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!.
It had taken Jeremy longer than expected to ask Dahlia out on a proper date. There were a lot of surrounding pressure about it from people who cared about both of them. In the back of his mind, there was always a fear of rejection - even at his age.
He had finished work after typing in yet another reservation for a room made online. Jeremy had become better about shutting off his work brain when his shift was over. After a quick shower and change, he headed to the car which was parked in the parking lot of the Hotel. Jeremy drove off towards Dahlia's flower shop - hoping she was done work by the time he got there.
After parking and getting out of the car, he headed inside the shop - the bell ringing as soon as he entered. "It's just me, don't rush if you are with a customer." He quickly busied himself by looking at what Dahlia had out on display.
Jeremy couldn’t help but laugh and shake his head. “Ah, the youngest are you? I’ve heard from other people that it’s a mixed bag in terms of behavior.” His own parents were just happy to have one child - even more so that he was born a boy. Jeremy’s parents were old school that way. “How many siblings do you have?” When he was a teenager, he often wondered what it would be like for him to have siblings. It had been a bit lonely for him, but he had made friends soon enough to make up for it. “Oh, I think I got away with more than you think. My parents were both never really home so I don’t think they knew when I broke something.” Mentioning being raised by a nanny would have made him sound as posh as he really was - not really something he wanted to mention to a stranger just yet.
“That is true, though I can imagine the ships you deal with are much more impressive.” He was honestly just happy at the time to be able to get it from one end of the shore to the other. Jeremy loved being outside and being active, though solid ground was a must for him. “Does that mean you caused trouble and got yourself grounded? Wait, if that’s too personal don’t answer that.” Jeremy used his hand and waved off his question. Sometimes learning why someone got fired wasn’t something people often shared. “That must be entertaining. Do you work at one of the bases nearby?” He didn’t know much about the Navy or Army but he had heard there was a base nearby.
As the boat made its final sink into the water he nodded. “Or maybe not even paper? There must be something else you could make it out of. Maybe some sort of plastic?” There were too many options for materials - though what people could make with 3D printers now amazed him. “Thank you. So do you. I feel like it’s something I needed to learn with all those stuffy business meetings.” Jeremy did love his job but even he got bored talking to investors and hearing their plans for the Hotel.
“They own the bar? Cool. I'll have to come get dinner there one night. Do you get free food as an investor or something?” Jeremy smiled again - he had heard about it from Hotel guests. It was often that he tried to listen to them as much as he could during his work day - they often gave him the best tips on where to eat. “Do you work at the bar too or just like to hang out there?”
Jeremy thanked Moses for the coffee, taking a sip of his own. He never said no to a cup - granted unlike his father he couldn’t stand black coffee. Smiling after he set the mug down on the counter beside his computer, the smooth liquid hit his lips.
The reservation was clearly interesting to him as he didn’t catch Moses’s reaction. It seemed to be a group coming in for some horsemanship clinic later in the month. He was always happy to have the Hotel full - he began arranging their rooms and reading the notes they left behind.
“What’s that supposed to mean, anyway? Do you know something I don’t?” He often wondered if Dahlia talked about him when he wasn’t there. Jeremy hoped he didn’t come off as selfish. “I know I’m oblivious but I feel like people I’ve talked to thinks that she has romantic feelings for me or something.” He was more trying to check and see how the woman felt about him. Rejection was something people felt at any age. “The only other person I’m seeing is work. Even if we were dating, I’d never cheat on her. Not really ever been my thing.” His parents may be complete opposites but they taught him what a healthy relationship looked like.
Jeremy nodded, glancing around at the Lounge. It didn't take him long to realize that Kasey was right. "Call me old, but I definitely didn't think the younger generations would like fancy things.' He also had very little interaction with younger people. His niece Jaana was about the only one but they didn't see each other that often either. "Is Karaoke something you enjoy though?"
He took a sip of his drink before setting it down on their table again. "I really don't. The Hotel is my home too so I feel like I have to force myself away." Coming from a business oriented family meant he was curious about how others were run and the personalities behind it. "So she's a hands on owner. You don't find those very often any more." His own father was someone the hotel guests often found wandering around chatting away. "And what do you think of her?"
