Gold had been very kind and shown kindness in return among several people already. Taking inventory of that stole much of any desire he might have had to object. Whether it was inviting a relative stranger to tea in his own house, or befriending a very tall owl with promises of further commiseration (which he was already planning to bake for), or any other such moments -- he had run into several already that struck a familiar wavelength that he hadn't known among many in Storybrooke or the Enchanted Forest before that.

Tones that matched or at the very least struck harmonious chords. When you were the Dark One, there was very little of such music.

"It would be very much appreciated. And like your counsel not forgotten."

Because Loki was right. It did not go amiss. Better that he build more of it before his reputation or bad habits caught up with him.