The dining hall was definitely more than what sage was used to...he wasn't sure he'd ever seen this much food in one place before. The main course sitting on the tables was probably more than he normally got in a year. It just went to show how much better you could live just because you had money. It was nice to see though...the food was good looking and smelling, and while he was a bit overwhelmed at everything that had happened so far this evening, he was enjoying his time. Anya was too, and she was definitely excited to share this time with him.

Anya hopped past the seats until she sat herself slap bang in the middle, the seats around her slowly being filled... when she saw everyone together like this, she couldn't help by gawk at the size of her family... of course, there were a few family friends involved, but it seemed like a huge amount of people. Maybe that was why she found it so hard not to take them for granted... she'd never be alone. Sage, on the other hand, all he had was his father... and, well, he didn't even really have him. She supposed her had her, but she wasn't family. It just wasn't the same. She glanced up as a shout erupted from conversation and the sound of forks which happened to be Luther, having a small argument with one of her cousins, a sweet little girl named Charlotte. "That's not true!" The man squeaked, a hint of amusement in his voice. So maybe it was a jokey type argument. The little girl giggled brightly. "Yes it is!" She replied plainly. Anya cocked her head slightly before cutting in. "What's going on?" It was clear they were only messing about, but it was a bit of a scene. "This little mite is saying Sage suits you better!" He gasped out, his hand on his forehead dramatically. Everyone around seemed to chuckle a little at it, but Anya just looked confused. What did that even mean? They barely talked to the boy all evening... they barely knew anything about him other than he was pulled out a cell a few weeks back. She looked across to Sage, making her confusion quite clear.

Sage chuckled at the girl's antics and when Anya turned to him confused, and put has hands out, palm upwards in a short of shrug. He had no idea what they were talking about, and he didn't really know the little girl. She was obviously saying he would be a better ...what's the word? Suitor?...for Anya, but he wasn't going to say that out loud here. He just gave Anya a look and shrug that meant 'I dunno, I didn't start it'. He was grinning though....at least he had someone on his side, even if it wasn't really a competition...she'd been promised to Luther before she was even born, most likely. But hey, if the little girl wanted to say that, he'd let her. He did realize that even if everything went perfectly and he could eventually marry Anya, he wouldn't live long enough to even barely do so...living in the slums for so long definitely too a toll on his body, and if he came to the palace he wasn't sure he'd live much longer anyway. It wouldn't be fair to her.... She should remember him like this, the way he was now....yound and happy. Well, happy ish. This was as good as it would get.

Anya looked back to two for a moment, still looking rather confused. She was just looking into things a little much, they were having a silly spat, was all. Teasing Luther to cause some form of fun at the dinner table. Charlotte was purely messing about. Luther and Anya were rather different despite their titles, and they didn't look at all compatible so she could see where she was coming from, kind of. Anya just kind of shrugged it off and went about filling her plate, quietly listening to the conversations going on around her as she ate. She was kind of trying not to say much... almost in fear that she'd say anything out of place, that could have suspicions about Sage brought back to play. A little kid saying something was one thing... but her saying that as a whole other game.

Sage nibbles at food for a while, though he became full pretty quickly...he wasn't used to eating much. He'd stuffed himself, knowing this was a once in a lifetime meal, but not to the point where he felt sick. He knew how to limit himself...he ate until he was full, and nibbles at not so filling things for a bit before he decided he'd better stop. He'd had main dishes and some treats, so he was satisfied. He didn't need much...he knew that. He was used to having almost nothing. The meal was good, but he was enjoying the casual conversation going on more... especially the little girl teasing Luther. He couldn't deny that that was funny. The argument kept going, of course, and he listened in on a lot of the conversations around him. It was mostly frivolus things....when the new dress was coming, what cute guy this one lady had seen, talking about Luther and Anya, and if course some were about him. He didn't really care whether people talked about him or not. He was used to higher ups gossiping about him and whatever they deemed as faults. He ignored them and just enjoyed being with Anya, and Luther too, he supposed. He was having a pretty good time.

