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!.
October's poplars are flaming torches lighting the way to winter.
She was a bit embarrassed, feeling jack lift her as easily as he did. To be fair, she was almost a quarter of his size. But even then, it was odd but also comforting. Aofie just hoped her dress didn’t do a weird flip, even though she had shaved just yesterday.
The two were an interesting sight, especially to those that didn’t know them. A small, delicate kind of woman and a man, painted like a Grecian God. Jack’s words were soothing, lulling Aofie to lean into him. She took his handkerchief and dabbed her eyes. She would clean the mascara and eyeliner off as soon as she could. Her lips were feeling dry, cracking from the cold weather and heavy breaths.
Aofie sat on Jack’s lap, silent for a moment. She allowed herself to follow his heartbeat again, calming her chest. It felt like ages before she felt herself finally get back to a feeling of normal. Gosh, she could only imagine what she looked like now. But…he was still here. He didn’t run or show any disgust. Jack really did manage to catch Aofie in some of her worst moments. It reminded her of how they first met, in the rain – needing to replace a tire.
An exhaled breath was let out before she continued. “My co-worker Laura was with me when it all happened. They were looking for my co-worker, Patrick. We knew he was having money issues, as his wife is very pregnant. We were all thinking he was a bit stressed and wanted some extra hours before his baby was born.” Aofie stopped, catching her breath – fiddling with the fabric in her hands. “The men were very intrusive about their questions. Claiming he owed them a lot of money. We thought it was because his wife couldn’t work…but it was because he had gambled and borrowed money he didn’t have.” Aofie frowned, angry at Patrick for putting not only his family but everyone else around him in danger.
“I told them, I didn’t know where he was – or his schedule for the next few days. My adrenaline must’ve made me a bit braver, as I threatened them back. Saying I would happily identify them to the authorities…Then they reached for Laura, and I…shoved him. After that...it was all a blur. Witnesses said they left, annoyed.”
Aofie sighed, pressing more into Jack if it was scientifically possible. “We closed early. I made sure Laura got home safe. Her husband picked her up. I drove to the police station and had an officer follow me home...I just...” Her head ached, and she winced at the sudden twinge of pain.
Eyes looked at Jack’s face, as Aofie blindly reached for a hand. “Stay with me tonight?” she asked. Her words lingered, not quite knowing if it was the correct thing to say.
October's poplars are flaming torches lighting the way to winter.
The tea was shakingly poured. Time slowed down again, only to be picked up with the knocking. She jumped, scalding herself for a second when the tea leaped out of her cup. Aofie cursed at herself but was happy to see Jack’s barreling chest in her digital doorbell camera.
“Coming!” she called out and answered the door. Mere seconds after letting him in, Aofie had her arms around him – face into his chest. She was extra mousy now, just taking in his scent, his warmth. It was like every pulsating heartbeat that pounded into her ears and calmed her breathing. Aofie stood there, silent as ben, minus a few hiccups, of course.
She finally looked up at him, eyes red and most definitely looking like a raccoon. “Thank you,” she whispered. “Some men…” she choked. “They came into work, a-a-and started threatening everyone in there.” Her words were stammered, trying to hold back more tears that were welling up. “I’m afraid,” she wailed. “Th-they scared children...making them cry, and I—"Aofie’s attempts to hold back left her, like fresh air. Wet hiccups, snot. She released him, hands reaching for her hanker chief to wipe her face. The now slowly growing red spot from her tea, stinging.
October's poplars are flaming torches lighting the way to winter.
It took a lot for Aofie not to cry all the way home. Work ended on a note that she could never fathom dealing with again. The security couldn’t do anything, other than make sure she got to her car okay. How could a co-worker’s gambling addiction become a problem for those around them? Aofie knew Patrick was dealing with money problems, often snatching up extra shifts at work. Everyone knew his wife was pregnant with their first child which was due soon. But no one would ever guess that it was because he had entered a boiling cauldron.
Her instincts kicked in and she drove to the city police station, requesting an officer follow her home to make sure no one-tailed her. They thankfully obliged, and Aofie would write the station a lovely letter and send some cookies for their time.
When she got home, Aofie barely made it behind her front door. The adrenaline was wearing off, and the flight response was settling. Her body shivered and ached. The poor dogs knew something was up when Aofie slipped off her shoes and flopped onto the couch.
Her face was now all scrunched, wet, and becoming puffy. Her brother was out of town, but there was someone that could come over, right? Aofie picked up her phone and dialed. It wasn’t too late, and she wasn’t expecting him to answer anyway. “Jack..” she whispered when she was sent to voice mail. “Can you please come over after work? I..need you..please.” Aofie didn’t know if he could hear her sniffling, clogged-up nose, or if she was even understandable.