Jeremy hoped he didn't trauma dump on a stranger, though Kasey did ask what he did for a living. More and more people were telling him he needed to work less - but the hotel couldn't run itself. "It's not something for everyone. The industry runs in my family so I only had a small choice." He didn't like speaking badly of his father, but the hotel did run in the family.
He raised his eyebrow - being in the Army wasn't exactly easy either. "Wow. I can imagine that wasn't easy either. British Army or American?" There was a possibility for either. It wasn't something he had considered for himself, running the hotel was always his plan. "Ah. I usually take my car there. Are you there full time?" He couldn't remember if he had seen him there when he got his oil changed.
"Honestly, either is fine. But after a long day of dealing with employees and guests makes me want to just watch tv by myself." Usually he was still working on his phone but at least no one could bother him. "Oh nice, do they live here with you? I do not have kids. Haven't really had time for a relationship lately." Though there was someone who caught his eye.
Jeremy couldn’t help but laugh. Thinking about his father finally giving in to his stubbornness. “If it happens, I’ll record it on my phone and send it to you. It should be in the World Record book for that.” He was glad that his cousin was being empathetic. Out of all his family members, he knew Bryne understood. “Any suggestions on how to get him to relax?” The dark-haired man knew from a young age that his father wouldn’t stop working until the day he died.
He went back to eating his food, quite enjoying his choice when Bryne dropped the bomb on him. “Uh, it’s complicated. I feel like she would say no. What happens if she has someone else?” He hoped he knew Dahlia well enough now but there was always the worry. “And at our age, what would be the best way to ask?” It sounded like a dumb question but he hadn’t asked anyone on a date since his University days - and even then the girl asked him out.
As the subject switched to Jaana, he put his fork down on his plate. “Two of them? What did you think of the first guy? I think I’ve heard of Landon. Or at least his father.” Jeremy had dealt with Logan on different occasions as he was an engineer. “Do they go to school together?” He was happy to have the conversation move away from his own love life.
The few moments of silence made him realize that he should spend more time there on his days off. Peace and quiet were something he needed after a long shift of running the hotel. There was an endless amount of tasks to be done, but he was learning to let things that could wait to wait. He wasn’t a robot after all. “See and I’m an only child, so I didn’t really have anyone to scare me off. Are you the youngest child then?”
Jeremy nodded, planes were also intriguing. “I wouldn’t have thought that, I actually admire both. Though I haven’t ever had to pilot either of them unless you count a paddle boat. Then I’ve done that several times.” He doubted it counted as it didn’t have a motor, though maybe Tre would find it funny. “Do you fly planes for a living or something?” Jeremy watched as the ship sank more until it finally sunk in the water. “I do hope you can build another one. That was a very sad voyage if I do say so myself.” Though the pond was much too big for a small boat, it was something that was impressive nonetheless.
“It’s nice to meet you too, Tre.” Jeremy returned the handshake, dropping his hand once it was done. “Stationed? Like Military stationed? It must keep you busy.” It wasn’t something he considered doing, granted his father would have killed him if he decided to join the Army. “Oh nice, that’s the newer bar in town, right? I’ll admit I haven’t been there yet.” He would have to go explore it though if the owner seemed nice enough. “I am actually, born here in Hickstead and barely left. Other than to go to University, I needed to be on my own for a bit.” Jeremy smiled, he was glad he had some time alone to focus on his studies.
Jeremy let out a chuckle before he answered. “I think they’ll be dead when it doesn’t. Be glad you aren’t their son.” He joked, honestly he wouldn’t know how he would feel if he had different parents. They at least allowed him to go away to school, even if it was just to London. “And at least you have a next generation to continue on.” That was another thing Richard Kirby decided that was his next nitpick against his son, though he didn’t want children with just anyone. It was something he was trying to get his own father to understand when the topic came up. “I really don’t either, though the Hotel is kind of a big thing.” The Kirby family had been running hotels for generations now, and he was to follow those steps.
