03.2023 | WELCOME BACK! Hello friends old and new! I'm so excited to welcome you all back to SITW! I've made some changes to the plot and added the ability to play supernatural charcaters! So come and check it out! I can't wait to jump back into this little town with all of you!
A strange history surrounds the town, it is a place where mysterious and supernatural things have been known to happen. The reputation of the town reguarly draws in visitors and newcomers alike. While some residents avidly believe in the supernatural, others are far more skeptical. What do you believe?
The Vanderson Equestrian Center was starting to become one of Ferris' favorite places, even if he only got out once or twice a week at most. He kept to himself on most occasions he was there, spending most of his time alone, with the horses, or with his students. Some of which were actual students, others were adults around town. Every one of them different levels of experienced with riding, which was fine by him. This afternoon he'd had two kids scheduled, but the mother had called him that morning to cancel since one was sick. Which was rather unfortunate to not be making anything, but he still aimed to make himself useful while he was here.
Ferris had just finished up riding one of the more energetic horses, putting both himself and the mare through some paces in one of the smaller outdoor arenas. It felt good to get away, though of course he was still on edge with the fires. But even he knew forcing himself to take a break was good for his mental health. At least being in the outskirts meant he could keep an eye on things passively.
The fire chief ran the curry brush over the silver bay's withers and back. Not the work out she had been expecting probably, but she seemed a lot calmer now. Or maybe she just really liked being brushed down. He hummed some of his music softly to himself, enjoying the scents of sweet hay and sweat and leather and the relative peace and quiet of a stable full of restless beasts. He was hoping to take a few more out for a ride before evening.
Post by Elijah Vanderson on Oct 25, 2023 5:39:08 GMT
Elijah had been given the forwarding of his wife’s planned arrival home that afternoon, so he decided to make himself scarce. It just worked out better for the two to spend minimal time around one another in the privacy of their home. He’d rather save the times he had to interact with her for when they were out in public. Armed with this information, he decided to enjoy a drink from his study, and then head on to the Vanderson Equestrian Center. He wanted to do a little riding to clear his head, plus his wife hated the horses, so he was guaranteed to not have any accidental run ins with her while he was there.
Elijah quickly downed a double shot of his favorite bourbon, cleared his throat and left a message with the housekeeper about where he could be found. He made the drive to the equestrian center, and parked in one of the open spaces. Elijah ran a hand through his hair before giving a hard sigh and got out of his vehicle. Aside from his wife, he was avoiding some newly received paperwork that he wasn’t ready to read. Today, he just wanted to avoid finding out anything ‘new’. Elijah walked on toward the stables to ready his favorite horse.
He was so lost in his thoughts, Elijah nearly missed seeing another person tending to a horse. In fact, he didn’t see him at all at first. He heard him humming, which then led him to spotting him brushing down one of their more energetic mares. “You know Ferris, I don’t believe I’ve ever seen her look this calm. Did you give her much of a workout?” He asked as watched the man brush the beautiful horse down.
Post by Ferris Felwinter on Oct 25, 2023 20:08:12 GMT
He twitched slightly at the sound of a voice behind him. The mare whickered and shifted her weight to look over her shoulder from where she was loosely tied. Ferris followed her gaze, a bit surprised (though he probably shouldn't have been) to see Elijah Vanderson. His family owned the equestrian center after all. While Elijah wasn't exactly his boss, the Vanderson family, along with some of the other founding families of the region, were often an entitled bunch. Not that Ferris gave a damn. Nor did his think Elijah exactly cut from the same cloth.
"Elijah," he greeted, pressing a steadying hand to the horse's neck to encourage her to calm down. There was only a hint of sweat remaining from their exercise, but it was in fact her mellow demeanor that contrasted sharply with her normally feisty temperament that gave anything away. "More than she would have if my lesson showed up," he said a bit cryptically with a shrug, packing the brush away and unclipping her halter from the chains to lead her back to her stall a couple down.
