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!.
Courtney chuckled. “Hmm that is true. Should I dress as Fabio?” He knew his hair wasn’t long enough for it. Courtney was fit, of course, he liked to keep his body healthy and moving. Maybe it was because of his sister’s cancer, but he knew even the mightiest could fall in a heartbeat. Some of the healthiest people could die from a heart attack, he had seen it a few times. More than he wanted to admit.
“Maybe I should borrow one of your horses. Dress up, make sure my posture is good…” He finished his drink, as he played with a puzzle piece between his middle and index finger. Courtney was impressed with how loose his words were. Not like he ever held things from Phe. But as he matured, he found that saying things outright would often be better. “Or maybe we should go on a date.” The sentence slipped out, and for once – Courtney felt no need to correct himself.
“Online, dating, huh? I guess you’ll have to help me out then,” he teased. Courtney wasn’t quite planning it, mainly because the one he wanted was in front of him. Even at his age, Courtney still didn’t know how to voice his thoughts and emotions correctly. It should’ve been easier now, right? “Only if you make one, too.” It wasn’t out of malice, but Courtney wasn’t about to put himself out there unless Phe did too. It didn’t mean they had to commit to their apps, but things were more fun together, right?
His eyes watched as she attempted a piece a few times before she changed tact. Courtney grabbed another piece himself, attempting a few tries himself. A failure for him as well, causing a bit of a creased frown. It made him wonder how professional puzzlers were able to get pieces like this done in an hour or two. “Would that make a good dating profile picture? Or would that come off pompous?” Courtney asked, taking a sip of his drink. “Me being on a horse would look better than holding a fish, right?”
“I think it’s a speed dating thing, which feels weird to me. How do you judge someone in a five-minute span?” he asked, putting a piece in – a small feeling of victory waving over him. “Then again, my job hasn’t allowed a lot of dating. If anything, I’m here to help people date and go out by looking after their kids,” Courtney added with a snort. “I’m at that age now where there are people deciding what they want to do about kids. It’s a bit of a deal breaker, you could say.” Courtney knew kids were a sensitive topic for a few people. He was always open about it, and a lot of dating runs ended that way. He never faulted anyone for that. It meant that they knew what they wanted.
Courtney thanked the staff for the food and he took a sip of his beverage. “Well, I guess being in an area full of equestrians, you were bound to find a group. I don’t know if I could get myself on a horse. I think I would like to try.” He was curious, but Courtney also liked the idea of having another activity to do that Phe liked. While they had other interests, it was something that he knew she loved.
Courtney smiled. It was true, Phe did have an interesting way of getting up after an injury. He wished he had that bounceback, as a kid and now. When he was a nurse still, kids managed to bounce back after a broken arm. Oh to be younger. "Age changes us doesn't it?" he laughed.
"Night life, huh? I haven't been to the club in forever. Maybe we're just better lounging in onesies and watching cartoons?" It had been a long time since they had spent time together like that. Their families were close too, which made birthdays and holidays a massive event.
"There's a lot of stuff happening, like some mingling things. I don't know if I could do it..been out of the game forever! Probably why I understand kids better." Courtney had tried dating a bit, but no one really clicked. Maybe it was because they weren't looking for long term or his favorite line, he was too nice. Whatever the heck that meant.
Courtney couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. Who was this Pasha person? He knew he had no right to feel that way, as it could easily be a professional thing. Maybe it was the way she used hooked up. "That's great!" And Courtney was genuine. He looked over the pieces and failed agin. "Did it become an overnight sensation right away via social media?" Court asked in a teasing manner. That's what happened with the roller skating crowd. Same with some other interests like hand knitting.
“Well, she does use a lot from your mom’s shop,” Courtney teased back, knowing full well both their families were suspicious in multiple ways. Nothing wrong with it, as it was entertaining to see what his mom would do after and before guests came into the home. Mainly the sage and the incense and asking for protection. Courtney himself didn’t particularly practice anything – but he never yucked someone’s yum.
