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!.
e knew in at the bottom of his heart that his parents wanted grandchildren and as he was the oldest - the pressure was put on him. "I think they are wishing I'd go out and find myself a girlfriend. Or they are bored and want something to do." With it being the season of Winter, both his parents jobs were slow, giving them more time to think about their future. "Dang, I forgot about Danny. Well maybe there is a wedding you'll be invited to that he doesn't want to go to." He joked, knowing Danny was more her type. Casper didn't really know what his type was - he needed someone who could deal with his awkwardness - and with him working more than he should.
"Sounds like he really is a prince charming for you. Remind me where you met him again?" Casper was glad his friend was happy in a relationship - he was a bit jealous, but he was sure he would be in one when the time was right. He didn't know how he felt about an app tracking who you were talking to. Casper did use technology as it was helpful in his day to day job, but he was finding it could be a bit invasive. "Isn't that a bit creepy? Please tell me you meet these strangers in public." There went his big brother instinct. He cared about Mina as a friend and didn't want anything bad to happen to her on a date. "That would be fun actually. I enjoy building things in real life, Lego can't be that different." He hadn't built a Lego set since he was a youngster as it was something he would do with his dad.
Casper took another sip of coffee, realizing that he had clearly hit a nerve when he mentioned that Mina had the possibility of dating Ivan. "I thought you had a crush on him back in the day? Has that changed then?" He hoped it wasn't coming off as an interrogation. Casper just wanted to know how his friend felt about the various options. "You could start with that at least. Take it nice and slow and learn about how you two feel about each other." It felt odd that he was the one giving her advice about relationships - though people seemed to come to him about these things anyway.
"That surprises me. I thought he would be the type of person who would have someone. Do you ask him too many questions about it when you two work together?" He laughed, it seemed that Mina got all the gossip - despite being awkward herself too.
he man nodded, feeling silly for his gesture as his sister couldn't quite see what he was doing. He smiled as Callie opened her bedroom door, glad he was always taught to knock. Their bedrooms were all private spaces after all - it was common sense and respect.
"You mean at the Orchard? The Malloy's are happy to have me as an employee, but they've seen me work overtime too much so they are making sure I leave on time." He shrugged his shoulders. It was an odd feeling for him not to arrive home until dinner was served, but his family was missing spending time with him too. "Mom made kettle corn and hot chocolate for us to have while we decorate. Call it a bribe if you like. If you aren't chatting with your friends that is." He only vaguely knew about the Saddle Club, but it was nice to hear his sister was busy with her horse hobbies.
Casper took a step back as Callie stepped into the door frame. "I was thinking we could start with putting the leaf wreath on the front door and then work on the living room? I brought up the boxes already for us."
asper closed the door of his truck when he arrived at home after another day working at the Orchard. It was busy season, meaning there were plants that needed to be planted and the trees needed to be checked - insuring that they survived the cold winter months. He opened the front door, the smell of dinner was wafting towards him. The man called out to his family, letting them know he was home from work.
He headed to the kitchen and washed his hands. It seemed he had perfect timing as the family began sitting down at the dining room table. Casper was starving, starting with the salad course. It was times like these that he enjoyed - sitting down with his family to dinner. The Talbot family chatted away, each telling the group how their day went. After they had finished dinner, Casper and his father did the dishes - cleaning the kitchen afterwards, wanting to leave it spotless for whoever needed it next.
Everyone went off and did their own thing, Casper opting to watch a movie with Callie before getting ready for bed. After a shower, he pulled on sweat pants and a t-shirt, ready for some much needed sleep after a long day. It took him only a minute to fall asleep, dreaming of rolling hills and sheep. It was interrupted by a ringing noise, which at first Casper thought was part of his dream. His eyes flickered open, the ringing seemed to be coming from his bedside table. His arm reached out, hand fumbling around to find his pone. He blinked as he read who was calling him, pressing the answer button quickly after. "Tiffany? Did you get yourself in trouble again?" He said sleepily, not bothering to get out of bed until there was motivation to do so.
Casper is an introvert, preferring to work alone rather than with a group. He is a hard worker and doesn't fear it - he rather embraces it as it keeps him busy. He identifies himself as shy, which most people take as him being rude and selfish. Casper is the exact opposite however, he would be the first one to rescue anyone or any living thing in danger or in a sticky situation.