Ferris doubted the man had expected him to be here either. Likely he was looking for an escape from the day to day and wasn't interested in some vague acquaintance being nosy. But at the same time, the firefighter knew that wanting an escape didn't mean wanting to be alone. Some people, himself included, just didn't know it until someone asked. He removed the mare's halter and hung it up, then locked the stall behind him. "I still have a couple hours, if you want to join me on a ride?"
Post by Elijah Vanderson on Oct 26, 2023 15:20:40 GMT
After some of their more frustrating encounters, Elijah had taken to finding creative escapes from their home, especially at times of parties his socialite wife seemed to adore. At least it kept her busy and gave him peace. Sometimes it was driving a few towns over to drink at a bar where people didn’t know him, because heaven forbid he chose to drink at Harland’s bar in town at the same time as one of Siobhan’s parties. It would be ‘so embarrassing for her’ as she’d tell him later, scolding him for not being better at ‘saving face around town’. Please, they weren’t fooling anyone. They were the couple people had bets on when they’d finally get divorced. And they weren’t far off from that. In fact, Elijah both was interested in learning what the private investigator had discovered, and dreading it at the same time. Because he knew this would seriously impact their children, and it would bring so many other questions to light. So, riding it was. Because it was a situation where he was ‘technically’ in control, but was mostly at the mercy of his horse. There was an odd sense of comfort found in moments like that.
“Oh, I’m sorry to hear you had a cancellation. But it looks like she enjoyed the extra attention.” He watched as Ferris put the mare back up and then gave an appreciative smile at his offer. “I could definitely go for a ride, you sure you don’t mind the company?” As much as Elijah kept his personal affairs to himself, he didn’t necessarily want to always be alone. Company on a ride was always enjoyable, and it would help keep his mind off of issues at home.
Post by Ferris Felwinter on Oct 26, 2023 22:49:14 GMT
Losing out on that income, however small, had an impact, one that he would have expected someone like Elijah to brush off. But he didn't and that mattered to Ferris.
He folded his arms, looking down the row of stalls, unconsciously tapping his foot still to the song he had long since stopped humming. He couldn't honestly say he didn't mind the company. But he also wouldn't say no. "Just don't expect me to instruct you on anything," he said, glancing back over at Elijah. "Unless you want to pay for a lesson."
"You have your own horse?" He asked, not really sure what he expected, but mostly only asking so he could judge what other animal might get along with them. Ferris walked down the aisle, looking over some of the horses.
Post by Elijah Vanderson on Oct 26, 2023 23:36:47 GMT
Elijah chuckled at Ferris’ response and nodded. “You know, I think I’ll just go ahead and pay your rate for a lesson incase I have any questions. Plus, your time is valuable and I’d appreciate the company.” As a business man himself, Elijah would never expect to just take up Ferris’ time at work without compensating him for any help. Plus, he didn’t imagine the cancelled lesson would bode well for his paycheck. And Ferris was great with the horses, he wanted to ensure good help was paid a sufficient wage if he could.
He gave a nod and stepped a few stalls past the other man to stop at one that housed a lovely red chestnut American Quarter Horse. She had a lovely strip of white running down her forehead to her nose, she stamped a foot in her stall upon seeing Elijah. He chuckled and grinned at the animal as she stamped her foot impatiently with him. “Miss Abbagucci… I may have let my youngest daughter name her.” He said with a less enthusiastic smile at the thought of Claire, who might not even actually be his daughter. Elijah pushed the thought away as he set about getting his saddle and tack together.
“What’s you typical rate for a lesson, I want to make sure I get you covered for your time.” He asked as he removed his wallet from a back pocket and waited to be given a total.
Post by Ferris Felwinter on Oct 27, 2023 0:36:33 GMT
Ferris stopped and looked back at Elijah, expression blank for a moment and then slowly settling into confused discomfort. "It's a joke, Vanderson." True, he hadn't said it like one, but that was just his sense of humor. Or lack of it. He worked for the equestrian center and made a small amount for his time there. He kept most of what the lessons cost, but the rest went back to the center. The idea was for exposure more than anything.
