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!.
The scent of leather was refreshing, reminding him of working at the Sales Yard or his Grandmother's barn back home. It was something nostalgic for him, in a good way. He nodded as the suggestions came from the woman. "I think a new keychain and bag would be good. Not sure if a leather wallet is her thing." The leather wallet was probably something more for him, though from a glance he could tell a few of the displayed ones were for women as well. Once he had decided on the two items, he stopped near the bag section - seeing that Lilith had joined him there.
"Do you work in the science field then if you were interested in tarantulas?" It wasn't a safe assumption as most people grew out of their hobbies and never really turned them into a career - though nineteen was an age where people mostly knew what they wanted. "I don't think she'd like either of those things. Bugs and Science really aren't her thing." He didn't enjoy those subjects either, though he tried to help her the best he could - when she asked for help that was. "That sounds like an easy person to shop for. Does he want to get into engineering then maybe?" From the sounds of it, her brother had awhile until he really needed to decide his next steps in terms of a job.
His eyes shifted from bag to bag, wondering if Eva wanted a backpack or more of a tote bag for school. The backpack was the more traditional school choice, though from what he had seen from dropping her off at school - both were being used quite often by her fellow classmates. "This friend you are shopping for, did you have something in mind already or did you also need some ideas?" His suggestions also depended on if the friend was male or female - along with what discipline they rode.
thanks aofie!
thirty - part time firetruck mechanic & Sales Yard Stable hand - single (hetero)
AGE
30
SEXUALITY
Heterosexual
RELATIONSHIP
Single
OCCUPATION
Fire Station Mechanic and Part time Stable hand @ Sales Yard
"I totally believe you, I got dragged along to the parent teacher interviews and heard differently." Though this was nor the time or place to have a discussion about school. Lilith didn't exactly need to know what kind of troublemaker his sister was. Brandon felt odd by the change of Eva's attitude - wondering why she was acting different. It wasn't like he and Lilith were dating or anything. They were just friends and had recently ran into each other during the Christmas holidays. "I've told our coworkers that bug lady was a much more appropriate name. Of course, that's what I get when most of my coworkers are younger than me." They all seemed to be in University or younger, which meant immature nicknames for people and animals alike.
Brandon's dark eyes glanced between the two women as if there was some secret game going on behind the scenes. Clearly, it was going way over his head. "We did just get here actually, if you have time for a mini tour that would be great. I'd be more interested in seeing the bugs, but I'm also up for anything if Eva gets the icks from seeing too many bugs." Though as she worked at the Sales Yard, there were a fair share of bugs crawling around. It was always interesting for him to see what kinds they had at work, as often they gave signs as to what the environment around them was like.
thanks aofie!
thirty - part time firetruck mechanic & Sales Yard Stable hand - single (hetero)
AGE
30
SEXUALITY
Heterosexual
RELATIONSHIP
Single
OCCUPATION
Fire Station Mechanic and Part time Stable hand @ Sales Yard
"Nice to meet you, I think I've seen you around here before. I'm Brandon, a stable hand here. Though only part time." He was starting to think he lived more at the Sales Yard rather than the Fire Station, though it all depended on what needed to be done and where he was needed. Some people called him crazy, but that's how his life had been for years now. His attention turned to the palomino gelding who was curious about the new person. "He would be in great hands with you, probably be spoiled rotten."
From what he had seen, the horses Orion had worked on at the yard enjoyed being worked on. It was something helpful, especially when figuring a new horse out. "I would have thought you would have ridden much longer than that." Granted, it was safe to assume anyone who worked with horses had knowledge dealing with them. "Do you take lessons at one of the barns nearby?" He needed to get some lessons himself, though helping keep the yard horses in shape kept him in shape. "Horses do appreciate that, Copper here is a palomino and has one blue eye. He also has as much patience as you, he has carried his fair share of beginners." There had been enough newbies at the Sales Yard, he had grown on everyone's hearts.
"I have actually, I've been riding since I was ten. My grandma had a barn back home, it really helped me during an interesting time in my life. I do help keep the horses here in shape too." It was nice for him to keep riding during work, though part of him wanted to start thinking about getting a horse of his own.
thanks aofie!
thirty - part time firetruck mechanic & Sales Yard Stable hand - single (hetero)
AGE
30
SEXUALITY
Heterosexual
RELATIONSHIP
Single
OCCUPATION
Fire Station Mechanic and Part time Stable hand @ Sales Yard
Brandon nodded, he was always was ready to help a coworker in need. "Not a problem, I'll go grab two halter and lead rope sets. Let's hope they didn't get too far this time." It often meant for an action packed morning, depending on how many horses got out. He turned and picked up the two closest halters and lead ropes, ready to go catch the horses.