He tends to make friends though, mostly people that work at the Orchard with him.
enemies
This is a tough one, if you have any characters that have an idea - feel free to throw it my way!!
t wouldn't have been a Saturday if he wasn't working. Casper found himself being called into work in the morning as someone had phoned in sick. He didn't mind the extra hours so he told the Malloy's he would come work. The shift itself wasn't terrible, though the Harvest season was slowly coming to an end.
Once he was done work, he was relatively happy to get in his truck and drive off. It was late September, which meant he knew the time to decorate for Fall was just around the corner. He pulled into the driveway about ten minutes later, glad that the Talbot's lived relatively close. His parents were getting a little more interested in him being home, but work was something he truly enjoyed doing. Casper took a sigh as he turned the engine off - preparing himself for an interrogation about why he worked today. He found the front door unlocked, opening it as soon as he approached it.
His parents were in the living room, falling silent as soon as he entered. Casper said hello and chatted with the two before excusing himself. Callie was the one out of his two sisters that would enjoy what he had in store for them. Casper walked up to her bedroom door, surprised to learn from their parents that she was home and knocked on it.
"It's just me, Casper. I was going to get the Fall decorations out and start decorating. Did you want to help me?" He felt like he didn't spend much time with his sisters, but he was trying to be better.
You really are a lifesaver. I feel like my family is secretly planning something behind my back. Though honestly, I’m too busy and oblivious to pay attention if they said anything recently.” Even his parents were starting to complain that they barely saw him at home. There was always something to do at the Orchard, and being the nice guy that he was - he often offered to stay late. “Same goes for you though, in case your parents are bothering you.” He knew how it could be when parents expected someone to bring a date and he didn’t have one.
Casper nodded, he was hoping Mina wasn’t shallow. “I figured, that came out a bit more awkward than I intended. Oh? And what can you tell me about Danny? Are you interested in him enough to see him again?” He was glad to hear there were still men that knew they should be paying for the date. Chivalry wasn’t dead after all! “Those are too many names for me to comprehend. How do you keep track of all the guys you talk to?” Casper was just happy he knew how to text, phone people and look things up on the internet - that’s all he wanted his phone to do. He took a sip of his drink and smiled awkwardly. “Yeah, I had no idea you built Lego. Would have made getting gifts for you much easier.” It was already hard enough for him to buy gifts for anyone - even his immediate family.
“What happens if he wants to get to know you again? Maybe even date you?” Casper didn’t want to admit that he would be there to clean up the pieces of this Ivan decided to love her and leave her - that’s what friends were for after all. “Was that annoying though? We are just telling you the truth. I promise we don’t talk about you behind your back.” He didn’t talk to Gideon much - except wen he visited Mina at work. “Does he not have anyone either?”
asper nodded, truly thankful for Mina's friendship. "Are you saying that if I need a date to a family function that you would say yes?" He was sure his family was secretly planning a reunion behind his back, though he was oblivious to that kind of thing - work took too much brain power. "Well, I don't have any romance gossip." It wasn't like he heard anything to gossip about anyway - he found it was rude.
"Is it always about the free food with you? And anyone in the running for a second date?" Casper wouldn't dare ask if there was anyone creepy. That was the most unnerving part for him - even as a man. "I'll let you know I promise. Which ones have you tried?" He tried to never say never, but dating apps were just a weird concept to him. "I really can't be the only one? I'm a worker bee who can't say no to helping someone who needs it." It was the mindset he grew up with - both of his parents worked hard to get where they were now.
Casper felt his eyebrows rise. "With or without instructions? I feel like I could probably figure it out though. Since when do you build with Lego?" He used to build a lot with Legos as a child, always wanting the newest set. Casper nodded, picking up his black coffee as he listened. It wasn't a situation he had been in himself but he would try his best and help. "That does sound complicated. The best thing to do is talk to him about it. I know it'll be awkward at first, but then you'll know how each other feels?" He was trying to think the situation though, but at least there would be some clarity between the two of them. "Wow, that guy knows you pretty well. Did he give you some sort explanation of why he is here as well?"
Casper handed Molly his cash, glancing to the side as he saw Mina handing the woman cash as well. "Sorry Molly, you've got the awkward crew today." He shrugged sheepishly and headed off to find them a table. "Like I said, just talk to him and see. It's better than living in the shadows."
e could tell it was hard for Mina to keep back a laugh - though he thought that she would know that she was one of his only friends. It was hard to make friends when he worked too much for his own good. "Please, you know my sisters aren't interested in my non existent love life." They were too interested in their own, though if he brought a woman home he was sure they'd notice.