He snorted at her comment. “Yeah, but I can hand these kids back. I don’t know how teachers do it. Work with kids and then come back to kids.” Maybe later in life, he would consider, but he hadn’t found the person to want to make a child with. He wasn’t a believer in a one-parent household. Court liked the idea of his children having both parents there, to care for and give love. Of course, this could all change later in life - but for now, he liked the idea of a wife or husband.
“Oh yes. I remember my sister calling me when it happened. I was traveling then, and she was crying for you. It made me panic a lot since I wasn’t there.” He was thankful the leg was the only thing that got broken. Courtney was sure that it had been worse than it was, but his sister was a bit dramatic. Since he had been back, it made him happier to know that he was closer to now. Maybe it sounded odd, but Court didn’t know if he could handle Phe getting hurt and him not being there to take care of her. Yes, she had her family and friends…but he was a nurse at heart.
“I am! It’s nice to be finally settled in one place. I enjoyed all the traveling I’ve done in the past ten years. But I’m ready to enjoy the time with y—my friends and family more.” That was close.
“That’s great! It’s always nice to have more people in your area to see. Makes meeting new people a bit less intimidating.”
Wait staff came over and took their orders. Court got green tea and a salad. Despite eating earlier, he was famished with nervous energy. “My mom said you’re teaching works shops now?” he asked, picking up a piece of the puzzle and placing it into space after staring at the space for a minute.
“She’ll probably claim it was all the Filipino love.” It wasn’t hard to admit that there was plenty of love in the cooking at his house. His mom’s love language was food and feeding people. The neighbors always knew when it was Sunday as she would cook what felt like vats of food and share with those around her.
He let out a laugh and nodded in agreement. “What can I say? Must make the kiddos happy so they keep coming back.” There were times that the parents were frustrated, often claiming things that Courtney didn’t agree with. His sister had fired a few parents already, or some were turned away. It wasn’t like there were other places to take their kiddos. Courtney’s sister managed a good spot as Oldaker had a lot of families. There was a convenience about the location which made them well known and sought after.
“What kind of tricks are you working on?” Courtney asked, looking at the small drink menu that was on the table. Some of them were a lot, ingredient-wise – but the cinnamon latte sounded promising.
“They are for sure little energy takers, but I think growing up around child care – it was bound to happen.” While dealing with children wasn’t something for everyone, Courtney realized that he would rather look after children in a childcare setting than what he had done for years. Pediatric care took a toll on his emotional and mental health, and while he missed caring for the children – it was a different type of drain. “It could be my sister, too. She can wrangle those kids up so fast. Oh! Talking about sisters...how are yours? I’m sure your mum has been busy too?”
“Gosh darn...I guess I’ve aged myself terribly then, haven’t I?” he responded. Courtney was sure it was a saying, but maybe not a Uk thing. Either way, he would have Phe have this one. He didn’t want to start an argument, even if it could’ve been a playful one.
Courtney quirked an eyebrow at the pale skin joke. He could’ve added another line to it, but he knew how she felt about red-head jokes. Even if someone said she was a devil, Phe would always be an angel in his eyes. Maybe that was the friend in him, but Court never fell for those weird stereotypes or assumptions. “I wish I could avoid the sun, but the kids always beg to go to the park. How dare they! And thanks. My mum I’m sure is adding something to her cooking to keep us all looking young.”
“I’m glad to hear you’re still riding! And how has work been? Any new students?” Courtney was always amazed by Phe’s and her family’s abilities in whatever they do. Even though they weren’t related by blood, he didn’t know if he met another group of thick thieves. “Summer has been running me up the wall! A lot of kids to watch over, which don’t get me wrong – I’m very grateful for. But I think the summer has been bringing in the tourists, which also means their kids. The school year will slow things down a bit. I don’t know how many trips I’ve had to take to the barns just the past week. Or even the pool.”
A familiar voice broke his train of thought. If he wasn’t expecting her, Court would’ve jumped a bit. Phoenix gave him one of her famous bear hugs, and he couldn’t help but wrap her tightly back before they let go of each other. “Long time, no see...buckaroo. Is that what they say, now?” he laughed. “You look great! Haven’t aged a bit.” Maybe it was that witch magic or something. Every one of the Lovecraft family looked frozen in time.
