued people.
"I totally believe you, I got dragged along to the parent teacher interviews and heard differently." Though this was nor the time or place to have a discussion about school. Lilith didn't exactly need to know what kind of troublemaker his sister was. Brandon felt odd by the change of Eva's attitude - wondering why she was acting different. It wasn't like he and Lilith were dating or anything. They were just friends and had recently ran into each other during the Christmas holidays. "I've told our coworkers that bug lady was a much more appropriate name. Of course, that's what I get when most of my coworkers are younger than me." They all seemed to be in University or younger, which meant immature nicknames for people and animals alike.
Brandon's dark eyes glanced between the two women as if there was some secret game going on behind the scenes. Clearly, it was going way over his head. "We did just get here actually, if you have time for a mini tour that would be great. I'd be more interested in seeing the bugs, but I'm also up for anything if Eva gets the icks from seeing too many bugs." Though as she worked at the Sales Yard, there were a fair share of bugs crawling around. It was always interesting for him to see what kinds they had at work, as often they gave signs as to what the environment around them was like.
thanks aofie!
thirty-one - part time firetruck mechanic & Sales Yard Stable hand - single (hetero)
At that big, wide smile that Lilith Thompson gave her, the teenager merely twisted her mouth a little and did her best to not narrow her eyes - it was hard not to though, because Eva was certain that she sensed a challenge. Right when she was ready to say something snarky about 'shit collector', Brandon chimed in about how he had managed to correct all of the Yard stable hands to not call Lilith as such, Eva deflated a little. Shit. Well, she couldn't exactly go in for the kill now, "Whatever." The teenager grumbled now, shoving her hands into the pocket of her baggy hoodie and kicking at the ground with her boot, scuffing the soles no doubt. It just gives them character, she thought to herself, like naming a lady 'shit collector'.
The offer for a partially private tour did perk her up though. She listened keenly to what the older woman was saying - like she wanted a tour of the bug department though. Before she could say anything, Brandon chimed in: "I'd be more interested in seeing the bugs, but I'm also up for anything if Eva gets the icks from seeing too many bugs." She was annoyed that he was willing to do whatever his new lady friend appeared to be offering, but then countered it by saying that Eva couldn't handle the bugs. Not caring that there was a witness, the teenager gave a sisterly sucker punch to Brandon's bicep and she hadn't been prepared for the solid muscle since...well, it actually hurt, "I can handle the bugs," she defended herself now, trying hard to not cringe as she pulled her fist away.
However, hazel eyes then looked to Lilith, "But then I want to see the Pandas." It was a big ask, and Eva knew it. A challenge to set the older woman up for possible failure on her offer. It was almost impossible to see the pandas as a normal person, you'd have to elbow a baby in the face in order to get a good look at them. Either way, Eva was going to win. Either she was going to get to see the pandas up close and personal, or she'd be able to wipe that stupid smile off of Lilith Thompson's face, "Surely, you can make that happen."
“I’m not saying that everything is survivable. Just that everything except the last thing is.” - John Green
I won't ever leave you, even though you're always leaving me
Lilith arched an eyebrow at the teen’s request and shrugged. “That’s easy enough. No one is here, so you get prime viewing of them anyway. You chose a good time to come. Let’s do that first since the pandas are closer. Plus, the best place to get our version of smoothie served in a pineapple. If you’re hungry that is.”
She pivoted on her heel and began walking in the direction she was headed anyway. Despite her smallish frame, Lilith was a fast walker. Even though there were almost zero people here, she still liked to turn her head and make sure they were still following her. Granted, she was sure Eva’s laser eyeballs would burn some loose hairs.
It didn’t take long for them to get to the panda exhibit. And it was as if Lilith predicted. There were zero people in front, as the other sections for the pandas were up high. Most people preferred that view. “We’re in the prime spot for feeding time,” she said, motioning to the exhibit entrance for the keepers. Lilith held up her hand and counted to five by putting up each finger. Once the pinky was up – the keeper's door opened and two keepers came out, holding buckets of apples and carrots.
“You’re lucky you made it just in time. Our program is ending with them soon, as part of our deal with China’s Conservation. They’ll be gone at the end of next month. We’re currently at the female’s enclosure. The male is on the other side. It’s a split one, as they are more solitary species.”
Brandon heard Eva’s protest behind him, deciding to ignore it. He knew teenagers could be temperamental and she was no different. As soon as he was punched in the bicep, however, he turned his head and gave her a glare. “Really? You think you’d be nicer than that to me.” It’s not like he saved her life or anything, but he did manage to get her a new home. “I’m just making sure before I drag you into petting a tarantula or something.” They weren’t exactly his favorite either, but he’d go along with it.
“Alright, let’s go see the Pandas then. They eat bugs too right?” He knew they ate bamboo but they had to eat something else too, right? Brandon turned and followed Lilth, not knowing she could walk that quickly. He was able to keep up with her though, thankful for his jobs for keeping him in shape. “I’m hungry, I’m always hungry. It’s my treat though for both of you.” Lilith could have easily said no to the tour - she was at work after all.
