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!.
Danny Sumner watched his girlfriend slip away, leaving him behind to work at Pirate's Bounty stand. Part of him wished Zola could handle it on her own, after all, she was 18, she could serve alcohol and food. It's not like she needed him. But he knew if he ditched her, Grace would have his skin. The man felt a bit on edge though now that Mina was slowly zig zagging through the crowds, and it felt like anything could happen. And when he thought anything, it really was just one person who was on his mind.
For a moment, green eyes thought he actually caught sight of said person. The man frowned, trying to not down right glower as he finished helping Zola with the final touches. Danny stole another look in the direction in which Mina had left, and spotted her now - her space buns and golden dress making her easy to find. And as his eyes admired her toned and exposed back, he watched her collide into someone. Typical Mina.
He was about to look away when he realized who it was though. Danny's jaw clenched, "That motherfucker..." he muttered under his breath. It occured to him that Zola was standing right beside him, quiet as a mouse as she heard him swore, "Sorry. Shouldn't swear around you," green eyes looked to her now, "You need help with anything?" But already his gaze was moving back towards the crowd, where Mina stood with Ivan Park.
The right thing and the easy thing are never the same.
Dare he say that Everett almost looked haggard? Green eyes watched the last of their crew get out of the truck now with his backpack. As soon as he joined the group, apologies were abound and it became clear that work was to blame. Danny was no doctor, but he could understand as a listening ear how people loved to cling to your attention. Eyes rolled though as Aspen claimed that he thought the tide might have swallowed the beach whole if they had been a minute later, "You're so dramatic." The man said with a laugh now, shaking his head. It felt good to be with the two of them again, just a guys weekend with no worries.
Per usual, Aspen Green was already herding them along towards the trails with the excitement of a border collie who spotted some loose sheep. He looked to Everett, jokingly making a face before he turned to follow his best friend now. No work talk allowed, sounded typical enough. It's not like he had much to talk about on the subject anyways as a bar tender and a part time game tracker. The idea of good news made him sigh, "No, no babies. Not for me at least, unless Everett's not telling us a few things." He said with a grin now, sidestepping the question completely as green eyes looked over his shoulder towards the caboose of their group.
The right thing and the easy thing are never the same.
Well clearly, he wasn't the only one who was shocked to see another man outside of this house. Danny could register the shock on the stranger's face - that brilliant smile disappearing the moment he laid eyes on Danny. It only made him more suspicious now. Green eyes narrowed a little, that stupid part of his male brain thinking that he needed to straighten up a more to get more height over the mystery man, his shoulders rolling just a little more to flex. Once the posturing between the two of them started, the dirty blonde opened his mouth: "I'd like to ask you the same thing. I'm looking for June? She invited me over to hang out. And who the hell are you?"
Danny's eyebrows arched. June asked him over? His sister? This cannot be right. Was she seeing someone? The man racked his memory, either she had mentioned it and he clearly hadn't been listening or June was keeping stuff to herself. He wasn't sure how he felt about that, as an older brother. But now was not the time to piss and moan over such things, "Excuse me?" Danny's voice was surly, clearly insulted by the minor jab, "I'm Danny. Her brother. Her older brother." He glanced him over again, a fleeting look - he supposed he could be her type, tatted up and such. Seemed a little skinny though, "She told me a friend was coming over and to unlock the door for them, but I didn't realize...you'd be you...what is your name again?" Given that the mystery man still hadn't given him a name - the fucking jerk.
The right thing and the easy thing are never the same.
A shadow fell over Danny and the mystery dog now, blocking out the sun. Considering how direct it was, the man figured it was overcast from a person rather than the clouds. Green eyes glanced up now to see a woman - one that he did not know. He smiled when she apologized for the frenchie, and he merely waved her off, "Nah, it's fine. She wasn't disturbing me. No food though, so she must have just thought I was a cool dude until discovering I had none." He watched the little dog leave him now and go running to her owner for a small amount of time before skittering away to the ocean water for moment or two.