He almost made a joke about Elijah's personality being payment enough, but that sounded too familiar and the guy already didn't get his humor.
The name earned a brief smirk. "Cute," he noted. It probably meant a lot to the girl to name the animal. He had seen the nameplate on the wall and figured the chestnut belonged to a local kid, so this was of great amusement. He heard the mare's impatience and decided to take one of the calmer stallions. A large dark blue roan with an unruly mane. Ferris held his hand out to the horse and was greeted woth a puff of hot air before the roan pressed his muzzle into his hand for scratches. "Hey, Czar," he said softly, using the horse's nickname.
"Your brother pays me hourly, let him take the hit," Ferris said to Elijah's continued insistance, trying to be reassuring and avoiding the question. He caught the wealthy land owner pulling out his wallet and immediately turned away to step into the stable and pull the stallion out so he could get him ready for a ride. "Put that shit away,eh? Before you make this weird." It was a bit too late for that.
Post by Elijah Vanderson on Oct 27, 2023 0:58:39 GMT
Upon seeing his reaction, Elijah couldn’t help but feel a bit sheepish. Sometimes he had to remind himself that not everything could be solved by tossing money at it. He tucked the wallet away and held up a hand with an apologetic look. “Sorry, I’ve been away the last month and a half on an archaeological dig, so my social graces need a little more practice.” He turned back to his horse’s stall. Finding her halter and lead rope hanging beside the door he gently put the halter over her ears and began to fasten it with more gentleness than one would expect from the man. He smiled softly as he stroked down her face and clipped the lead rope to her halter.
The next ten minutes he spent removing her from her stall, brushing her, and then hearing her up for the ride. He went with his more lightweight saddle, as it was more comfortable for them both. “I truly am sorry if I made things awkward, after a dig it usually takes me a few weeks to get out of the ‘money can fix it’ mindset. I’m sure Nico is great to work for and I didn’t mean to miss the joke.” He couldn’t help but chuckle a little at himself, he was a little off his usual game of reading people, and his home troubles also factored into his absentmindedness.
Post by Ferris Felwinter on Oct 27, 2023 1:58:22 GMT
Money could solve a lot of problems. The fire chief would admit to that. But he was a hardworking man. He'd struggled through high school, joined the military, held all kinds of odd jobs while he put himself through firefighter training, and hung onto enough cash to settle down somewhere of his own choosing and was slowly putting himself through a college degree. Sure, sometimes the loans were a lot, but he wasn't so poor to take handouts. Especially not from a founding family. Or someone he thought just maybe could be a form of friend. So maybe sometimes he underestimated how down to earth this particular Vanderson was. Thus far, Ferris had managed to remain outside of any old family politicking, and he'd prefer to stay that way.
A bigger man might have brushed it under the rug, told Elijah not to worry about it. Moved on without rubbing it in, taken the easy out to change the conversation topic. Sometimes Ferris found it within himself to take the highroad. But not often. "That's one way to put it," he said rather gracelessly himself.
He left the silence after that as he brushed and tacked his own mount. Czar always seemed to enjoy the TLC almost as much as the exercise. He was Ferris' favorite, the horse he took out most of the time when he was instructing a mounted lesson. Western riding lent itself to more casual encounters and most of his students were lost first learning to be comfortable around horses, let alone ride them. He covered a lot of basics most of the time.
The fire chief draped the bridle over his shoulder, unhooking Czar and feeding him the bit. The mare earlier had bite him over it (not the first time, she hated taking a bridle he had learned) but he wasn't concerned about it. Animals had limited opens in displaying their feelings and he didn't hold it against her. He sighed at the extended apology. "I get that a lot, honestly." Not many people considered him funny. Ferris checked the girth once more and then mounted up with a small hop. "Now shut up and let's get out of this barn." So much for stereotypical Canadian charm.
Post by Elijah Vanderson on Oct 27, 2023 2:19:47 GMT
While he might have expected a different response, Elijah wasn’t going to hold it against Ferris. Who was he to think he could imagine how other people might respond? Instead, he merely continued prepping Abbagucci and let them continue in silence. Of course, until he decided to make a further apology because he didn’t feel right just leaving it the way he had. Being a founding family member, he was used to just tossing money at people or problems to make it go away. But that didn’t truly solve everything. No amount of money tossed at Siobhan could solve their issues. Especially not her infidelity.