He already had a few sugar cubes in his pockets, taking some from the small kitchen at the yard the previous day. "I already have sugar cubes, here take some so we can divide and conquer.' Brandon had approached Auggie again, pulling out a handful of cubes for the other man - holding them out for him to take. "Alright lead the way, which pasture did they get out of?" If he were to assume it was the back pasture, but they often rotated due to the grass or how muddy they were. He started heading outside of the barn, not minding that it was raining - though the thunder was a bit concerning.
"How's the family anyway? We may as well chat while we run along and catch horses." Brandon chuckled as he walked along, glad he wore his boots to work today, not minding that there was a bit of mud on the ground.
thanks aofie!
thirty - part time firetruck mechanic & Sales Yard Stable hand - single (hetero)
AGE
30
SEXUALITY
Heterosexual
RELATIONSHIP
Single
OCCUPATION
Fire Station Mechanic and Part time Stable hand @ Sales Yard
Brandon shook his head, he didn't expect himself to be talking about emotional things this early in the morning. Though, with both of his jobs requiring him to be awake and aware early in the morning, he wasn't shocked. "I really just meant, it feels nice to know that you enjoy living here." He was more worried that the only reason that his mother had agreed to adopt a teenager was to get over the fact that his father was abusive. It was working though, Jessie was happy - working and having a new person in her life.
"I feel like he has more experience making coffee than the rest of us. I usually just take my own out of habit. Though, I've complained to Jamie about getting a better machine at the Fire Station." The fire chief took his coffee seriously as well and Brandon didn't blame him. He couldn't imagine what it was like running a fire station and raising a child on his own. "I haven't seen her in ages either. She used to hang out at the yard whenever she had the chance. What makes you think you both don't get along?" There was nothing wrong with not getting along with someone, if it wasn't a silly reason. He tended to keep to himself, so he wasn't one to talk about making friends. "I really shouldn't be surprised, though I have my surprises too." Being coworkers and being family were two different things, there were still things Eva didn't know about him.
He took a pause to take a sip of his coffee, smiling as the warm liquid touched his lips. It would take awhile before the caffeine kicked in. "I really don't need a girlfriend. And at the club is the last place I want to meet someone. I work too much to support an alcoholic and those usually end up in one night stands." There were too many weirdos out there - and no way was he going to join an online dating platform either. "Alright, which one do you find attractive?" They were all too young for him anyway. That and they were too annoying for him - usually ragging on him to fix the engines.
"Don't get me wrong, she makes a good one too. Though she has never reviled her secret ingredient." She never let him in on her secret - meaning he had to come up with his own. "Yeah, this is not how I picked up chicks or friends. It's how I fed myself during those days." He usually made enough to freeze some - throwing it in the toaster if he needed a quick breakfast. "We can throw in some orange zest and then start dipping the bread in the mixture and start cooking." Brandon turned around, setting his mug back on the counter before grabbing an orange from the fruit bowl and the zester, setting them beside where Eva was standing.
thanks aofie!
thirty - part time firetruck mechanic & Sales Yard Stable hand - single (hetero)
AGE
30
SEXUALITY
Heterosexual
RELATIONSHIP
Single
OCCUPATION
Fire Station Mechanic and Part time Stable hand @ Sales Yard
Brandon raised his eyebrows, not realizing he would need her size in order to buy her a belt. As this was going to be one of their first Christmases together, he didn't know his sister that well. "Well now I feel dumb. I don't know her size unfortunately. I don't know about you but a gift card is something you get someone you don't know." Though he did have to admit it was a good idea. Once they approached the store, he opened the door to the leather store - allowing Lilith to enter first.
"She just turned nineteen in the Spring, so she isn't that young. Joined our family recently so I don't really know her that well. We work at together so I'm assuming she enjoys horses too." Though he wasn't quite sure if she really enjoyed them or not. The teen seemed to work well with them though. "What did you ask for when you were nineteen? She doesn't seem super girly though if that helps." He entered right behind her and began looking at the store and what it had to offer. There were bags, belts and jackets galore - Brandon wasn't sure where to begin.
