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!.
“That, and you were stressing about making sure you found me one that matched,” she smiled, kissing his cheek back. “If they don’t end up fitting, we can exchange them.” But Alana had done a lot of measurements and did her research. Granted, in the end – it would be Jon’s final say, but he thankfully loved them.
“They were built by someone in the city! I can’t remember the name, unfortunately – but I’m sure I have the name at home.” Alana, unfortunately, wasn’t someone that knew her furniture history, or design too much. She just knew she liked a certain kind. Despite being an art teacher, she did tend to prefer non-painted furniture – unless it was more of a modern piece. Or if there was no saving the originality of the piece.
She looked at the package that she was handed. “Oh!” Alana gingerly grabbed the package, and jokingly held it up to her ear to shake it. But she didn’t. By the shape, it felt like a jewelry box or something like that. But Alana opened up the paper, carefully, so she could reuse it. It revealed a teal box with gold font on it. “Oh, you went somewhere fancy, didn’t you?” she asked twinkling with excitement.
“Nah, nothing secret..unless you want to get a good grip on the cake.” Alana knew that wouldn’t happen. They both were very non-handsy PDAs. At least in the sense of a make-out session or grabby hands. They held hands and gave each other short kisses – but that was the extent of public knowledge. In privacy, it was free for all.
“Yes! It’s been fixed and it’s been wonderful. But for the art walk people get the kettle coffee,” her eyes watched intently as Jon opened his gift. She really hoped he liked them. When the tablecloth was gone, it revealed a box of matching tables.
“Ta-dah! I hope you like them,” she smiled. They looked like the décor of his bedroom, modern – but still simple enough.
“Let’s make the studio the last stop then, so we won’t feel rushed and all that,” Alana suggested, knowing full well she would get too involved. “Yes, let’s open gifts. Yours is currently in the back,” she smiled. They were still in the box, but still too large to have sat in Jon’s lap for a comfortable ride.
“Coffee always sounds like a good idea! We can make some in the studio and then leave through the back way so we won’t get all caught up!” Alana opened her door before clicking the button to open her trunk. “Here, open your gift first, since it’s a bit…cumbersome...” Hands shimmied the well-wrapped box to the edge of her trunk. It was wrapped in a thrifted tablecloth that Alana washed and pressed. It would be returned to the wrapping box if Jon didn’t want to keep it.
“Oh, are we key status now? I should probably get you one for my place too!” she laughed. They were adults now, and a year probably felt like forever. A year when she was a teen probably equaled a day or something. It was interesting to see how time had changed between teens and adults. Maybe it was because Alana was more careful about how she spent her time. She allowed the fun, of course, but being stuck with someone that didn’t fit her – that was cut short now. There was no wondering if it would work out. She was too older for that now.
“Look at you! You should be proud of me too, I listened to a full hockey game. Can I tell you the teams and scores? Absolutely not, but listening counts, I hope?” She didn’t understand it. She probably wouldn’t understand it, same with Jon not understanding her work. But it was mutual respect for each other. Alana would happily hear Jon yell at the TV, as happily as he would probably struggle through another gallery.
“The people showing at my shop, are all people I know! They run their own studio space in there too, so it’s a mish-mash of everyone. A few of the artists on the walk I know, and some I don’t. Most are local to the city – but I think there are a few people from the town of Hickstead as well. A lot more people this year which is super exciting.” Alana turned left, and two rights before finding the parking lot of her gallery. After a slew of cars, she made the left-hand turn and found her designated spot.
She parked and unbuckled her seatbelt. “Shall we make a game plan of what we want to do? Or just say fuck it, and get lost in the crowd?” Alana smiled, placing a hand on his.
“Happy Anniversary darling,” she smiled. He was looking quite dashing as always. Alana let him settle in before she leaned over and gave him a kiss. She looked at the parcels in his lap, and she was curious now. Alana had gotten Jon a new side table for his bedroom. Well, more of a set. They had often had to share one when she stayed over. Alana had taken note of the brand, color, and style the last time she was over.
“No, of course not! If you had me wait, I would’ve been already inside,” Alana laughed. They were both good about communicating time issues. Something that was much needed for their busy lifestyles.
She put her car in reverse and headed towards her studio. It was a bit closer to the walk than Jon’s shop, and she also had great parking. “Are you excited to see some new artwork?” she asked, as they were stopped at a red light.
A year had passed already for Jon and Lana. She hadn't dated in forever so a year felt like a long time. She was enjoying herself though. Heck, they had already spent time in Italy already so it meant things were going well, right? They were kind of still in the honeymoon phase, but they were both too old for the drama. At least, she was.
Lana had told Jon she'd meet him in front to the clothing shop. The craft fair had begun and while she always participated, she didn't tend to the shop this weekend. While it wasn't the most romantic date to walk around and look at art - it was them. The art museum was their first date after all.
She pulled up in the back where Jon's apartment entrance was. Lana sent him a quick text that she was here, and was staying in her car to avoid the afternoon chill. It had been a minute since she was this bundled, so she was happily looking forward to Jon taking it off of her.