Casper was clueless when it came to dating apps, often using technology only when necessary. "Huh, any luck getting a date on that app?" He had heard of people having success finding a long term significant other on dating apps, just wasn't his thing. He didn't recognize the teen behind the counter, but he could tell she was frantically filling orders and serving customers as they queued. He shook his head at her question, the Malloy's were way too nice to him. "Oh no. I'd never say that to them. I was just slightly disappointed, that's all." In all honesty, the "labor police" were enforcing the fact that he was working too much overtime.
"Yes, they will. I need to start building them here shortly." He had ordered the wood for them from the local hardware store and would pick it up on his way to work the next day. "You can be quite intense in a good way. I assume this secret person is the friend that recently came back?" Or maybe it was a customer she had been expecting - either way she dealt with people a lot more than he did at work. "The antics of you hiding from people? That would be quite funny actually." He cracked a smile and the smell of freshly baked goods was wafting towards his nose.
Casper listened to the story intently, making all the right faces in terms of reactions. He had no idea this friend crush existed, not that he had feelings for her. "Crazy how small the world is, right? Do you still have feelings for him and have you seen him again since?" It was too big of a story for him not to ask questions. He was equally as startled with the palm slap against the counter - giving Molly an apologetic smile. "She has a bit too much energy today. I'll just have a black coffee and a cranberry muffin please." He pulled out his leather wallet and rummaged around for some cash to pay for their beverages and snacks.
asper had no idea when his next date would be. There wasn't really anyone he was romantically interested in. That, and he worked too many long days at the Orchard to have the time to go find someone - not that he felt that he needed a romantic partner at this moment. "I don't know who else I would tell. Don't take that the wrong way though." He awkwardly ran a hand through his short hair. "Well let me know when you hear anything of awkward people taking over the world. What on Earth is Bantr?" He assumed it was some sort of dating app, something his sisters knew more about than he did.
He continued moving forward, realizing now they were getting very close to the beginning of the line. Casper took a moment to decide what he wanted. A black coffee and cinnamon coffee cake sounded amazing, seeing as he took a quick glance of the pastry display case. "I said the exact same thing, though they weren't happy with me. Come the Spring, they'll need me more most likely. I don't want to know how many vacation days I have." He was lucky enough to work for a small business, where they really could keep track of when employees took a day off. "It's easier that we don't, though some days I have the same thoughts. They built some raised garden beds so hopefully that will cure the craving for farm work." He shrugged his shoulders, knowing that nothing would cure the need to farm, but he could only hope this would help.
"You are the only one that does. Though my family likes to see me around at home. I usually leave before they wake up in the Morning." Usually his sisters were awake early, though that was only because of school. "Why would he want to fire you? Did you do something?" It felt odd, he liked to think he knew Mina well by now - doing something to get herself fired wasn't something he thought she would do. "Oh? Do tell me more if you'd like." Casper stepped up, waiting for the next barista to take their order after realizing he was at the front of the line.
A date? You know I'm too awkward for that kind of stuff. You'll be the first to know if I go on a date." Casper laughed, realizing that people rarely saw him outside of his usual farming gear. He tried his best to dress up on his days off, his parents having bought him nice clothes to wear when he went into town.
He wasn't expecting the side hug, but he reached the arm closest to her to return it before letting go. "Thanks for inviting me, it's always nice to catch up." His parents wanted him to work on making friends and keeping them. "Yeah, the Malloy's are saying I work too much so they are making me take more days off." He knew he needed to, spending too much time at the Orchard wasn't good for him either - though his employers were great company for him. They were chatty but knew when to leave him alone.
Casper followed Mina's lead, grabbing his wallet from the pocket of his jacket before leaving the table. "Where do I start? I mean with winter here, it's not really harvesting season yet. But the animals can't look after themselves, so they keep me busy enough." He swore they were like children, especially the hens who were constantly laying eggs for them to sell. "My family is good, I think my parents are a little sad that they don't have a farm of their own again but they are still enjoying their jobs." He shuffled his feet forward as the line grew smaller. "And you? How has it been working for Gideon and his family?"
