Sage followed Anya around happily, and when they got to the tunnel he realized that was how she always snuck out of the castle grounds. It was funny, he knew she snuck out but never thought about how she did it. He looked around as they walked through the hallways, amazed with the decorations and carpet and other things within the castle walls. When they reached the balcony, he grinned excitedly, curious to see what was out there. They walked over together and when Anya opened the door and they stepped outside, it was almost like a whole other world. "You weren't kidding, it really is cool up here," he murmured, in awe of being able to see so far away.

Sage chuckled and grinned over at her. "Well, they are king and queen," he pointed out. Then he grinned wider and pointed to the tavern, which he could see through some of the trees. "And you can see where I'm at. Although I'd be inside," he giggled. It was fun to come up here with her, and he was reluctant to leave, but he would have to go soon...it was starting to get lighter out. He could sneak out but he'd have to be at the tavern before the owner got there. It wouldn't be an issue to get off of castle grounds without being seen, even if it were light...to be honest the guards were just trained monkeys and acted the same all the time.

Anya rolled her eyes slightly, "Unfortunately so." She grumbled teasingly before pointing to herself, "but I'll be queen one day, and that means that one day I'm going to get the nice room." She noted thoughtfully. The girl have him a grin. "If I see you I'll give you a wave!" She squeaked excitedly. She hadn't actually had someone in her room unless they worked for her. Which, Sage technically did, but it was more than that now. They were friends... more than that, but it was nice just to chill out for a bit with him. That brought on the thought that she hadn't actually payed him today. She let out a sigh. "Hang on." She murmured before disappearing into her room to find a little envelope

Sage chuckled and nodded and looked back out over the forest and village as she dissapeared into her room, to do who knows what. By now, he wasn't exactly in it for the pay, though it was helpful for sure. But now he waited for night time just so he could be with Anya. They definitely had a special relationship, though they could never admit they would ever be more than just friends. He didn't mention that she already had a wonderful room, that opinion was a bit different between the two of them, and it was mostly a joke to begin with. Besides, it didn't really bother him.

The girl rummaged around for a little while before re appearing with a little white envelope. She smiled and offered it to him "Here you go," she murmured lightly. She was still trying to avoid eye contact with him, so instead just looked out into the village, her smile still resting on her face. She knew she was lucky to live somewhere so safe, somewhere where she was warm and loved... but sometimes, just sometimes she had to remind herself of that when she was with Sage

(sorry, suuuper short lol)

(lol it's all good. I really don't care how long it is XD)

Sage nodded and took the envelope, procrastinating going to the tavern for as much as possible. He really didn't enjoy that place, but he had to work. Working for food on the table. Well, it got some food in their stomachs, they barely had a table, and sage wouldn't even go into the house unless he absolutely had to. Especially after the little episode he had with his dad the month before. Eventually though, he sighed. "Well, I guess I'll see you tonight," he muttered and climbed over the railing. "You stay here, I can sneak around fine." He grinned over at her. "You should probably get dressed into something without dirt and blood drops on it." And with that he released his hands from the railing and dissapeared from her sight as he snuck off out of the castle and off the castle grounds.

Sage jogged back to the tavern, trying to take his mind off of his feelings. Feelings were weird and scary and unpredictable, and he didn't want to deal with it right then. He had other things to worry about. He bustled about the tavern through the day, putting his work ahead of everything he was thinking. Anya was great, but he was definitely afraid to admit anything. He didn't really understand the whole crush thing, but so far it was kind of weirs. He liked the feeling, but why couldn't he have fallen for someone he could actually be with? To explore it more? He sighed as he picked up another round of dishes and swept through the tables for the millionth time. By the end of the day, he was exhausted, but knew he had to get firewood before it started snowing too heavily. When he rushed out the tavern doors, it was already snowing, though not much was on the ground. He shivered slightly...the cobblestone was cold under his bare feet. He ran to the forest and spent a few hours chopping wood before bringing it to the back of his house and slipping off into the woods again, un noticed. Lizzie knew how to start a fire. She had blankets and whatnot, she'd be fine.