Batiatus' fascination with Joachim's apparent mind-reading skill definitely overrode his unfavorable reactions- he actually noticed that the massive wolf (for he still had no idea that Joachim was a shapeshifter) seemed to be trying to behave in a sociable manner. After all, if a massive wolf felt unsociable, it seemed to Batiatus that it would be behaving more threateningly. Although some might have taken some of Joachim's tone in a ominous manner, it seemed to Batiatus that the creature was boasting, showing off its talents in order to make an ally- after all, Joachim had offered as much, and combined with the display of his unique abilities, had given a very good reason to take him up on it.
But, it wasn't only the obvious potential advantage than a giant mind-reading wolf offered him that inclined Batiatus towards the creature. It was impressive, but, Batiatus also liked the idea of Joachim as a comrade- he would be a truly unique one, the sort that few men could claim. Of course, Batiatus was still thinking of Joachim in canine terms, despite the speech- it was inevitable that he'd end up extremely surprised to learn what he actually was making friends with. The theatrical 'bow' certainly indicated a human level of intelligence, and although the gesture was not one of ancient Rome to the best of the mun's knowledge, Batiatus could recognize the idea behind it. He returned the evident gesture of respect with a grave inclination of his head, and, perhaps unfortunately, an attempt to give Joachim a friendly pat on the neck- had he realized that Joachim's actual form was quite humanoid, he'd have possibly forgone the latter action. But, he was still thinking canine, and thus, attempting to communicate his reciprocation of friendship to the creature.
"It is a pleasure to make the acquaintance of such an ally as yourself, Joachim. I am Quintus Lentulus Batiatus, dominus of the House of Batiatus." He managed not to mangle Joachim's name too badly, and although he'd written down his name, and figured it likely Joachim could pull it out of his head, a proper introduction seemed a pleasant formality. He listened curiously to Joachim's description of the castle- surrounded by dragons, was it? This might have seemed ridiculous coming from someone else, but, when a giant wolf said that there were dragons, it was the sort of thing that seemed entirely believable. "I shall remember that, my friend- a dragon, fascinating as it might be, is something I'd rather not encounter." At least, not without the dragon extremely well-subdued, first. So, Joachim's warning would at least not go to waste. "It sounds as if leaving may be the only restraint- a great amount of freedom does hold a great amount of possibility." He had little doubt that something would eventually appeal to him, especially if the school were as vaguely organized as it appeared to be.
Joachim's comments about seeing thoughts, and the differences between various minds was interesting- he wondered why it was that his thoughts seemed especially vivid to the creature. He supposed that his thoughts were generally quite clear and well-formed in his own head, although he'd never considered where this might prove a disadvantage. But, as he and Joachim were evidently allies now, it didn't seem a real disadvantage unless there was someone else at the school capable of doing it, who might not be inclined to a relationship of mutual benefit. Although Joachim's perception regarding Spartacus' wife was somewhat unnerving, it only revealed his potential value all the better. "You are correct- if that damnable Thracian, Spartacus, had never learned that I'd arranged his wife's death, I doubt he'd have turned. I had to arrange her murder, and he had to see her die- it was the only way to put a leash on him. He was a gamble, and I fucking lost." He still wasn't sure how Spartacus had figured this out, but, he obvious had- his last words to Batiatus before he'd killed him made it clear. He'd seen it brewing in his eyes for days, and had attempted to take precautions, but, they hadn't been enough- that he'd manage to recruit all the other slaves in his vengeance was a factor he couldn't have ever anticipated.
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But, it wasn't only the obvious potential advantage than a giant mind-reading wolf offered him that inclined Batiatus towards the creature. It was impressive, but, Batiatus also liked the idea of Joachim as a comrade- he would be a truly unique one, the sort that few men could claim. Of course, Batiatus was still thinking of Joachim in canine terms, despite the speech- it was inevitable that he'd end up extremely surprised to learn what he actually was making friends with. The theatrical 'bow' certainly indicated a human level of intelligence, and although the gesture was not one of ancient Rome
to the best of the mun's knowledge, Batiatus could recognize the idea behind it. He returned the evident gesture of respect with a grave inclination of his head, and, perhaps unfortunately, an attempt to give Joachim a friendly pat on the neck- had he realized that Joachim's actual form was quite humanoid, he'd have possibly forgone the latter action. But, he was still thinking canine, and thus, attempting to communicate his reciprocation of friendship to the creature."It is a pleasure to make the acquaintance of such an ally as yourself, Joachim. I am Quintus Lentulus Batiatus, dominus of the House of Batiatus." He managed not to mangle Joachim's name too badly, and although he'd written down his name, and figured it likely Joachim could pull it out of his head, a proper introduction seemed a pleasant formality. He listened curiously to Joachim's description of the castle- surrounded by dragons, was it? This might have seemed ridiculous coming from someone else, but, when a giant wolf said that there were dragons, it was the sort of thing that seemed entirely believable. "I shall remember that, my friend- a dragon, fascinating as it might be, is something I'd rather not encounter." At least, not without the dragon extremely well-subdued, first. So, Joachim's warning would at least not go to waste. "It sounds as if leaving may be the only restraint- a great amount of freedom does hold a great amount of possibility." He had little doubt that something would eventually appeal to him, especially if the school were as vaguely organized as it appeared to be.
Joachim's comments about seeing thoughts, and the differences between various minds was interesting- he wondered why it was that his thoughts seemed especially vivid to the creature. He supposed that his thoughts were generally quite clear and well-formed in his own head, although he'd never considered where this might prove a disadvantage. But, as he and Joachim were evidently allies now, it didn't seem a real disadvantage unless there was someone else at the school capable of doing it, who might not be inclined to a relationship of mutual benefit. Although Joachim's perception regarding Spartacus' wife was somewhat unnerving, it only revealed his potential value all the better. "You are correct- if that damnable Thracian, Spartacus, had never learned that I'd arranged his wife's death, I doubt he'd have turned. I had to arrange her murder, and he had to see her die- it was the only way to put a leash on him. He was a gamble, and I fucking lost." He still wasn't sure how Spartacus had figured this out, but, he obvious had- his last words to Batiatus before he'd killed him made it clear. He'd seen it brewing in his eyes for days, and had attempted to take precautions, but, they hadn't been enough- that he'd manage to recruit all the other slaves in his vengeance was a factor he couldn't have ever anticipated.