"Do you have any siblings?" He asked, starting to look in the area where the leather bags were.
thanks aofie!
thirty - part time firetruck mechanic & Sales Yard Stable hand - single (hetero)
AGE
30
SEXUALITY
Heterosexual
RELATIONSHIP
Single
OCCUPATION
Fire Station Mechanic and Part time Stable hand @ Sales Yard
"Thanks for correcting the old man on that one. The young firefighters are always taking one and posting them on social media. Figured I better start being cool now." Brandon smiled, glad that at least the Fire Chief wasn't someone he would consider a baby. After moving around awkwardly, he finally got the polar bear and both of them in the picture, quickly clicking the button on his phone. He slid it back on his pocket and focused back on Lilith being in their presence. "Oh, I apologize. I thought you only worked at the University. When did you start working here?"
He had only met the woman once before but she seemed nice enough, which was rare as most people tended to annoy him. "I'm surprised you don't know her, Eva. But Lilith tends to bring her class during the day while you are at school. Or supposed to be." He raised his eyebrow at his sister, having only a slight idea of what went on during the day while he was at work. "I should clarify, Eva is my sister. Figured we would have some family bonding time."
Brandon glanced over at Eva, noticing there was some sort of jealous look on her face - it wasn't something he had seen the young teen show this kind of emotion before. It would be awkward if he brought it up now.
thanks aofie!
thirty - part time firetruck mechanic & Sales Yard Stable hand - single (hetero)
AGE
30
SEXUALITY
Heterosexual
RELATIONSHIP
Single
OCCUPATION
Fire Station Mechanic and Part time Stable hand @ Sales Yard
Brandon smiled softly at the geldings sweet antics. Out of all of the horses left at the Sale Yard, Copper was the one they had the most information on. "He's hitting retirement age in terms of competition. All the kids want a younger horse. Though they don't realize what a great guy he is." He shrugged his shoulders, there had to be someone who was just starting out learning how to ride - that would be the perfect home for the palomino.
"Oh, you know Auggie too? He is really great to work with around here. Feel like he is the organized one." Brandon never wanted to bad mouth anyone, but sometimes the staff were a bit unorganized. "You're Orion aren't you? The massage therapist?" He had sworn he had seen the man before, recognizing the interesting looking glasses now that he had a good look at the other man.
'He had some injuries due to competing so he can't run barrels as fast as he used to. Though he would be perfect for someone who just wanted to learn how to ride. If I want a quiet ride to go check the mailbox or something, I ride him in a heartbeat. Got a really good head on his shoulders and seen a lot of things." Whoever had trained him must have been a professional, as his show records on the internet suggested the palomino won his fair share of ribbons. "You've been around horses long I assume if you work on them?"
thanks aofie!
thirty - part time firetruck mechanic & Sales Yard Stable hand - single (hetero)
AGE
30
SEXUALITY
Heterosexual
RELATIONSHIP
Single
OCCUPATION
Fire Station Mechanic and Part time Stable hand @ Sales Yard
Brandon had a busy morning at work. The farrier was working on shoeing the horses that were due that week, which left Brandon to help him. He brought the horses inside and turning them back out to their pastures when they were done. It took up most of the morning, and he was currently taking the last horse outside.
After putting Tilly outside, he closed and locked the gate - heading inside the barn again with a huff. The days to-do list kept growing and there were only so many hours in the shift. As he hung the halter and lead rope on the bridle hook outside Tilly's stall, he noticed someone standing in front of Copper. A soft smile graced his face as he saw the older, quieter horse stick his head out to greet the man. Brandon walked over and the palomino let out a whinny, catching the man's question. "Yes, he is. Poor guy has been passed around barns for years now. People keep sending him back because he's too lazy..." It seemed the been there done that horses were out of style, though they came in handy depending on the situation.
