Laius looking like an undead when capturing thistle and also loved the cute dragon faces whenever they dont know what to do.
Laius is rather smart, but also foolish. He knows he got no way to escape or retrieve everyone if thistle dies or gets mortally wounded. So the last resort is trying to convince him peacefully after he loses the book.
Kinda hoped thistle wouldnt simply get killed for Laius to become the new master. Hes way to interesting for that and it seems we are heading to a more open path in where the story is headed.