Iliana set down a wooden tray before Sylvian, upon which rested a steaming bowl of hot soup.
"Thank you," he said, cupping the warm ceramic bowl with both hands to catch its heat.
"I made that bowl not long ago," Iliana offered, watching him fondly.
"That shows what a wonderful artist you are," Sylvian remarked, a warm smile touching his lips. He turned the vessel slightly in his hands, examining its craft. "Did you paint the design on it yourself? Where did you learn to make this?"
"There is a workshop where Uncle Billy teaches pottery and ceramic crafts," Iliana explained, leaning against the table. "His son owns a shop in the capital where they sell their wares, so I wanted to try my hand at it. It certainly did not turn out like this on my first attempt, though, this was my tenth try. The nine before it were completely ruined."
"Oh, I am honored to have my soup in this bowl, then," Sylvian replied with a warm smile.