"His name is Copper, though it doesn't really match his color. Are you looking for someone to give you some information on him? Or just coming to visit an employee?" He wasn't suspicious or anything but he was always making sure what people's intentions were while visiting.
thanks aofie!
thirty - part time firetruck mechanic & Sales Yard Stable hand - single (hetero)
AGE
30
SEXUALITY
Heterosexual
RELATIONSHIP
Single
OCCUPATION
Fire Station Mechanic and Part time Stable hand @ Sales Yard
Brandon watched the clouds roll in - wondering what the day would bring. That's what made working at the sales yard interesting as there was always something going on. As his car pulled into his spot, he could hear a soft clap of thunder. He could tell that there was rain coming, though the barn couldn't ever run itself. The horses still needed to go outside and the stalls needed cleaning, so he threw on his jacket, got out of the car and headed inside, seeing Auggie was looking for him already.
"Morning Auggie, of course I'll help. Let me guess, the new stable hand didn't know about the trick with their lock and they got themselves out?" Of course it had to be the most difficult pair that got out, if it was any other horses it wouldn't be this difficult. "Do you think if we get two buckets of sweet feed we could lure them back? And are we doing this on horseback or on foot?" He wasn't sure how far they had made it and he was prepared to do either, making sure his thick jacket was zipped up to face the rainy elements.
He quickly headed towards where the halters and lead ropes were kept. After a quick glance, he saw the ones that belonged to Tilly and Tick before bringing them over - thinking that they would make it better for bringing them back into their pasture.
thanks aofie!
thirty - part time firetruck mechanic & Sales Yard Stable hand - single (hetero)
AGE
30
SEXUALITY
Heterosexual
RELATIONSHIP
Single
OCCUPATION
Fire Station Mechanic and Part time Stable hand @ Sales Yard
"I do hate that when it happens, though no pressure if you want to go back to bed." There were days he felt exhausted and wanted nothing more than to go back to bed, but often one of his two jobs called him. "Me? Get rid of you? I don't think so, I thought maybe you'd want to get rid of me? There were times where he questioned how Eva felt about living with them, though he thought it would be better if she lived with them and not out on the street somewhere.
He used a teaspoon and stirred the milk around in his coffee, watching it turn a lighter brown. The taste of pure, black coffee wasn't exactly his thing - it was much too strong. "You are an adult after all and I know Auggie keeps you in check. His daughter is about your age though, right?" He tried to talk to his coworkers as often as he could, though he tended to keep to himself. "See I thought it would be the other way around. I can't stand black coffee." Clearly, he didn't know his sister enough, though it was fun for him learning more and more about her.
Brandon turned and opened the drawer under the oven, pulling out two frying pans - setting them on the stovetop. "What did you have in mind? Taking your old brother out clubbing or something?" He joked, knowing that those days were over for him. Partying in his youth wasn't exactly what he had done anyway, his father's stalking it was the last thing he wanted to do. "I knew you only woke up for food. You really think you annoy me? You know who I work with at the fire station..." The young firefighters kept him and Jamie on their toes - continuing to bother him to fix the firetrucks when needed.
"No actually, this is mine. I came up with it in my college days. I made it so often that people came running from the dorms to get their slice." He was more like the dad in his friend group, always giving help but never asking for it. "I'll get you some vanilla extract and cinnamon. Then you can add a bit." Brandon turned from stove and got the two ingredients - gently placing them beside the bowl.
thanks aofie!
thirty - part time firetruck mechanic & Sales Yard Stable hand - single (hetero)
AGE
30
SEXUALITY
Heterosexual
RELATIONSHIP
Single
OCCUPATION
Fire Station Mechanic and Part time Stable hand @ Sales Yard
"You do know you can go back to bed, right?" Just because he was awake didn't mean everyone else had to be - though he didn't mind the company. "That was so sarcastic but I'll take it." At first, it took him awhile to understand the teenage slang and sarcasm. He had an idea she enjoyed his company, but it wasn't cool to admit you liked being with your older brother.
Brandon nodded, coffee was something that was readily available at the yard as the staff usually started before the sun rose. "I'll have to have a talk with Auggie about it. You are done growing so no need to worry about it stunting your growth." He didn't know if it was a myth or not, but it was the reason that Jesse stalled his coffee drinking until he was an adult. "How do you take your coffee anyway? Black?"
He pulled out a bowl from the cupboard above the fridge and brought it down carefully, setting it on the counter next to the egg carton and milk. "It's fine honestly. I go to bed too early anyway. Though it comes in handy when it is a work day." Being tired was something he was used to by now anyway, as it depended when his employers needed him to show up. "Does that happen often though? And you are just here to annoy me? I definitely thought you were here for the food." He grinned as he put a splash of milk in his mug of coffee.