The Talbot Family (WIP - Leoni and Elizabeth to be added later)
Clyde Talbot (54 years old) - Fisherman Clyde is the father of Casper, Leoni and Elizabeth. He is married to Naomi (how they met in Raleigh, NC, USA is up to the person playing him as well as his biography before then - though remember the family moved to Hickstead). His face claim is up to the roleplayer!
Naomi Talbot (52 years old) - gardener Naomi is the mother of Casper, Leoni and Elizabeth. She is married to Clyde. Born and grew up in Raleigh, NC, USA and her parents ran a farm (the kind of farm is up to the RP'er - though not a horse farm). Her parents died in a hurricane about five years ago, ruining the farm which caused them to move to Hickstead.
asper had a rare day off. The Malloy's had to practically force him to take time away from the Orchard. As he was a hermit and awkward, he much preferred being with the Malloy's - they understood his shy personality and left him alone for the most part.
The blond man had woken up at the crack of dawn, even though he was looking forward to sleeping in. His parents and sisters were still asleep and he was finally bored of staring at the ceiling in his bedroom. He pulled back the covers in defeat and got himself dressed, placing his glasses on instead of his contact lenses.
After that, he quietly made his way downstairs and made himself some breakfast, wondering if he should go into town for a walk afterwards. His sisters had said something about wanting to go to the library in town anyhow. Casper started reading the newspaper, eating his scrambled eggs and toast when he received a text message from Mina. Reaching over for his phone, he unlocked it and read the message. Replying with a "You've caught me on my day off, I'm on my way."
He left a note for his family members and cleaned up the kitchen - getting into the truck once he put his shoes on and left the house. It wasn't a long drive into town, though Casper enjoyed the distance in between - the Talbot family had always lived outside of a larger town so he was used to the quiet by now.
Casper found a parking spot easily and walked into the Pastry Shop, locking the truck behind him as he entered. A voice greeted him shortly after and he turned his head, giving Mina a soft smile as he walked over. "Hello, thank you for the invite. Have...you ordered yet?" Casper shrugged off his leather jacket and hung it on the back of the empty chair. He hadn't had his coffee yet, though he wasn't going to be rude and not buy Mina a coffee at least - especially since he was in desperate need of his own.
identifying features• larger shaped nose, chiseled jawline and chin. He tends to keep his light brown hair short. His eyes are bright blue - he wears contacts during the day and puts his glasses on after work. Casper's skin tone is pretty pale, though due to hard work on the farm - he gets tanned quite easily. He stands 6' foot tall and tends to keep in pretty good shape with all the farm work he does.
the personality
likes • working outside, making people laugh, his siblings, being with his friends and being in quiet spaces.
dislikes • loud noises, being startled, extroverted people, white chocolate, heights and rattlesnakes.
strengths • being helpful and adapting to new situations.
weaknesses • any sort of sweets and animals (he finds them all cute and will instantly gush over them)
dreams • to own his own farm.
fears • dying alone.
overall personality • Casper is an introvert, preferring to work alone rather than with a group. He is a hard worker and doesn't fear it - he rather embraces it as it keeps him busy. He identifies himself as shy, which most people take as him being rude and selfish. Casper is the exact opposite however, he would be the first one to rescue anyone or any living thing in danger or in a sticky situation.
the history
father • Clyde Talbot, 54, fisherman.
mother • Naomi Talbot, 52, gardener.
siblings • Leoni and Elizabeth.
important people • Jasper - his childhood friend.
hometown • Raleigh, NC, USA.
overall history • The Talbot family had been living in North Carolina for generations and Casper was no different. He grew up in a small bungalow on a farm, which was run by his mother's side of the family. Being the oldest grandchild on his mother's side, he quickly learned the meaning of hard work.
His school years went by with the struggling areas were outside of the classroom. Due to his quiet personality, it was difficult for him to make friends. His parents and teachers were concerned, but young Casper was content being friends with his animals at the farm. When his siblings were born, he was hands on when it came to help raise them as the rest of his family were busy working away.
When he graduated High school, it was time for him to work on the family farm fulltime. It was like a fish in the water, he caught on very quickly and enjoyed that every day was different. About five years ago however, everything changed. There was a hurricane in the area which ruined the entire farm, even killing Casper's maternal grandparents. With his parents and siblings surviving, they were devastated. With the business destroyed, they sold the land and left for the UK - deciding on settling in Hickstead to start their new life.
Casper's parents decided not to restart the family business, so Casper started working at the Malloy Orchard when they first moved to the small town.
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