He watched the dog, zoning out for a moment before he realized he was being asked a question, "Hmm? Oh, no, not allergic thankfully." Danny replied now, "Ah, Candy. I'm sure I can remember that. I'm Danny." And then he realized the woman hadn't given him her name, "I swear I'm not an axe murderer if you're afraid to give me your name. I work over at Pirates Bounty as a bar tender." He held out his hand to Candy once more, allowing her to sniff before he gave her a good scratch on the head, "You two come out to the beach often?"
The right thing and the easy thing are never the same.
Danny Sumner was looking forward to a weekend with the guys and a break from town. Honestly, he needed it - even if the man didnt' entirely want to admit. His jeep was packed up with the essentials he personally needed, plus some beer. Shutting the trunk, he gave his girlfriend, Mina, a hug and kiss goodbye. Even though they were a year and a half in of dating, every time they broke apart, it felt like he had a phantom limb that haunted him, "I'll be back Sunday night. Don't party too hard with Faerie," he joked out the window now as he ignited the engine. Laughter bubbled from Mina, "Oh yeah, we'll have some raging keggers. Have fun though! I'll see you soon. I love you!" Green eyes watched her walk away, back towards the condos as he saw her typing away on her phone.
A frown sat on his lips, eyeing that phone, his foot still on the break. What if- no, stop it. Danny backed up the Jeep and left before he could say anything stupid that would hang over them the weekend while they were apart. This weekend was about relaxing, and hanging out with Aspen and Everett. Not Mina. Not his feelings about her friend. Just bro time and beer on the beach. The man was a little relieved when his best friend had selected a beach path that only he appeared to know about. Danny didn't know how Aspen even discovered some of these off the beaten path places, but thankfully, the park ranger knew him and Everett enough to keep on the lighter side verses believing they were part billy goat like he was.
Forty-five minutes later, he was pulling up along side a familiar truck. Looks like he had managed to beat Everett, since that truck belonged to the one and only Aspen Green. Danny cut the engine and got out and wrapped on the window with his knuckles, grinning, "Hope you weren't waiting on me too long, Aspen." He might have carried on until he heard the sound of another set of tires. Green eyes glanced to see a third rugged vehicle approaching, and Danny just waved, knowing exactly who was in the truck.
The right thing and the easy thing are never the same.
Danny was about to inform the elder gentleman what they had before his phone rang, and just like that, the town dentist had to excuse himself for the evening. He just flashed a smile reassured him it wasn't a problem, its not like he had made any drinks yet. The void was filled rather quickly as different voice popped up at the bar: "Can you tell me what the specials are today? I'm looking for a drink and something to snack on." Green eyes looked over to see a familiar looking red head at the bar now. God, where did he know her from? Danny knew it was going to bother him, but he'd figure it out eventually, "We have happy hour going on right now," Danny said with a smile, grabbing a menu, "7£ beer, wine, and cocktails. Select appetizers are the same."
He placed it gently in front of her, "If youre a meat eater, I like the fried italian meatballs or pork gyoza - they're steamed. If you're a strictly a veggie eater, the rosemary quite bean humus and bacon-wrapped pineapple jalapeño poppers are great." Green eyes continued to stare at her, and then it hit him, "You're Morgan, right? Teach spin over at Average Joe's? My girlfriend and I did a couples class for valentines day last year...I think you kicked my ass." Guess even gym instructors needed time off at the bar, not that Danny was complaining. Pirates Bounty was doing well, but every person that came in kept them afloat, "I'm Danny by the way. Did you want a tab or will you just be settling the bill outright after your order?"
The right thing and the easy thing are never the same.
"Danny - Are you alright?" The sharpness of Grace Constantine's voice cutting through his thoughts like a murderous axe, "Hmm?" He started, green eyes looking over from the tap barrels to, well, down at the woman by his side. Grace may be smaller than him, but she was still terrifying in her own way - being his boss didn't take away from those feelings either, "Oh, I'm fine. Sorry. I'll take care of the reload quickly. I know the bar crowd will be in soon." Daniel 'Danny' Sumner watched as Grace's brown eyes gave him a look like she didn't believe that he was 'fine', but let it go, and left him be. He shook his head, clearing his thoughts, before he went to work.
