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 mean...I can be?” he snickered, grabbing the right brush. Andrew wasn’t a dumbass and wasn’t about to pull weaponize incompetence. If he could remember how to hit a certain skate routine, he would brush a horse. Andrew approached Phantom and let the horse sniff the brush in his hand, just so the horse knew what was going on. Also, to signal that another person that wasn’t Aurora was about to touch all over him.
“Yeah, it was fine. I was early as always, but it doesn’t help that we live a walking distance away from his daycare,” he replied, starting to brush along Phantom’s spine. “I managed to fix the toilet that was having issues and get a load of laundry done. It’ll be interesting to see how much more I can get done when Alexi is in school full-time. I might see if I can get into some more coaching. What about you?”
Andrew couldn’t help but snort at the comment of being an expert. “I wouldn’t say I’m experienced since I don’t have a degree in it. If being in a relationship with one person for a certain amount, then I guess so?” Andrew shrugged. He could only say he was an expert in hockey. Even then, Andrew felt like he wasn’t such an expert, despite playing it for as long as he did.
He flaked some of his salmon, before making the best bite with everything on it. The salmon had a good flavor. Better than anything he could cook on his own. It wouldn’t stop him from trying, though.
“I think you should. I mean, you’re both at the age that it should be a priority. Better to know than to waste each other’s time. Same with the conversation about children. Is she wanting to change her last name? figure out what deal breakers are for you.”
He was doing it. Andrew was finally caving and getting onto a horse. He knew the day would happen at some point. Andrew knew it was time since Alexi was getting older. Aurora needed help, but that wasn’t Maeve. He didn’t know why it was such a pressing matter for him, but the band-aid had to come off. Quick and painless. At least, he hoped it would be. Aurora wouldn’t let him damage himself too much.
Andrew got dressed and made his way to the barn, after dropping Alexi off at Courtney’s. He knew he wasn’t dressed properly, but jeans and a light cool jacket were better than athletic shorts and a T-shirt. “Yes, I’m here,” he smiled. “Ah, so free labor out of me too?” he joked. “But alright...you show me what to do first.” Gosh, he felt like a kid in grade school.
“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?”
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?”
“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.
“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?”
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.”
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.”
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?”
“Pastels make sense for the season we’re aiming for. It’s an easier color to deal with too.” From what Andrew could remember from the weddings his teammates had, colors were a huge thing for the layout and also the season. He didn’t think colors were limited to a season, but he wasn’t a professional planner. Andrew had just been to a few weddings. Though he wouldn’t deny burgundy and gold did look amazing for the fall season weddings. His favorite was probably the Halloween costume party wedding from when a family got married.
“well, there is room for accents? They say the bride does wear something blue.” It was another silly tradition kind of thing, but he was curious if aurora had thought about it. The idea of something new, something blue, and something borrowed was intriguing.
“hmm.” Andrew scratched his chin. “We could get a room at the hotel? Might as well enjoy some time together after entertaining and being around everyone.” There were of course the intimate perks of being alone, but Andrew was also looking forward to not having to worry about responsibilities the next day. He was sure they would be nursing a bit of a hangover as well.
“Might as well,” he chuckled. It wouldn’t be the first time he had anything custom. Most professional athletes needed to, especially basketball people. He could only imagine what Shaq’s tailor was getting. Also the shoes. Thankfully, Andrew wasn’t too bad. He just had broad shoulders that made over-the-counter suits difficult to wear.
“Hmm okay. We could always do a small cake with cupcakes of variety. Make it easier. We need to chat about allergies, too. As far as I know, no one has any but it’s better to ask.” Gosh, it really was one thing that led to another. “Great. Have you decided on colors? We’re going to need that for the florist and maybe the matching outfits of Maeve and Alexi.
Andrew shrugged before finishing his coffee. Alexi replayed his SpongeBob episode, but his dad was able to tune it out. “Well, that’s on your parents, not you. If they cared, they would’ve fixed it already.” Andrew thankfully, never understood, a dysfunctional family. It did make it harder for him to understand what Aurora was going through at the time, but he knew better now. He never pushed for anything.
“Perfect! I think we have a good list then. Tux? Yeah, Ama is fitting me later this week. Might as well spend some money to look good in a custom?” Andrew stood up and walked to the kitchen for a moment to grab some more coffee. “How’s the cake going?” Andrew asked, sitting back down. “I know Esther and Moses have been great on the drinks and catering side so far.”
“Of course!” he replied, looking a bit offended that she had to ask. While it wasn’t necessarily his thing, Andrew still wanted to be a part of it. The duties were about 50-50 which is what it should be.
He thought about asking his teammates and tapped the pen on the table. “Honestly, I think I would rather wait to celebrate with them later. It would bring the press and I don’t want to deal with the hassle.” While he loved them, setting up the travel for them and schedules would be difficult. He didn’t want to spend money on stationery that probably couldn’t show up. Andrew would already be paying for his family to fly over.
“I would rather keep super close people for the ceremony. Like Maeve, Alexi, and family. I didn’t know if you wanted Cassandra and Steph in the bridal party though. If that was the case, I would need to find people for my end.” While some people didn’t care too much, Andrew wanted some type of symmetry for the wedding party. “I think the reception would be best for all of our friends and their plus-ones? Personally, I would rather enjoy an intimate – family-only ceremony, and everyone joins us for the party.”