Despite her silence, everyone seemed to be having a nice time. Gossip from the higher strings were being spread, but it was all in good fun. The king even showed up for a short while... it was the first time in ages that she had seen him with the rest of the family. He cracked a few humourless jokes and sat down for something to eat. It had gotten kind of loud, rowdy, almost, but she couldn't help the grin that was on her face. The king hadn't said very much to her, but Anya was pleased he showed up, even if it was just for the food. Soon enough, dinner plates started to empty, and puddings were put out for whoever wanted it. Anya herself passed, but waited for Sage if he wanted anything. A few hours passed by, none of which had been boring... the adults had migrated back to the parlour, along with Luther who for whatever reason considered himself an adult. When things quietened down a little and all that was left were a few young children running about, Anya slipped her hand onto Sages thigh and gave him gentle squeeze. "Ready to go?" She asked with a small smile.

Sage had fun, he did....it was something he enjoyed, even if it had been a really crazy night. When he felt Anyas hand and heard her voice, he looked over at her with a smile and nodded. "Yeah, we can go." He looked back over around the room. "I had fun. It was a good idea for you to suggest me staying for the holidays," he murmured. He was glad to go back to where it was just the two of them, though, somewhere quiet and not so busy as the dining hall and rooms they had previously been in. He'd enjoyed hanging out with her and Luther, and everyone had been pretty civil for once ...it had really been nice. But now it would be even better to go have fun together, to do something else. It didn't matter what they did...he knew he'd enjoy whatever they did even if they didn't do the things they'd been joking about. They didn't need that to have fun or enjoy each other's company, though it was incredible.

Anya gave a small smile. She was glad he had enjoyed himself... it had been a little chaotic, like nothing was really planned. She supposed it was always like that. While she said they could let go of their duties over the holidays, it was never really the case. Everyone still had things to do, but those few hours together were always nice. They would never have a relaxed Christmas, it would never work, but at least they got something. She stood up and started wandering towards the door. "I'm... I'm glad you enjoyed yourself. It wasn't quite as chilled out as I had hoped it would be though." She murmured thoughtfully. She was just as glad that it had all ended now, though. Sage could leave tonight, or days or even weeks from now... she didn't know how long he was going to stay, so was keen to spend some time with him while it was permitted. To wind down, or even make their teasing come to life. Anything would be amazing, as long as she was with him. She let her gaze flicker around before falling back to Sage, a sly smirk sitting steadily on her face. "How would you feel about coming back to mine?" She purred.

Sage blushed at her words but grinned over at her. "I think I would like that very much," he chuckled. He wasn't sure when he'd leave, but he could put all of that away for now and enjoy the rest of the night. So she was going through with it all. They would enjoy it...the cave was great, but now they could do it in a real bed, where they could really cuddle up and sleep well. The cave was amazing ....but an actual room was better than a cave floor, he had to admit. Though, he knew they were both perfectly happy the way things had gone before. But he had a feeling it would be even better the second time around, especially now that he was...what? Healthier? He'd filled out, for sure ....he couldn't see the outline of his ribs when he looked in the mirror. He still didn't have much fat, but there was enough to make him look like he'd been eating decently enough. He wasn't a human skeleton. He was fit, probably fitted than before, since he'd had good food, rest, and everything else the castle came with.

The girl grinned slightly before taking a gentle hold of his hand and picking up her pace with a light chuckle as she headed towards her room. She did think back a little on the way there though... Sage had been so good with her in the cave, letting her go at her own pace and leaving her to it once she was comfortable. He had definitely let her be boss, though, even while she wasn't overly sure what she was doing. It made her wander what was going on in his head while it was happening. What was he thinking? He had done this so much... what if she hadn't been good enough? Or she had done something wrong and he didn't have the guts to tell her? It made her worry a little, and that worry passed over her face for just a moment. Though, Sage wasn't one to cower away... he'd have told her if something wasn't right or if he didn't want to do anything. She hoped so at least. Anya had never been insecure, and Sage had given her no reason to be, but her head was getting the best of her, and it was an awful feeling. She swallowed it down though, and while her hand loosened around his, she was still bouncing towards her room until she finally got to the door, where she pushed it open for the boy and gestured for him to go in. "Ladies first," she teased lightly before following him in and going to sit on the edge of the bed. Shit, she was going to make it awkward this time... that wasn't what she needed. She wanted this, to be with Sage, but for whatever reason she was just making it difficult for herself.