It was a little annoying that he had spaced out like that, felt like it was happening more often now. Danny knew it was a sign that he needed a break, perhaps not from work, but from Hickstead in general, and take Mina with him. Her re-instated friendship with Ivan Park was starting to get to him more and more lately, and he had stupidly put that on display in front of her friend, Gideon, and the man knew that it hadn't been a good look for him. And while the underlying tension didn't appear to affect Mina or himself in their relationship nor in their apartment, it certainly affected him when he was away from her, or even worse, when they were her friends and he was there.
Danny had always been shy, most of his friends stemmed from other peoples relations rather than his own, but that was okay. But he was protective, stupidly protective, the sort of protective that had gotten him dumped several times. He knew why he was that way, but he wasn't going to go sit in an office to examine it. The unfortunate part was, Danny could feel that ugly part of his personality stir within him once more. He loved Mina Cohen too much, and he was getting nervous that after a year and a half, he was somehow on the cusp of loosing her - a woman that Danny was certain he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. The popping his of the tap barrels snapped him out of his thoughts once more, shaking his head, "Shit. Get a grip." He had too after all.
Happy hour was upon him, and people were starting to pour in. Quentin came and grabbed the empty barrels, and wheeled them away, leaving Danny to man the bar. The man reground himself, for despite being shy, he often was a good bar tender - probably because often they were fleeting moments and he could just listen to people talk, rather than give his own feelings. Wiping down the bar, he busied himself until someone cast a shadow in front of him, and green eyes glanced up and Danny offered a smile, "What are you having tonight?"
The right thing and the easy thing are never the same.
It wasn't often that Daniel 'Danny' Sumner found himself in Oldaker Avenue, in fact, he tended to avoid it when he could. But his sister lived in the area, and so did Mina's parents, and the former was actually the reason why he was here. He had gotten a text from June in the Sumner sibling chat, informing them that she was running late getting home due a freak accident on the road (she was not involved), but that a friend was already on their way to her place, and if it was possible if any one could just unlock the door and discreetly hover around until they got there. Danny didn't think anything of who this 'friend' might just be, and being the eldest, simply agreed because their younger siblings responses were hovering and disappearing - meaning that they were looking for excuses.
Now that he found himself driving his beaten up 90's Cherokee through the neighborhood, Danny was beginning tot think that his siblings hesitation was warranted and it reminded Danny exactly why he didn't care coming to Oldaker in the first place. Irreguardless though, he muscled through his thoughts. It's not like he would run into the Cohens, or worse, the fucking Parks, since June did not live anywhere near them. Yet, Oldaker always felt like a bubble within itself, a rich utopia, and the houses and cars simply reminded him of that. Parking his jeep now on the street, he got out and headed towawrds June's door, already pulling out his emergency set of keys.
At the door, he unlocked it, and apparently just in time given he heard the arrival of another car. The engine cut off behind him, making it reasonable to believe that the man had beaten June's friend by mere minutes. With the door taken care of, Danny turned around and started walking the pathway back to the street when he stopped. Green eyes caught sight of the person getting out of the car now, and it was a guy. A skinny ass guy, "What the..." Okay, so, girls were allowed to have guy friends. His sister was certainly allowed to have guy friends, and yet, he didn't know this person. "Can I help you?" Danny asked now, stopping dead in his tracks like some hulking animal.
The right thing and the easy thing are never the same.
Nothing said enjoying the last days of summer with a trip to the beach. Yeah, Hickstead's little beach often offered more driftwood, cold water, and horse biproduct more than anything else, but to Daniel 'Danny' Sumner, this beach reminded him of where he first grew up. The gritty sand, the grey skies and waves, the salty air just hitting your face perfectly. It was often hard to not be romantic about it. He wish Mina - his girlfriend - was here with him, but unlike the life of a bar tender, a jewelry designer tended to appear to pull a daily 9 to 5 unless it was a holiday. The man knew he would survive until the end of the day til seeing her, but there was just something about her that always made his day despite the chaos that she claimed ensued around her.
