Work Text:
Erasmus knew the ornament cost more gold than even most noble men saw in a year, but that is not why he loved it.
He loved it because his Master gave it to him. He loved all things his Master gave to him, and he loved them equally. However, the sweater, made of soft golden yarn to match his hair… Erasmus liked it best. It was soft while the jewels were hard.
Still, when presented the ornament, Erasmus knelt in gratitude, just as he had when given the sweater he was currently wearing (indeed, it was all he was wearing).
“Thank you,” Erasmus whispered, turning the bauble with careful hands. The raised pattern glistened violet in the firelight. “Where did it come from?”
“The kingdom to the North,” Torveld answered. He smiled at Erasmus. “We went there together last year, remember?”
“Ah,” Erasmus flushed. It had been a foolish question, only his Master went so many places, with and without him… “I am-“
“No need to apologize,” Torveld was truly merciful, quashing Erasmus’s embarrassment before it could fully form. “Do you like it?”
“This slave loves anything my Master gives me,” Erasmus said.
Torveld smiled, the expression a bit wry, and reached out to gently tug at the treasured garment Erasmus wore. “Perhaps another sweater would have been the better choice.”
Erasmus shook his head. “This one is special. I do not think I could ever like any new one better, no matter where it is from or what it cost.”
“And what is special about it?”
Erasmus lowered his gaze. It was easier to answer such questions without his Master’s warm eyes looking into his own. “This sweater is the first piece of clothing given from my Master’s hand.”
Torveld’s smile shone almost as bright as his eyes did whenever he looked at Erasmus. “That is special indeed. But you know all of these gifts… none compare to what your presence is to me.”
Erasmus rose from his knees and let Torveld take his hands to pull him close. “Then let us both give thanks, Master.”
The gratitude started with a deep kiss.