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!.
"Well, I just..." He blew out a breath, struggling to know how to speak it. "I have been married, to a woman, and before her there were always women. Since she died, I have not been interested in anyone, it's not even been on my radar or my thoughts." Years had passed but he just hadn't felt any flame, until now. "But now I find my head turned for the first time in a long time, and it's a man? I don't understand, I have never felt attraction for men before, and I don't think it is men but rather just this one." He frowned, confusion written on his features.
Caleb listened to him, his features softening as Eli spoke. It was not too much unlike from his own experience with the one partner he'd had in his life. Meshing his fingers together, he smiled knowingly. He'd been confused for a time, almost lost in his confusion, but eventually there had been realization and acceptance.
"You know Eli, what you just described is not too far from my own experience," he said gently, "It's confusing and makes you question things. I did the same when I finally dated when I was younger."
His gaze was distant, the smile sad and warm at the same time as he recalled the years spent with Andrew. How easily they'd meshed as a couple, but only his own stubbornness had ruined what had been good in his life. He didn't admit to many that he'd ever had a partner, letting others believe that the life of a bachelor was one he'd been treading for as long as he'd been alive.
"Despite having married to a lady as fine as your wife, life moves forward, and she still loves you in some way and would undoubtedly want to see you happy. Sometimes asking the smaller questions can help rather than simply wondering why. Ask yourself what it is you feel towards this man - is it the personality, his ability to talk and make the world melt away, or is it surface level attraction; is it how he looks, the curve of his nose, the colour of his eyes. Ask those questions instead of wondering why a man, why now - those questions can leave you muddled, conflicted," his eyes returned to Eli with an understanding light in them, "I asked myself those questions and I realized for me, it was both surface attraction, but also a deeper attraction to his personality. When it dawned on me that that was got myself to look twice at him, I asked myself one last question - did I love him? It took me years to answer that question Eli, and there is no time limit to finding those answers."
He picked up his tea cup and drank from it, humming softly, "It's not something you can answer in a day, and no one can sway your decisions. And there is nothing wrong with liking a man and not having a full blown attraction to men outright - it doesn't always go that way. In the end of things, its your happiness Eli."
He set his tea cup down and let Eli digest what he said, not wishing to over whelm him.
Eli blushed faintly, unable to help the flush pink that coloured his cheeks at the compliment and praise. "Thank you, you are too kind. He really is doing his best and I am so proud of him for the way he has made his life work even with his challenges." he could have shirked his responsibilities to his son, especially being so young. But even without Eli forcing him, he had always wanted to do what was right. Eli cleared his throat and took another sip of his tea, hesitating. He had come for advice really and he was unsure how to go about it. "Speaking of challenges, I have somewhat recently come to find one of my own ..."
"A young man with some good sense," he nodded with a soft smile, "It is not a common thing any more."
The days of being kind and polite alongside a dash of common sense were now so rare it almost felt like finding hen's teeth, though he kept the analogy to himself.
"Oh?" Caleb asked, finally reaching forward for a biscuit, "Though I don't know what this challenge is, it does seem to be troubling you - given that look on your face Eli. If I am able to help or otherwise giving my thoughts on it, speak freely - it goes no further than this room and you are still my friend regardless. And if you don't want to talk about it, well, you naturally don't have to say a word."
He looked over to where the dogs were laying down on the floor and he sighed, caving in to their puppy eyes. Setting his cup down on a plate along with the biscuit, he got up and went to the kitchen.
"Alright you two, stop guilting me to death," he said with a low chuckle, "Should've put you both outside."
He went over and gave each dog a milk-biscuit and returned to his seat.
"Kindness never killed a man, so I like to think," he said gently.
Caleb sipped at his tea; he was that one person who would help a stranger at a moments notice, regardless of situation or location. His parents had always told him and his brother that kindness was free and should be paid as often as one could give it, so it was never so strange as to when he let friends and strangers stay in his home when they needed a night off the street.
"So nothing particularly exciting? I'm glad all is well though," He nodded.
"No, nothing all that interesting, just the same as always," he dipped his head slightly.
"Yes, he's keeping himself busy with work, and so I've have Cole quite a bit recently, but I'm glad for him working so hard, he's trying to make something of himself and I can't deny that."
Caleb's smile was warm and full of understanding, "You've raised a good son Eli, and so you should be proud of him making a hard go of work and aiming to make something of himself. It is very good to hear, so few good stories these days reach my ears."
"Think nothing of it," Caleb said, his tone light hearted, "Life can get messy and in the way."
"Thanks," He added.
"Oh dear, but look at that face... how could you resist?" He teased, taking hold of the tea and dunking the biscuit into his tea. "So, how have you been? We could do with some catching up."
Caleb watched Gen's head go back to resting on her paws as she watched Eli dunk a biscuit.
"She's a little trouble maker some days," he said, shaking his head slowly, "As for myself, I can't say much has changed. I still do all the same things, meet the same people each day for tea or coffee, lend my ear to their plights. And work has been a little slower, but it's to be expected - can't have me in a stable yard constantly, too expensive. So all in all, there is nothing to report as amiss."