“How have you been, Phe? How’s your summer been?” She sounded busy, from what she told him a bit ago. Summer always meant a lot more horse activity in Hickstead. Competitions especially.
Courtney was surprised when his sister asked him to conduct an interview for the daycare. Of course, he was happy to do so – but he wasn’t the boss. Maybe it was because they were family and she trusted him enough to conduct it. Nevertheless, Courtney was ready.
The resume read well, but that could always change in a second. While Courtney never really interviewed too many people, he had listened to a few his sister had conducted. Even in nursing, he heard a few. People either flopped or did well. Sometimes there were a few that interviewed well, then flopped completely at the job.
When he heard the knock, Courtney smiled. At least this Alex person was on time. After a few seconds of checking his hair in the hallway mirror, Courtney opened the door and smiled.“Alex? Hi, welcome. I’m Courtney.” The older man greeted, offering a firm handshake. “Please, come in. You can put your shoes on the rug,” Courtney added – nodding towards a rug on the tile in the mud room.
Courtney looked at his watch, wondering if he should’ve waited a bit longer to go. Maybe it was his training, where being on time was late. Nevertheless, he had no issues waiting. After all, it had been years since he and Phoenix had a good sit down to chat. The two knew each other from way back, and even though he had been back for a bit – the timing was difficult. They at least we're able to phone call and text, better than most.
He found a cushy area in the store, looking at the puzzle in front of him. The shop was new, a puzzle and coffee place. Like a book café but for puzzles and board games. It gave Courtney something to do instead of constantly checking his phone.
full name • Courtney Jude Luis Mendaza nicknames • Court, Mr. Mendaza, CJ age • 34 birthday • July 2, 1987 occupation • former nurse - currently Nanny, Part timer at Tree House Daycare gender • male sexuality • bi-sexual
the appearance
face claim• Manny Jacinto
identifying features• strong jawline, wide smile
the personality
likes • dark chocolate (the more it tastes like dirt, the better), scrap booking, Filipino food, grilling, the ocean, martial arts of all kind, learning languages (he's a polyglot) dislikes • bland food, pasta heavy dishes, nuts (allergic), white bread, alcohol (alcoholism runs in the family) strengths • working with kids, keeping calm weaknesses • cancer patients, baking dreams • help children as much as he can, become a parent fears • not becoming a father, failing the kids he helps overall personality • Courtney is a reserved and private person. He doesn't believe in the whole over sharing in person or digitally. Of course, if he's close enough with someone - he would be more willing to express his dreams. Due to working with children, Courtney has a bit more of a Sesame Street vibe while at work. He rarely swears and doesn't believe in voicing judgements of people he doesn't like. He is a kind soul, treating his clients with the upmost respect. Courtney often offers discounted rates to those that can't afford his usual rates, as he believes child care should be more accessible.
the history
father •Alejandro, 62, Pediatrician mother • Elianna, 60, pediatric NP siblings • Melony, deceased - Xavier, 32 - Janessa, 36, Tree House Daycare owner important people • Ruby, 32 - best friend hometown • Hickstead, UK overall history • Courtney was born to Elianna and Alejandro Mendaza as the second oldest. His parents met when Alejandro began his residency in London. Initially thought to be a girl, his parents were surprised when Courtney popped out to be a boy. Thankfully, all they had to do was change his middle name!
Caring for children appeared to run in the family, as the children found themselves going into child care or child medicine. Following the medical path, Courtney attending a nursing program and became a traveling nurse. He traveled the world until his late twenties. He was called home when Melony, the second youngest of the children became diagnosed with breast cancer.
Courtney's career was put on hold to help for his sister that fought the good fight for a year and a half. his sister's death hit him harder than expected, and Courtney found himself leaving nursing to avoid watching more death happening.
Janessa offered Courtney a part time job at her day care as something to help Courtney heal. Courtney took to child care like a fish in water. He took advanced nanny courses, similar to those of the royal nannies of Buckingham. While Courtney isn't exactly looking after royalty, he treats his clients as if they were.
He continues to nanny and help his sister when needed. Wanting to start a family of his own, Courtney is beginning to search for someone to settle down with, male or female.
the role player
alias • Aofie age • fossil other characters • yeet