Once they arrived at the panda enclosure, he smiled. The black and white bears always seemed like friendly creatures. He was slightly confused when the zoo keepers opened the door. It seemed as if they were able to get a front row seat to watching the pandas be fed. "Will the Zoo get different ones in return then? Or will the enclosure close forever after they leave?" He turned his head now to face Eva, curious as to why she chose Pandas of all animals. "Do you like Pandas even?"
thanks aofie!
thirty-one - part time firetruck mechanic & Sales Yard Stable hand - single (hetero)
She didn't appreciate Brandon's comment to her nor that glare: You think you’d be nicer than that to me. Yes, she owed it to him and Jessie for giving her a new home, a loving home, something that the teenager had never experienced before. But that didn't mean he got off scott free from her attitude, "You're my older brother. You get whatever sass I have." She replied back now - she might have gone on, not caring about the audience, when Lilith Thompson threw her a surprise.
Eva had honestly been surprised when the older woman appeared to call her bluff on the pandas. She had been expecting rejection and hoping to rub it in her face, instead, Lilith was informing her that she was about to get her and Brandon some prime viewing of the adorable black and white bears and the possibility of a smoothie on top of that. Being a typical guy, her brother announced that he was hungry and was willing to treat them, "Um...yeah. I could go for a snack." Her sass already feeling depleted by this turn of events of already being one upped by this mysterious lady. With that, she followed after the two adults now as they made their way to the panda exhibit.
Sure enough, when they arrived - it was a ghost town - at least at this particular landing and it didn't go unnoticed by Eva that they were near a keeper's door. As the keepers appeared with their fruits and vegetables, it did not go unnoticed by her hazel eyes that a furry black and white head appeared out of no where, following by the rest of its body. An uncharacteristic squeal escaped the teenager now as she darted up to the barrier, watching the female panda emerge to investigate. She almost didn't hear Brandon and Lilith talking behind her before they joined, "Oh. What Brandon said...you're not getting new ones?" Guess China was a jerk, "I'm not obsessed with Pandas, but as a basic teenage girl, I cannot deny how adorable they are nor the hilarity of their YouTube videos in the snow." She eyed Lilith besides her now, and managed to say probably the nicest thing over the night so far, "Thanks."
“I’m not saying that everything is survivable. Just that everything except the last thing is.” - John Green
I won't ever leave you, even though you're always leaving me
Lil shook her head. “Most of the pandas in zoos, come from China. More of a way to help the population there, as well as educate those around the world. We were lucky to even get the lottery spot. We are hoping to get some new animals to fill this area once they are gone. Most likely another bear type, as people do like them,” she smiled, fiddling her fingers behind her back.
A small laugh escaped Lil. “Oh, yes. My favorite is when the cubs roll down the hill during playtime. Something about a big ball of black and yellow just rolling. And, of course. I’m glad I could bring a little joy to someone today.”
Her dark eyes continued to watch through the glass as the feeding frenzy ended. The Panda moved at her speed but was quite quick out of her favorites of the stash. Seeing the panda eat, made Lil realize she hadn’t eaten too much herself today. Feeling her belly rumble, she asked, “Who’s ready for smoothies, hm? My treat! I do recommend the swirl if I do say so myself.”
Brandon let out a laugh at Eva's comment. "That's not really how genetics work. You get genes from your parents, not your siblings." The two siblings knew they weren't related, but adoption wasn't something he was going to discuss in front of Lilith. As far as he was concerned, he felt that he was biologically related to Eva.
The pandas seemed to be entertaining to Eva. He himself had to admit they were pretty cute. Brandon might come off as grumpy, but he did love animals. It seemed as if everyone had agreed they were hungry which shocked him. He was used to being the only one. The Pandas seemed to have quickly finished their feeding time and he turned himself and followed Lilith. "Do you know what bears the Zoo is thinking of getting as a replacement?" It was always interesting to him that animals were in rotation, almost like if it was a popularity contest.
The dark haired man shook his head when the two women were going on about pandas. "Yes, yes they are cute. I've never heard you squeal like that before. Maybe you are more girly than you think." Brandon wasn't much to crack jokes, but that was pretty close for him. He went back to focusing on finding the smoothie stand - it was something only another guy could relate to. "Lead the way! No, I'm paying. It's the least I can do after you take time out of your busy day. Which Zoo animal is your favorite?" The question was directed to both of them, giving them something else to think about as they walked along.
thanks aofie!
thirty-one - part time firetruck mechanic & Sales Yard Stable hand - single (hetero)
Eva merely rolled her eyes at her older brother's comments over her squeal - figures he would comment on the rare occasion she'd shed her tough girl exterior, "What? They're fat, cuddle-y, and adorable. I'm allowed to squeal." With that, she turned her attention back to them rolling around and investigating their frozen treats. Behind her, the teenager could hear the two adults talk amongst themselves but it was mainly about the pandas. How boring. While Eva loved pandas, she didn't need all of the scientific explanations that went along with them. She had thought Brandon and Lilith liked each other, like...like like. But, if all what they could discuss was pandas, then maybe she was wrong - she doubted that pandas and where they came from were somehow a turn on conversation.
But their time with the pandas were coming to an end, there were now smoothies involved. Hazel eyes took one last look at them before she followed after the two adults now, "Swirl is fine if strawberry is involved." Eva replied, feeling a bit deflated on being difficult. No matter what she had done so far, Lilith Thompson had been one step ahead of her - which was both impressive and admirable, but also insanely annoying. Then again, given their conversations at the Panda Exhibit, maybe Eva herself had been over-reactive to the idea of the older woman being a threat. She gave thought to Brandon's question, shrugging, "I don't know, maybe big cats...or naked mole rats."
“I’m not saying that everything is survivable. Just that everything except the last thing is.” - John Green