He sat in the opposite lounge and drank some of his tea before setting the cup down on a coaster, "And yourself? How are you? Your son is doing well I hope? I take it you've been keeping busy?"
Caleb smiled as he moved into the kitchen and began filling the kettle, "No, but thank you for the offer. Take a seat, get comfy - relax, and tell me what has been going on since we last spoke. It's been so long... I can't even remember where we left off."
He frowned slightly but let it go, he had been busy and likely Elijah had also been equally busy, if not more so. He put out the cups and readied the tea bags. Then got a plate of biscuits together, taking it out to the living room and set them on the coffee table.
"Help yourself Eli," he said gently, before looking at Gen, "And you madam, don't you try sneaking a biscuit again, you hear? I caught you stealing one when we were last out and about, I haven't forgotten."
Gen merely tilted her head and looked innocent, causing Caleb to raise a brow as he stared her down.
Caleb brushed a handful of spent petals into his hand from the coffee table and put them in the bin as he did a final sweep of his flat to ensure it was spotless - as he liked it. Windows opened, dusting done, floors vacuumed and washed, the dogs fed. Everything was tidy and completed in the sparse rooms. He glanced at his watch - almost time for a spot of tea, and almost time for Eli to arrive.
His door was always open to his friends, no matter the day or hour, he always had room for one more. He was always there to lend a hand, shoulder or ear for anyone - even a stranger on the street. His dogs were reclined back on one of the lounges, with Louie resting his head on Gen's back. He smiled at the two border collies - his life would be incomplete without the amazing duo. He'd adopted them together, a three-legged dog and the other with a blind eye and permanent smile. They were both brilliant dogs from a shelter, and both adapted exceedingly well to the flat life.
As he watched them, he watched them perk and stare down the door.
"Ah, he's here, right on time," Caleb said gently as he went to the door and opened it, "Perfect timing Eli, come in, make yourself comfortable."
Leaving the door wide, he went into the kitchen, "Tea? Coffee? Something else?"
identifying features• A pleasant face that seems older than he is. Neatly groomed, he is without any serious flaws or blemishes.
the personality
likes • Animals, Plants - Roses and Lilies specifically, His Job, Helping others, Playing the Piano.
dislikes • People who abandon or abuse their animals, Narrow Minded People, Snobs, Wannabes and Know-it-Alls, People who break the Law
strengths • Has impeccable class, Loves to Learn, Very good with People and Animals.
weaknesses • He cannot say no to others. He is also too trusting of others.
dreams • To make a difference in the world and in other's lives.
fears • Fire
overall personality • Caleb is a soft and generous soul that is always willing to reach out and make another's life better in anyway he can. Humble and notoriously kind, it is hard to see this man angry - though he would describe his anger as measured and restrained. If he isn't working with a client, he's working with his own animal companions - as his love of animals ranges to those great and small. He's always calm and measured, even in stressful situations, and talks to everyone as if they're life-long friends. His memory is long, and he can hold a very long grudge, so be careful not to spurn him or you will lose a loyal friend.
the history
father • Arthur Dennis Callahan, 63, Deceased
mother • Anne Rose Callahan [Bower], 60, Deceased
siblings • Robert James Callahan - Twin, Deceased
important people • Andrew Phillips - Ex
hometown • York, England
overall history • Born the older of twins, Caleb was raised in a loving home that was full of joy and full of many brilliant memories. He and Robert were inseparable as children, giving their parents many mild headaches over the years as they pulled pranks on their parents and excelled in school. Whilst Robert proved in his early teens to be a hit with the girls, Caleb wasn't nearly as interested and had more interest in genuine friendships over casual flings.
As the finished secondary school, Caleb applied to College and was accepted into Oxford whilst Robert decided he didn't want to continue his education and settled into a local job. Moving away from home, Caleb moved onto the College campus and began his studies in Psychology. The night of his 21st birthday, Caleb received a knock on the door of his dorm informing him that his brother and parents had been in a fatal hit and run when they were going home from the local pub. Distraught, Caleb was left to pick up the pieces - tossing his psychology degree out the window and raced home. The ordeal left him with a significant inheritance but an equally significant hole in his life, and for a period of time Caleb was in a dark place which was later brightened by Andrew - his former dorm-mate. Concerned for Caleb's well-being, he tracked him down and helped him pick through the ruins and it grew into a relationship that Caleb would've glad kept going for the rest of his days if it weren't for Andrew deciding to go into the Military.
Afraid that he would lose him, Caleb self-destroyed their relationship to spare them both any future heartache. Called a plethora names, Andrew left furious and hurt, and Caleb did his best to move forward once again, picking up and moving to Hickstead at 24. With his love animals in mind, he found courses and studied, coming out the other side as an Equine Chiropractor and Equine Dentist and has worked in the profession since - hired by large stables, vets, and even offering his time to rescues and sale yards.
Since then, Caleb has remained in Hickstead with his two disabled dogs - Louie and Gen, and his chestnut thoroughbred mare - May, who is stabled at Seven Oaks.