She ended the voicemail and told herself she had to get herself together. Warm. She needed something warm. Aofie started the kettle and sat back down. Her chest hurt from the heavy breathing.
“Perks of working at night? Or just avoid white-haired animals.” Aofie was lucky that her dogs had medium-colored hair, though she also tended to wear brighter colors. She usually wasn’t one to worry about hair on her usually, and her dogs were trained to stay away from her formal closet. But sometimes it couldn’t be helped, meaning that a lint roller was always necessary for important things.
“I don’t think there are any bad bosses in Hickstead? Everyone is pretty...chill?” Granted, Aofie wasn’t one of those that did all the gossip in town. There wasn’t any reason for her to partake in that kind of thing. “Everyone needs a little bit of sunshine, for sure. There’s something about sitting in the park with the sun out. I must fight my dogs to come in when it’s summertime!”
She thought for a moment and then gave herself a reassuring nod. “How about I just order some and we can share?” It sounded like a recipe for disaster, but Aofie could handle her liquor. A waitress came over and smiled, asking for their order. It was evident she was eyeing Jack up and Aofie couldn’t help but feel a tinge of jealousy.
“We’ll take a Mai Tai and Hurricane, please.”
“Sure!”
When the young woman was gone, Aofie clasped her hands in her lap to help her nerves. “Other than work. Have you managed to explore a bit of Hickstead a bit more? Anything fun that’s caught your eye?”
"There’s nothing wrong with thrifting. Especially when you go to the nice ones in the rich areas of town,” Aofie smiled. “A friend scored a vintage Chanel tweed set there. Crazy to think people don’t try reselling them, but I won’t complain if I find something there.” Some people found it nasty, the idea of thrifting used clothes. It wasn’t like they weren’t washed or properly cared for. There were people that rented dresses, so was there any kind of difference there?
“I guess the only issue is when you come across a warm or cold black.” It was always something Aofie noticed when she wore two black items at the same time. Even if it was a dress or shoes together. There was always a massive difference, mainly in the sunlight. “We can’t really tell when we’re under the awful fluorescent light. I keep fighting for better lighting at the library, but they are living too much in the dark academia look or morgue.” Aofie liked Harry Potter but didn’t like having to work in such low-light settings, or it is looking too sterile. The computer labs looked like a lab with how bright it was from the lighting.
“I can only imagine. I’m sure he would be willing to work with you?” She didn’t know the man personally. All Aofie knew was what people told her and the few interactions she had with him when she ever saw him. He knew how to schmooze, but that was only one aspect of someone.
“There’s nothing wrong with Hennessy, but I guess if we’re trying to fit into the tropical crowd…” Aofie rested her left cheek on her left palm. Her eyes looked at the menu again but couldn’t help peeking up above to catch more of Jack’s face. She had really taken the time to examine his features. Maybe because she didn’t want to get caught? “The Mai Tai looks good. Can never say no to rum!”
“Oh thanks. Thrifted!” Not like he would care, right? Aofie didn’t see the need to spend hundreds of pounds on clothing. Even when she did the ball, it was a rented dress that she paid to wear for one night. The option of buying later was there, but Aofie rarely ever went out and did anything like that. It could’ve worked for her brother’s wedding that was coming up – but knowing them, it was probably going to be lowkey.
“Must be odd wearing such a colorful number for someone who wears mostly black?” Maybe Jack did wear color, and she just never saw it. She was pretty sure that he was wearing black when he helped her with her car, and then when they got coffee. Not like Aofie had anything against that, there were plenty of people that did. Black on her skin made her look sickly, so she tended to look like a rainbow. Plus, it made it easier for her to be around children. Appeared a bit more friendly, especially during reading time.
“Oh, please, take a seat! It’ll make not leave within an hour,” she smiled. She wasn’t about to say that she was searching for him out. “We’re both busy bees, aren’t we? Life happens.” Aofie was shy in both aspects of communication. She felt a bit more comfortable around him now, allowing some more sentences. If her politeness didn’t lead the way, Aofie doubt she was going to be here.
“Have you looked at the menu? I’m still deciding on what drink to get.”
She couldn’t tell if it was the smell or the voice that caught her attention first. Aofie looked up from her menu and gave a soft smile. “Ah Jack, hello. Fancy seeing you here!” Maybe it wasn’t a surprise, but he was dressed in something that didn’t look security guard-like. Who knows, he could’ve been forced to dress for the theme. The shirt wasn’t something that she would think he would ever wear, but Aofie wouldn’t say he looked terrible. The sleeves accentuated the muscles that were hidden previously. His body was a canvas.
“Are you working tonight or are you here because you are such a night owl?” she teased, almost as an invitation to join her at her table. Though, he could’ve easily been being polite and just saying hi before being whisked away by someone for fitting.
For someone who had as much floral print as she did, Aofie didn’t have anything that fit the theme. She hoped the candy stripe fit the bill for the Tiki night.