“So she’s the topic of our family gossip then? I’ll have to tell her that the next time I see her.” Jeremy chuckled as he took a sip of his drink before continuing on. “She definitely is. That’s exactly why I got her to help with the garden. Dahlia can deal with him and she knows how he is. Makes the work relationship much easier.” Jeremy tried to give his own input, but sometimes there were too many cooks in the kitchen. “If I’m honest, I’m considering taking her out on a date.” He found himself tapping his foot against the door in nervousness. It wasn’t a feeling he was used to, but he like anyone else feared rejection.
Jeremy took another bite of food, shaking his head. “Never say never, there are several women who would be okay with it. Besides, Janna is a good kid. Has she been dating anyone recently?”
Jeremy held back a yawn at the mention of coffee. "Only if you are making one for yourself please. I'll have it with the Irish cream creamer please." He made sure there was a variety of flavors for his staff to choose from, even paying attention to what the most popular ones were.
"Oh wow that's very soon, isn't it? Do you think you have everything for them? I hope you have the pizza place on speed dial." He knew kids enjoyed a good greasy slice of pizza. Especially after what he could only imagine be a stressful day for the three of them. "Are they being dropped off by a social worker?" Adopting wasn't something he knew much about, but he did know that they often were dropped off by someone who knew the kids.
He knew Moses was a busy man and didn't expect him to say yes. "I don't think I ever will either. Maybe go watch a competition or two so I at least know what guests are talking about." It would add to his small talk vocabulary with them as his knowledge of the horse world was very basic. "I'm glad he is afraid of someone. Sometimes I think he thinks he is invincible. I do have to admit she does tell him no nicely. Haven't heard of him storming out of a meeting with her, have you?" He finished typing the new reservations and sat back in his chair, glancing around to see if any guests were in the lobby.
He watched as the ducks swam by, enjoying how peaceful it was. The quietness was a strong contrast to the loud, intense sounds at the Hotel. It made him wonder if this was what other people's minds sounded like. "Oh good, you never know who scares easily. It depends on the situation though, right?" If he was in the middle of a dance, he would be more disappointed than startled - but it often happened to him anyway.
"Ah? Are you a boat guy? I feel like we should give her a proper burial if we can." He wasn't really a boat guy, though he would never say no to going out on a boat - if someone offered. It was ironic as he worked and helped run the beach hotel, though he preferred his feet on the land. "I'm Jeremy. Nice to meet you, Tre. What made you move here?" It was always interesting to hear why people moved. Hickstead was starting to become a hopping place by the sound of it. His dark eyes flickered back to the boat, watching as it sunk down into the water.
"You would think but most people don't think that way. I thought maybe you meant they did karaoke or something." People had different meanings of singing - there were too many factors for it to be a concrete answer. "Do you know the owner well? I didn't know she was a woman." Wow, that sounded sexist. He was more accepting of it than his old school father, though he was part of a different generation.
Jeremy sighed, he had to admit to someone that he worked way too much. "Yeah, like in terms of alcohol. I don't tend to go out and drink. Work takes up way too much of my time." Dahlia kept telling him that too - though his father wasn't getting any younger. He was the focus right now. "Army huh? How long were you there for?" Jeremy would much rather sit in an office than be somewhere an fix bikes. "Fixing bikes and cars sounds fun though. Definitely something different to do."
He raised an eyebrow, living in the woods felt a little odd. "I take it you enjoy being on your own then?" Jeremy didn't want to read too much into things either. "Yes, that's the fancy one. Sometimes I do get tired of dealing with people, but it makes the job interesting." It was often he didn't see the same people over and over again - except his employees of course.
"That's a little young for me. I'd like to date someone who knew what it was like before the internet existed." He lifted his glass and tapped it gently against Kasey's. "To getting old." He took a sip and set his glass down. "You have kids? How old are they?"
Jeremy let out a laugh and raised his eyebrow. His parents were starting to bothering him to get married and have children of his own. "You know it. Seems to be their latest insistence. I thought their dream of me running the hotel coming true would keep them off my back for awhile." He wasn't exactly getting any younger and neither were his parents. Though having children was the last thing on his mind at the moment. "Anyone bothering you about it? I'd like to think you're going to get married before me."