With his Jeep parked, he got out and headed down towards the beach now. Despite the sun fighting its way through the clouds, the beach was fairly empty. Guess people were still getting their acts together for making the trek. Danny didn't mind though, given how lively it often was at Pirate's Bounty between the customers and just the Constantine siblings (yes, even quiet Zola), he found it nice to have a peaceful moment to reground himself. While the man had long since mastered the art of keeping sand out of his shoes, he still kicked them off now and walked a good ways down to the water, stopping just short of the tide and flopped down in the sand, green eyes staring out.
As if on que, his phone buzzed and he pulled it out, seeing a message from Mina: Fantasy movie marathon under a blanket fort tonight?! =3 =3 =3 A smile hit his lips, and he quickly responded back: 'yeah, i'll get provisions.' He made mental note of the time, before putting away his phone and stared back out. Sometimes it felt like the weight of the world sat on his shoulders, maybe it was his father, maybe it was just being an adult, maybe it was something else he didn't want to admit to himself but that all felt erased once here. He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath before releasing before he let time pass.
Minutes passed, and then, he heard quite the sound now. A snuffling of sorts. Even with his eyes closed, his face crinkled, and then he felt a wet nose. Green eyes cracked open and he glanced down to his right to see that he had made a new friend in the form of a tiny black and white dog, "Hey Buddy," he said now, uncertain of the dog's gender given the angle, but clearly, it was well loved, "Where's your human?"
The right thing and the easy thing are never the same.
full name • Daniel Callum Sumner nicknames • Danny - Preferred age • Thirty Seven birthday • December 9th occupation • Part Time Game Tracker; Part Time Bar Tender at Pirate’s Bounty gender • Male sexuality • Bisexual
the appearance
face claim• Jesse Metcalfe
identifying features• Standing at 5'10, Danny is hardly the tallest guy in the room at a party, but he likes to think he makes up for it with his broad shoulder and chest. If his siblings really want to annoy him, they'll point out that he's actually 5'9 (3/4), rather than 5'10. He has dark brown, almost black, hair with green eyes. Danny is almost, never, clean shaven, preferring to rock facial hair given that he thinks he has a babyface when clean shaven. He's typically seen in standard guy fair of flannels, henleys, hoodies, jeans, and hiking boots - hardly a fashion star. He has this sleeve tattoo on his left arm, a Bear Tattoo on the inside of his right bicep, and this Deer Tattoo on his left chest pectoral.
the personality
likes • The Outdoors, Tracking, Mixing Drinks, Comics, Hanging out with Mina, Dogs – particularly hunting terriers, Acoustic Guitars, Camping, Burnt Marshmallows, Looking out for his Siblings, His Mom dislikes • Foul Weather, Living in his Father’s shadow, Expectations being thrusted upon him, Indoor Parties, When his Sibling’s hearts are broken, A certain guy hanging around his girlfriend, Undercooked Marshmallows strengths • Tracking, Roasting Marshmallows, Dependable, Can Make a Mean drink, Playing guitar weaknesses • Protective – A little too overbearing for people’s comfort, Dependable – Pretty much a Yes Man, Dogs – it’s a life goal to pet all the dogs in Hickstead, Family -and for the time being- Mina Cohen dreams • Danny's a bit of a wayward soul when it comes to dreams and goals. Sometimes he wants that picket fence dream with a family, and other times, he just wants to be on his own and explore his wunderlust. fears • Doing something that would cause either Mina or his Family to cut him out of their lives overall personality • At first glance, Danny comes off as stand offish and aloof, but really it's because he's shy. He's the type of person who typically does best with outgoing people, as they often have the best ability to draw him out of his shell and comfort zone. He's family oriented, growing up in the Sumner family does that, but he's particularly close to his mother, Doris, and will do just about anything to please her. His adoptive father, less so, but perhaps its because he feels as if Lawrence expects so much out of him, simply because he is the oldest. Danny isn't a fan about having the weight of the world on his shoulders. It leads him to push back against responsibilities outside of his steady relationship with his current girlfriend, Mina, and his bartending duties at Pirate's Cove given his boss expects nothing more of him than to work and keep customer's happy. Danny is warm and sweet to most people, and unfortunately, a bit of a yes man as well - he's always that guy people can count on when they need a truck to help with moving days. Unfortunately, due to vague memories of his biological father with his mother, Danny is overtly protective of those he loves - and it often gets him in trouble with his significant others, or his siblings with their significant others. While he doesn't mean to be, specially with significant others, he can come off as possessive to perceived threats and isn't always the most comfortable when he feels like people are encroaching into his personal circle.
