Sage grinned over at the girl and unwrapped his own gift. He didn't really expect her to get much...but

this was a pretty nice gift. He was reminded of why he liked Anya so much...she'd done a good job picking something out for him...he didn't want her spending too much on him. "Thanks," he giggled at her, then gave her a wink when she commented on his appearance. "I took a bath for once in my life," he chuckled. It was a joke, though it was also a

true statement. It would be funny though, because most people washed at least somewhat often.

The girl gave a soft chuckle, "well you look amazing... i'll have to get you in the bath more often if it'll get you looking like this," she cooed before gently talking a hand an gently running it up v in his tunic. "We'll have a little while before anything starts up... so you can just chill out for an while." She murmured thoughtfully before peering over at the book on the side. "Whatcha reading?" She asked in a curious tone.

Sage felt his cheeks heat up when she ran a hand up his chest. But he had the brains to grin at the girl after a moment. "You might have to make me," he purred, teasing the girl. "Washing off my protective layer of dirt takes some convincing," he continued, in a very teasing and flirty tone. He handed her the book so she could read the title and summary on the back. He was glad to have some time the two of them before things got crazy...he knew he'd have to meet a lot of people, and talk to the queen again.

The girl let out a light chuckle. "I'm sure I'd find some way to bribe you into a bath." She gave him a jokey wink before scanning the book over and handing it back over to him. "Doubt it would take much." She noted with a challenging snicker. Anya had always thought Sage was pretty good looking... but now, that his features had filled out slightly, she found that he only looked more appealing. The fact he was here was enough for her, but it was definitely a plus that he had cleaned himself up a little. It mean he was less likely meant to be cast out by the families. Or, at least they might show a little respect to the boy. The girl gave a slightly sweeter smile to him, "are you exited? Today should be fun," she murmured brightly.

Sage gave her a thoughtful look. "Really? Bribe me, huh? Guess we'll have to see," he chuckled. He put the book back on the table when she handed it back to him, and shifted positions slightly so he was leaning against Anya a little bit. "I don't know," he admitted. "I'm excited to get out and actually celebrate, but I also know people kinda hate me." He said the last part with a giggle, knowing that it was a bit funny. It would also be the first Christmas without Lizzie...and that hurt. It would only lead to New Years, and then it would really seem like she was gone. He didn't want to damped the spirit though, so he didn't mention that.

The girl gave a soft a smile when her lent against her, and put a gentle arm around his side. She was a little upset that he was going into this knowing that people weren't going to take lightly to him, but she hoped he could spin their ideas of him around. That would happen if he was just being himself, she was sure of it, but she needed her family to give him a chance. "They'll grow to like you, I'm sure of it. None if them will be horrible as long as I'm with you, so just stay close," she teased, almost insinuating that they were animals. She gently kissed the top of his head, "It'll be fun, I promise."

Sage chuckled and nodded slightly, nestling into her when she wrapped her arms around him. "I know, I know. I'm sure you'll make it enjoyable," he murmured. It would quite honestly be great, just because he'd be with Anya all day. It was a day to just have fun with her, that was it. Besides, he knew she'd yell at anyone who was rude, which would be a bit funny to see, though he didn't want anyone to upset the girl, especially on Christmas. He knew Luther was coming ... He'd make a point to get a feel if the guy today. He was sure he'd see him, and he wanted to make sure he would treat Anya well. That wasn't until a bit later though, so for now he was content to just relax with Anya.

The girl raised a brow at him with a soft grin. "Don't say that, because if it all goes wrong it'll be my fault." She noted with a snicker. She'd make the day as enjoyable as she could for Sage, but she didn't want to be reliable if it wasn't quite as great as she had hoped. He held him a little tighter when he nestled in. "I'm just praying that you and Luther stay civil. No fist to fist combat and we should be fine." She teased lightly as she let her weight lean back on the head board. If she was being honest, she was most exited for the meal that evening... everyone she cared about in one place, including Sage. She just hoped it wouldn't be too awkward. She cocked her head slightly in thought. "You know, if you and Luther don't try and rip each other's heads off, I'd bet that you'd actually get along." She shrugged slightly as she used her free hand to draw patterns on his chest in an almost teasing manner.

Sage chuckled at her comment about no fist fighting in the hallways with Luther. "I promise I'll try to keep myself 'civil' as you said." He grinned. "Besides, if he's rude I can just trash talk him instead of hit him," he joked, knowing that neither would help him win the favor of the people in the castle. He'd be as polite to people as possible, but if he did push Luther a bit, it would only be testing his temper. He was keenly aware of her fingers tracing lines along his chest. They left almost burning marks as they travelled...good ones of course...and she was warm and comfortable and he felt safe, which was ironic since she really couldn't physically protect him much. His heart was speeding up, too, from her skin against his. He wondered if their joking would come to life after the party...would it even be smart? Well, it hadn't been smart in the cave he supposed. But her bedroom? That was a whole new game. He shrugged it off, knowing he didn't need that to enjoy the day, though if it did happen he'd love it all the same.

The girl rolled her eyes slightly, "No, Sage, don't hit him or trash talk him." She chuckled, "he's just as fiery as you are, and he already won't be pleased to find out you stole his room. The only difference between the two of you is that he has an army of royals behind him." She let the hand tracing patterns on his chest gently slip under the fabric and rest over where she could feel his heart beating. "You though, you only have me by your side. Don't make me shout at anyone on Christmas. Please?" She begged in a teasing fashion. They could probably get going and have a wander around once all the decorations in the hallways were up... they'd be up for days after, but it was always nice actually getting to see everything on Christmas... her little cousins would probably be running around too, and while they honestly despised Anya, the one day a year that were actually a little gracious towards her was on Christmas when she spoilt them with all kinds of gifts. Then, she could say they were a little cute.