It wasn't too much longer until the waitress came and set both their plates of food in front of them. Jeremy thanked her and picked up his fork, fluffing his rice up. He smiled softly at the mention of Dahlia. "Did I mention her too often or something? Yes, she lives here too now. I help her out with her garden projects when I can." He didn't want to admit that she was slowly pulling him out of working too much - which was a good thing. "We are just friends though. Anyone catch your eye though?" He didn't think so, but it was worth a shot. Jeremy picked up a forkful of rice and ate it while he waited for the answer.
He wasn't one to have the schedule of the performances memorized. Jeremy was way too much of a workaholic to go out anywhere after work. "I didn't even know they had performances here. Have you heard any of them sing before?" Not even in his youth did he go to any parties - his parents were way too protective of him to allow that.
Jeremy quickly caught the joke and laughed. "Not a fan of it I take it?" He didn't really enjoy a dark beer - it was too heavy for his taste. "Sometimes I don't even know what to order." Great, now he sounded like an inexperienced adult. "That must be enjoyable. Do you enjoy fixing things then?" Now that he got a closer look at the man, he did seem to recognize him. "I help run the Lost Shores Hotel. My parents own it still but there's always something to do." Sometimes the guests were very overdramatic which didn't make his life at work any easier.
"That's way more often than me. I've maybe been here once or twice in my years of living here." It wasn't really his kind of place, though he was trying his best to branch out his hangout spots. "Can't say I've been to R&R either. Way too old for that crowd now though."
Jeremy let out a sigh. He was starting to feel what burn out felt like. He didn't know what day it was half the time. "I've been working way too much." He glanced over at the coffee that Moses had, partially wishing that he brought his own down from his apartment. He hated the heat more than anything and this summer was no exception. "Oh that must be exciting. When are they moving in again?"
He began typing away on the computer in front of him, adding the new reservations that had come in. Jeremy sat down in the chair behind him, always thankful for the option to stand if he needed it. "Glad someone has the finger on the pulse around here. The horse bug hasn't bit you yet?" None of the Kirby family rode, but that could always change. With his parents on the brink of retiring, it could be their new hobby.
"True, it's always nice to see the Hotel full. I never would have thought this to be a tourist town." It was a far cry from a high end hotel in London, but there were enough people visiting to make them more than enough money. "Don't tell me his idea of putting a statue of himself in the garden got through?"
Jeremy's parents had forced him to take a day off. He was starting to feel the burnout of running a Hotel full time, though with things slowing down and tourist season around the corner - he needed a mental health break.
He decided to head to the park, wanting some fresh air. Spending all day inside working didn't do him any good either. Jeremy had one thing on his mind - how he should ask Dahlia on a date and where he should take her. The gravel crunched beneath his feet as he debated. He had a crush on Dahlia since their days in University together. It wasn't long before he reached the pond.
Jeremy saw a man crouching by the edge of the pond, making his way over to him. "Did you lose something in the water? Or is the edge of the water interesting?" Another man he didn't recognize - though with work he didn't often adventure out of the hotel either. "I didn't mean to interrupt, scaring you was the last thing I wanted to do." He glanced over at the ducks in the pond, smiling softly at the sight of the ducklings swimming along with their parents.
When the stranger finally answered, Jeremy smiled and nodded. "Thanks, it seems like it's quite full tonight. Is there live music or something?" It wasn't like it was the weekend, though maybe the bar was busy every night - Jeremy had no idea. He pulled the chair out from underneath the table and sat down, unraveling his scarf and carefully hanging it behind his chair.
The waitress came over quickly after she realized that a new customer had arrived. He ordered a water and a light beer, having eaten already at home before he left. "Nice to meet you, I'm Jeremy." He quickly shrugged his wool jacket off as he waited for his beverages. "You could say that. I'd go as far as saying it's been a long week. What about you? Do you come here often?" The man glanced around the establishment, it was a little more casual than the bar at the Hotel though he really didn't mind that. "I have to admit, I wasn't sure what to expect when I drove here." He could count on his hand how often he had been there.