He let his mind come back to the present as Ferris mounted his ride and insisted they get out of the barn. He chuckled and pulled himself up into the saddle in Abbagucci and he could tell she was ready to get out herself. “Sounds good to me.” Elijah said with a half smile and shake of his head as he gave a gentle tap to Abbagucci’s side with his heel and she started to gently canter out of the barn. He could tell she wanted to run, but he didn’t like to start her out like that, and she was beautifully trained thanks to Nico. Elijah could ride, but he lacked the patience to train the horse himself. No, that talent was not one he possessed. “Do you have a specific trail in mind for this ride?” He asked, looking over to Ferris curiously. Personally he didn’t care, just as long as they got away from the barn before anyone started coming around looking for him. He’d already silenced his phone and had several missed calls from Siobhan, likely livid at discovering he had ditched one of her parties yet again.
Post by Ferris Felwinter on Oct 27, 2023 2:58:21 GMT
So now he laughed. At the very least, Elijah was pretending to not find Ferris annoying. Though how the man took off, he wasn't sure if that was his impatient horse or a demand for a bit of physical space. Ferris held Czar to a walk until outside of the barn before encouraging him up through a jog into a canter to catch up. Maybe Elijah was just in a hurry to get away. He'd never exactly asked why the man was out here this evening. Not that an ulterior motive was necessary for horseback riding.
He slowed down to a jog, preferring to hear his conversation partner. "No," he said simply at first as he cast his gaze around the center's grounds. There were a few large paddocks and fields before the trails started. He didn't plan to go too far from the barn himself, but clearly Elijah wanted to get away from something. He gestured off to the right. "There's one that follows the creek over there. Crosses a few times, loops back. Maybe three miles?" He offered, directing Czar with his knees to move to the other side of the chestnut. "See that pine over yonder?" Yes, those words just came out of his mouth and he felt not the least bit self-conscious. "That's the start of the trail. Race you there?" Ferris offered with a raised eyebrow, making it clear to Elijah that he knew something was up with the man that he wanted to move. Best to keep any other casual conversation to himself until they made it off the main grounds.
His blue roan might be a bit taller but encouraging him to a canter or a full gallop just to keep up with Abbagucci was going to be a chore.
Post by Elijah Vanderson on Oct 27, 2023 3:41:21 GMT
Seeing Ferris and Czar catch up to them, Elijah slowed Abbagucci and listened. He looked at the trails offered and wasn’t sure which he’d prefer. So when Ferris continued explaining a decent trial that followed the creek and spanned three miles, he was absolutely game for that! It would keep him away from her little party for plenty of time and would infuriate Siobhan, which only served to entertain Elijah even further. “Oh, hell yeah.” Elijah said with a grin as he gave an encouraging whistle to Abbagucci.
His horse didn’t need to be given much encouragement, she was looking forward to the exercise, and Elijah wasn’t about to try and slow her down. He simply gripped the reigns and ducked down closer to her neck to cut back any wind resistance. He didn’t care if it seemed ridiculous or childish, sometimes even the most mature and serious of adults needed to be allowed to behave childishly. Elijah also sincerely appreciated how perceptive Ferris was of his desire to get away for a spell. It was nice to not have to explain everything before for a change.
He didn’t bother to see how closely Ferris and Czar were, Abbagucci was practically flying across the field toward the line tree that had been pointed out to him. There wasn’t anything quite like the thrill and rush that came with riding horseback with the horse running freely. It easily pulled Elijah from his thoughts and gave him to peace her so desperately sought when he’d left his home that afternoon. Yet another things money couldn’t buy, no matter how hard he might try.