The evening wasn’t something Aofie found herself going to, but meeting Jack – gave her a reason to go. Not in stalking, creeper way – but it appeared the only way they could possibly meet again. They had texted a few times, but the meeting was difficult with their schedules. Summer would allow more time on her end now. She told herself that she wanted to do her usual try a drink, and that was the only reason she was going. Not to possibly see a man that hopefully wasn’t working.
Dogs fed and walked, and Aofie made her way to the pier. The lot was nearly full, and Aofie managed to find what could be the second to last open. Her wedges hit the pavement, grinding a bit on the sand and pebbles that brushed up from the wind. Making sure she had her wicker purse, Aofie locked her car and hid anything she didn’t want to be seen out of sight.
She walked up to the restaurant and her stomach churned at the sight of the inside. It was packed. A frown crossed her lips and Aofie found a tall table outside, where there were a few people set up. Torches were lit up and citronella candles graced her nostrils. It took her a hot second to comfortably get into the seat.
Her eyes looked out to the open water, something Aofie loved. A waitress handed over the drink and food menu, along with some trail mix. Aofie thanked her and picked up the special drink menu. Everything looked great, but her mind was too far elsewhere to decide.
It had to be Aofie that pulled the short straw for the fundraiser, wasn’t she? It was as if all the other librarians were out to get her for something she did but didn’t know that she did. Either way, it happened and Aofie had to suck it up. Thankfully, she didn’t have to really converse with too many people. She was selling books, not beverages or food. It would be great if she had some people to peruse what the library had to offer – but with all the other things that were happening, she really doubted it would bring anyone in.
She was in a yurt-style tent, so Aofie really could just kind of hide away in the warmth of the tent. Shelves of gently used books and donations lined the sides of the tent. Aofie sat in a white rocking chair behind the table. She had her own books to read, as well as some crafts like knitting to keep her occupied for however long the event was. Her dogs lay silently at her feet, snoozing away. They were still young, but they knew when to keep calm.
From what it sounded like, there were quite an amount of people.
Hardcovers (£3) Paper Backs, Magazines (£2) DVDs, Digital Media (£1)
HEY THERE! my name is Jen and i'm 21 years old. i'm a female and i've been roleplaying for 8 years. i was referred here by Gail but enough about me, here's my character. =]
[/font]:[/b] Aofie (ee+fa) Fianna (fee+ina) Walsh
nicknames: Ms. Walsh, Effy
age: 25, December 25: 1990
religion: Unitarian Universalist
sexuality: Straight
marital status: single pringle as f
occupation: Librarian
playby: Lily Collins
hometown: Tramore, Ireland -> Boston, MA
parents: Father • Sean Walsh, 55 Mother • Chloe Walsh, 50
siblings: Brother • Conor Walsh, 21
brief history: Aofie had a pretty normal childhood, with loving parents and an annoying younger brother. She was born in Tramore Ireland to Sean and Chloe on December 25. When she was just five years old, her family moved to Boston, MA due to an office move for her father. Of course, getting used to the city was a task, but Aofie adjusted quite alright. She spent a lot of her time writing and reading while most kids her age were out playing at the parks, attending birthday parties, and so on. Sure, her parents worried for her, wondering if she was socializing enough, but in the end, she was staying out of trouble. They preferred a daughter who read and wrote, instead of one with a needle deep into her veins.
Her love for reading and writing flourished as she grew, making her request notebooks, journals and gift cards to Barnes and Noble for her birthday and Christmas. If one counted her total of written journals, there would be at least 100. She attended Boston University for English, Creative Writing, and Art History and graduated as 5th in the top ten of the BU English program. At the age of 20, she had written and published two successful children’s books which she based off her moving experience and growing up in Boston.
Aofie found herself landing in Hickstead due to an old professor referencing her. There were a high school and town library that needed some more librarian staff and feeling like she needed some new excitement in life, she took the job. Of course, the change was drastic from the American vibe to the English. But, nevertheless, she was able to settle in. She has since gotten to know the library quite well and has made herself a fitting name with her peers since January 2016. Of course, she doesn’t talk to them much, but she’s trying! [/font][/ul]
[/font]:[/b] Handcrafted items, All types of flowers, Bailey's, Books, Recipes, Handwritten notes, Poetry, Journals, Yarn (knits and crochets like a true Grammy)
dislikes: Gaudy accessories, anything that is smoked (hookah, cigars, cigarettes)
strengths: Writing • Aofie is a natural born writer, she was always able to put vivid imagery onto paper. She has a few published works, mainly for children’s books. Organization • She’s far from OCD, but Aofie is extremely organized, especially at work. She cares for the books and their shelving units like they’re her kids. Due to this, she knows where every book is by section, row, and author and Dewey decimal system.
