It always delighted Essek to see the cats; he'd only been in the Tower a handful of times but Caleb's signature as always clung to it, from the cats to the fact that his demiplane was always warm and inviting. And Essek had not really understood how hungry he had been until the food had been brought out and his stomach let out an almost indelicate growl that had him ducking his head.

Soup-- the inclusion of soup had him glancing up at Caleb for a brief moment; searchingly. And fondness as he realized that Caleb had taken what he'd stated at the Hero's feast to heart; that Essek loved simple soups. And the mushroom was something of the likes that one could get back in Rosohna, it was savor and paired well with the bread that melted like butter in his mouth.

In acknowledgement, Essek lightly nudged Caleb's booted foot with his own; sharing a smile over soup and candlelight, a secret glowing smile that he hoped suitably conveyed his happiness to be here in this moment with his wizard. "One day, I should like to taste some of the food of your own homeland, and in turn perhaps I could prepare some of mine own to share with you?"