Post by Ferris Felwinter on Oct 27, 2023 4:04:19 GMT
Ferris watched Elijah take off in mild amusement. He tightened his grip on the reins as Czar twitched at the suddenness, leaping forward to keep pace as if by instinct. The jolt of large hooves slamming into packed earth sent a pleasant shiver up his spine. And just as suddenly, Czar slowed again, as if wondering what the hell he was doing chasing after the mare. "It's a race. You're supposed to run?" Ferris explained, giving him a bit more slack and some more active encouragement of his own with his heels. "Come on," he urged, leaning forward and standing slightly to take the weight off of his withers. He placed his hands nearly in the stallion's mane and that seemed to get the point across that he could run, really run.
There was no catching the pair, not with that head start, but Czar started to close some of the distance. Ferris too took an active enjoyment in the ride. There was something about the connection between horse and rider, the thunder of hooves on the ground, the wind whipping back his hair and clothes. If he'd had a hat, it would have been long gone by now. He asked Czar to ease back as they neared the pine but didn't slow him entirely. The trail wasn't too difficult and both horses seemed eager enough. He offered a rare smile as he finally caught up to Elijah. "Show off," he said, settling back into his saddle.
"You mentioned you were out of town for....a dig?" He knew the eldest Vanderson traveled often. Was a collector of some sorts. Most people with wallets that size were collectors of something or other. Cars, art, watches, houses, 17th century ash trays, women... He wasn't too familiar with Elijah's specialty though.
Post by Elijah Vanderson on Oct 27, 2023 4:25:09 GMT
The pine was reached with almost practiced ease, and if the pair were always headed in this direction. Elijah would be lying if he said he didn’t enjoy the faster pace at times. Especially with Abbagucci, he trusted his horse entirely, and to have that level of trust with an animal wasn’t something that Elijah often experienced. Shit, he trusted his horse more than he trusted his own wife!
He cast a glance over to Ferris once he caught up and couldn’t help but chuckle. “It was all Abbagucci, I was just here for the ride.” He admitted with a grin, giving her neck a gentle par as he did. Elijah’s gaze returned to Ferris at his question and he nodded. “Ah, yes. While I’m mostly just involved in realty around town, I used to head up archaeological digs in Europe and even several in Asia. I was in Europe as a favor to an old friend, helping try to locate a few pieces of art for his collection. I try not to agree to the extra long excavations, but this one also gave me the opportunity to purchase a few ‘wants’ for my personal collection.” He let Abbagucci go at a comfortable pace and let the reigns a bit loose for her comfort.
“I mostly specialize in vintage jewels and jewelry. But I’m also a collector, so I only go for a dig if there’s a possibility of finding a piece or pieces.” Elijah admitted with a slight shrug, realizing it had been a hot minute since someone had to ask him what he did.
Post by Ferris Felwinter on Oct 27, 2023 4:48:33 GMT
From Ferris' limited understanding, the best comparison for what Elijah described he did was the obvious one. It was very Indiana Jones to him, specifically Raiders of the Lost Ark. Between the travel and the jewelry and the fact that he had another 'normal' job the side all fit perfectly. Most of the talk of purchases and art went over his head, but it was more about the man's enjoyment of it.
Czar kept the slower pace easily. Ferris was still getting to know a lot of the horses here, but he at least felt comfortable with the stallion. A lot of it was props to the trainers here, but in some cases, certain people and certain animals just...clicked. Abbagucci and Elijah certainly seemed to. Ferris stretched, taking his feet out of the stirrups for a moment and leaning back. The stallion snorted at him, but allowed it, still catching his breath. He settled himself again a moment later as they entered a dirt path between two paddock fences. The lane cut across the fields and toward a thinly wooded area where the trail met the creek and wove alongside it.
"Any particular..." what was the word he wanted. "Era? Or culture?" Considering he'd been rather vague and broad with both Europe and Asia, likely a lot. Ferris wasn't much of an ancient artifacts sort, least of all jewelry. He knew about things like the Hope diamond and British royal jewels but that was about it. He felt a bit dumb asking, considering he was sure most of Elijah's usual friends knew what he did. But unlike them, Ferris hadn't traveled much and hadn't gone to a fancy school.