"Sure, if you want. You can crack three eggs and put a splash of milk in before you whisk it."
thanks aofie!
thirty - part time firetruck mechanic & Sales Yard Stable hand - single (hetero)
AGE
30
SEXUALITY
Heterosexual
RELATIONSHIP
Single
OCCUPATION
Fire Station Mechanic and Part time Stable hand @ Sales Yard
Brandon smiled when he saw his sister. It was odd for him to have a sibling, but he was very protective of her. He had gained her trust and friendship by helping her at the Sale Yard. "Wow, not even a good morning from my own sister?" He laughed, continuing to slice the loaf of bread. Brandon would freeze whatever the two of them didn't eat after Breakfast.
"Since when do you drink coffee? Sometimes he felt he didn't know her that well, though realistically it hadn't quite been a year since she moved in with them. His dark eyes glanced over to the blonde, watching her actually make coffee. "I do have the day off, but you know me I'm always up early." It was a curse for him. No matter what time he fell asleep, he was always awake at the crack of dawn. His body clock not wanting to adjust on his days off. "And you? Don't tell me I woke you?"
He finished the bread, setting the cutting board to the side as he gathered the rest of the ingredients. "French toast sound okay for breakfast? And did you want sausages or bacon?" He moved his way over to the fridge to pull out the egg carton and the carton of milk, setting it down on the counter.
thanks aofie!
thirty - part time firetruck mechanic & Sales Yard Stable hand - single (hetero)
AGE
30
SEXUALITY
Heterosexual
RELATIONSHIP
Single
OCCUPATION
Fire Station Mechanic and Part time Stable hand @ Sales Yard
Brandon felt like he hadn't seen much of his sister lately. They were on different schedules and rarely ate meals together as a family. After speaking to Jamie at work, he had received the suggestion to take Eva to the Zoo after school one day. He finished his half day shift at the fire station, having being called in to fix the siren on one of the trucks. Brandon checked his watch and headed to clock out, thanking Jamie for the suggestion as he left towards the parking lot.
It took him about twenty five minutes to get to the school, rolling down the window and waving at Eva once he arrived in the car pool line. "So, we are taking a family field trip to the Zoo. I feel like we don't see each other much nowadays." He explained as he drove off towards the Zoo, glancing over at Eva every once and awhile to see her reaction. Shortly after, they arrived at the parking lot, Brandon easily finding a spot for his car. He turned off the engine, pulled out the key and got out of the driver's side, closing the door behind him. When Eva joined him, they walked towards the entrance - Brandon paying for both of them at the cash register.
They first stopped at the polar bear enclosure, glancing at the bears happily swimming in their pool. "Should we be cool and take a..what's it called again? Sel..fie?" It was hard for Brandon to be cool as he was so much older than Eva, but he tried his best. He extended his arm around his sister's shoulders to get her to come in closer when he heard a voice. A familiar one at that.
"Oh, that would be great thanks." He turned his head to make sure it was who he thought it was. Lilith wasn't someone he thought he'd run into again. "Oh, hi Lilith. Fancy meeting you here." Brandon smiled.
thanks aofie!
thirty - part time firetruck mechanic & Sales Yard Stable hand - single (hetero)
AGE
30
SEXUALITY
Heterosexual
RELATIONSHIP
Single
OCCUPATION
Fire Station Mechanic and Part time Stable hand @ Sales Yard
Brandon was up earlier than Eva and his mother. It was either due to the fact that both of his jobs were required him to be up at the crack of dawn. Today was an odd day off for him, which meant he actually had time to cook his family breakfast.
He rolled out of bed, making it before he got dressed - never knowing what to wear while he was at home as both of his jobs required a uniform of some sort. Choosing to stick with sweat pants and a white long sleeve shirt before walking out into the main area of the apartment. It was quiet and all the lights were off which confirmed that the two women he lived with were still asleep.
Making his way into the kitchen, he flicked the lights on - also turning in a lamp in the dining room. He opened the cupboard and pulled out a cutting board, thinking he'd make French Toast with scrambled eggs and sausages. He was thankful that his mother had made a fresh loaf of bread as he was useless when it came to baking anything. He pulled out the fresh loaf of bread and began slicing it, lifting his head as he heard one of the other bedroom doors open.
thanks aofie!
thirty - part time firetruck mechanic & Sales Yard Stable hand - single (hetero)