Silas stood for a moment after being dismissed by the Council, staring up at the trio of molten visages. He raised a hand to his forehead, where the mark he'd been branded with still glowed with warmth. Despite some lingering misgivings, it seemed he was correct about choosing the lesser of two evils, at least if that Templar's "branding" was any indication of what had awaited him given his refusal. He grit his teeth, trying to expunge the memory from his head. Another delusional idiot who assumed reality catered to his beliefs alone, and all others were to be trampled underfoot. He'd been of a mind to put the Templar in his place by telling him of the realities of his precious "Jesus," but the Council had very quickly done so already. He didn't suppose he'd be seeing much of the fool after such a trauma. So he decided to turn his thoughts to more interesting subjects, such as the benefits of his newfound partnership.

It all was such an intriguing prospect- he hadn't expected the rewards to be quite so... fruitful. The citadel and its facilities were all well and good- a structure so large had to have a library at least, which, being a scholar, would be beneficial to him. And if they had a forge, as well? All the better; he'd been wanting to make a match to Pleiades for about a century now, and the idea of using gunpowder weaponry as a template was tempting, especially after getting a glance of that half-demon's weapons of choice. The World Tree was also convenient, if unnecessary- he already had means into Purgatorio and Paradiso, though the latter required a bit more effort, and some cajoling of his familiars. And it wasn't as though he intended to storm Inferno any time soon. Still, a simpler method of traveling was appreciated, if only to save him some extra effort. All of these benefits, however, paled in comparison to the most tangible gift he'd been granted. 

[color=goldenrod][i]A transcendent form phenomenon that I can call upon myself. To use and study at will... how marvelous.[/i][/color] Ever since coming into contact with demons and half-bloods, he'd been intrigued by the ability of some to engage such a phenomenon in times of duress, greatly amplifying their powers. He'd heard even of some of the old Sages and even Umbra Witches being able to engage a similar phenomenon themselves, though it seemed such knowledge was, for the most part, lost. Even Father Roderick lacked such an attribute. Apparently, knowledge of the means of doing so had died with the Exile. But now, he had it in his grasp. With it, he might be able to regain such lost knowledge, to spread this power among his Lumen brethren. It wasn't a sure thing- he hadn't even tested his powers out yet, and he was unsure what parallels, if any, there would be with the transcendence of old. But it was a start.

Of course, this led him to... darker thoughts, as he was reminded of the decision he had made, and how his brethren might react. Especially what that elder Watcher had told him.

[i][color=50C878]”Very noble of you, enlightened one.  I hope you keep your word no matter what we tell you to kill.  Heheheh…”[/color][/i]

He was well aware of the... unpredictable nature of the Council, and moreover the capricious nature of the Hierarchy. A trait that some among the Sages shared, to his chagrin. Some of the Hierarchy might not take kindly to him seemingly trading their authority for the Council's, and neither might his brothers. It might indeed lead to conflict, now that he thought of it. Which was infuriating.

[color=goldenrod][i]Perhaps I'm being too pessimistic,[/i][/color] he thought, still tracing the line branded onto his forehead absentmindedly. [color=goldenrod][i]I am still a Lumen Sage, first and foremost. And while under normal circumstances, this might be construed as unfit for the oaths I have taken, the very fact that the Council has called me shows that these are not normal circumstances. The seals of Armageddon are being destroyed. Someone means to bring about the Endwar, or something worse, considering what that... thing was cackling about at the Cairn.[/i][/color] He shuddered again as he thought about that creature, then continued on with his thoughts.

[color=goldenrod][i]Even demons can see that the situation is too dire to allow petty differences to separate us. Surely I can convince the other Sages and Heaven to see sense. If we allow presumptions to divide us, we will all fall.[/i][/color] He nodded to confirm this to himself, then turned and followed his new comrades toward the Citadel. Still, despite his logic, doubt still darkened his thoughts. Perhaps he would keep this between himself and Roderick for now. There, at least, was someone he could trust not to react too harshly.

He caught up to the group wandering toward the castle that now loomed above them. Save the Nephilim and a strangely-familiar mage, who rocketed ahead using some sort of enhancement magic. Silas frowned. He'd wanted to speak to Wrath further. Particularly about why Lady Uriel would hide the creation of a Nephilim from her allies in the Sages. He shrugged as he shifted into his Wolf Within, loping toward the doors and shifting back into his human form as he entered the massive structure that he supposed was now their headquarters. He'd get back to the Nephilim sooner or later. As he dusted himself off after returning to human form, one of the others, a sword-wielding girl, dashed into the castle past him, running down another corridor, chanting about books.

[color=goldenrod][i]Ah. A kindred spirit.[/i][/color] An excellent starting point for associating with his new compatriots. He followed after the girl, at a more leisurely pace, certainly. She was hard to lose track of, as exuberant as she was.