weaknesses: Singing • No matter how hard she’s tried, there’s nothing there. Dancing • What’s rhythm?? Flirting • Is bad at it and can’t recognize it.
secrets: She enjoys writing romantic stories in her spare time but does not care to show anyone due to her lack of romance in her life. Aofie also has an elaborate chest tattoo and trinity knot tattoo on each wrist that are only noticeable if people pay enough attention to her.
fears: Ocean and lake water past her shoulders.
habits: Unintentionally ignores people if she's super into a book, always uses cream in her coffee and tea, tends to wear skirts and dresses more than pants
overall personality: Aofie is a shy individual, but also professional and well mannered, carrying a smile on her face. She can a hold a decent conversation if one piques her interest, but she is the cliché wallflower and will wait for someone to approach her. Aofie will sometimes smile or wave to a passerby, but that’s all the interaction she’ll do willingly. She’s mastered the list of excuses to get away from a large social gathering that isn’t related to work.
At work, she hides behind the large stacks of books, sometimes sneaking in a few pages if allowed. Of course, what student ever goes to the library anymore, right? Damn youngsters with their internet… Though, if approached by a student or fellow faculty member, she will go out of her way to help. She knows the library like the back of her hand, and if something isn’t in stock, she will exhaust all resources to get a copy.
Dedication and love for her job are pretty much all Aofie has going for her. Due to her shy nature, flirting is something that she’s horrendous at. She was never the one men or women went for, so she’s never experienced sex, love, kisses, holding hands on the beach, etc. Despite her shy nature, Aofie is very nurturing. She hopes to be a mother one day and has considered adoption. At the moment, she owns four dogs in replacement as human babies. [/ul]
Aofie finished her shift at the school library and headed home to relax a bit before she went to the public library. Last Monday she was here for the Second Chance program interviews and introductions. Most of all the people applied and were of course hired. The one person Aofie hoped to see was the shy man named Mason Hall. She was glad her nervousness didn't get in the way of him taking an application and applying straight away. Though, she hoped he didn't do it out of pity.
Sometimes she was able to read people’s personalities, but Mason had this ten ft brick wall that surrounded him like a fortress. The ability to understand what he could be thinking was limited. She wouldn't deny herself the thought that he was a very attractive man. A chiseled face, a broad chest and arms that looked like he gave warm hugs.
The young librarian sat in her living room, eating leftover pizza from the night before. Dublin Was working tonight, so he had headed straight to work after school. It was odd, having another person in her home--but it felt nice. Having Dublin around didn’t make her feel too lonely nowadays. Sure, she had the dogs before, but it wasn’t the same thing as a creature on two legs. Plus, Aofie played a supporting role. She was in charge of Dublin, making sure he was getting all settled in and what not.
Time ticked by before Aofie put her plate in the sink. She fed her dogs and left a note for Dublin, knowing he would be back before she came back from Public library. Wanting to freshen up as well, Aofie brushed her hair, touched up her makeup and spritzed a soft English rose scent. She looked at herself in the mirror, hoping she looked a bit more approachable than last Monday when she obviously overdressed. Now, Aofie was in a navy blue tea skirt with a set of buttons down the front. It sat a bit higher than her natural waist and was held up with a thin brown belt. Her salmon pink heels matched her floral shirt that made her long brown waves pop.
Maybe I’m trying too hard…..
The small twinkle of excitement dropped from her eyes as she removed herself from the bedroom mirror. She gave her dogs a few pets before grabbing her purse and car keys to drive over to work.
When there, she was greeted by Andrew who looked up at her with that Santa look. “Aofie, a pleasure to see you again!”
“Yes, yes. Did you miss me after two days?”
“Of course, honey! Also, how’s your cousin doing?”
“Dublin? Oh, he’s doing fine! He’s at work right now.”
“Great! Well, Molly is coming in, and I’ll be working with her. Are you all set with Mason?” Andrew asked, a sly smile hiding under his beard. He saw how Aofie was last Monday and had purposely paired the two together for shits and giggles.
“Umm..yeah,” she nodded with a soft blush.
“Wonderful! I’ll be upstairs since I’ll be showing Molly how to organize the research floor. You can teach Mason how to check out books and returns.”
Aofie just nodded again as she stepped behind the desk. She placed her purse down and took a seat where she could face the front door, allowing her full view to see who would be walking in. As she waited, she started the computer next to her so she could walk Mason through the directions and allow him to tend to a few people once he got comfortable. If today proved a good day, he would be able to start learning the school library as well.
credits! template by MOLLIVER ! @ Caution 2.0. lyrics are from "one more time" by the epically awesome daft punk.
Well, I guess you could say this is a new intro? More so I'm back announcement! After many months of figuring life out, I am back and ready to party. Hopefully, everyone has been well and I can't wait to plot with you all. So hmu with ideas and so on!