the history
father • Lawrence Sumner, 56, Game Hunt Guide & Lodge Owner (adoptive father) mother •Doris Sumner, 54, Teacher siblings • june cadence sumner , 30 (half sister) ---- Sumner, 27 (half sibling) (Want Ad) ---- Sumner, 20 (half sibling) (Want Ad) important people • MINA GIGI COHEN , current girlfriend (and soon to be ex-girlfriend) IVAN LEE PARK - reason why Danny will become an ex-boyfriend Gideon Samesh Alcott - acquaintance through Mina Grace Constantine, Boss at Pirate's Bounty (Want Ad) Quentin Constantine, Coworker & Friend (Want Ad) hometown • Qualicum Beach, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada (born), Hickstead, UK (raised) overall history • Daniel was born to a nineteen year old Doris which resulted from unprotected sex in a new relationship. Unlike the rest of his future siblings, he was born in Qualicum Beach, Canada - his mother's home town, and was raised there during his early childhoods. Perhaps the small Canadian beach town was where Danny first got his love for the outdoors, as Doris often exposed him to the quiet, small town life. His toddler memories were often filled with happy memories of adventures with his mother and their one on one time. Unfortunately, they are also marred by his biological father, who didn't always treat Doris well, due the feeling trapped by unexpected fatherhood. Fortunately, Doris finally shook him, informing him that she didn't want him around if he didn't want to be there.
After that, Doris swore off romantic relationships - wishing to put all of her time and energy into raising Danny and returning to school with the help of her parents. Two years went by, and the young mother pulled it off, earning her degree. While waiting on job offers, she took a summer job which exposed her to tourists. The funny thing about swearing off men and romantic relationships for good is that life has a way of pulling one back in, and that happened in the form of a young English man, Lawrence Sumner. He was a budding tracker, hunter, and outdoors man, visiting various parts of Canada for adventure. Needless to say, he swept Doris off of her feet and wasn't afraid of Danny's presence or unexpected fatherhood, and after six months of dating, dared to tied knot given Lawrence would be returning to England and thus started a new adventure in their lives.
The move to England and Hickstead proved to be seamless, the small town reminding both Doris and Danny of what was left behind, but it a good way. Lawrence continued to help Doris raise Danny as if he were his own, continuing the fostering love for the great outdoors and beginning to teach him tracking and survival skills. Along the way, their family grew as well long the years, with three new children. Danny didn't seem to mind, although sometimes he felt a little sad when his mom was often busy with the new ones, although she made sure she always would have time for him. As the years went by, each child grew into their own. Danny and the youngest two of the three siblings excelling in what their parents loved, while the resident black sheep, June, preferred drawing and soon moved to live with their Aunt Trish instead to foster her creativity outside of their typical outdoors-y family.
Unlike his sister though, Danny wasn't sure on what he wanted in life - having dappled in many things that he loved outside of his father's expectations. He opted out of college and university, turning to mixology and bar school as well as standing by Lawrence as he finally realized his dreams and opened a hunting lodge. Between bar tending and his salary with his father's lodge, Danny was able to move out of the Sumner's household and live on his own. While Doris knew never to push her oldest son, Lawrence expected a great deal out of him, which lately seems to be driving a small wedge between him as far as the Lodge goes, leading Danny to find great comfort in his work at Pirate's Bounty and the occasional gig playing there with his acoustic guitar.
Life seemed to be on a good upward trend though for Danny in the fourteen months, having met his current girlfriend on a dating app. Mina Cohen seemed to bring out the best in him, taking Danny out of his shell with her antics as well as tethering his wayward soul. However, in the background, someone from her past reappeared in her life, and while Danny had been good about ignoring the situation in earlier in relationship, lately, he hasn't been able to shake the feeling that maybe he should feel wary.
the role player
alias • forever age • olddd other characters • the herd - going on 34
