Nova
The arrival of the water improved Nova's mood several degrees, and his usual caution was forewent as he lapped greedily at the bowl. It had an interesting taste, not exactly bad, but not quite like that of a crisp spring either. Perhaps it was sulfur? It didn't matter. Hunger always made the best spice, and the Ausi was pretty sure that the same applied to thirst and drinking. Though he would have to find a way to fix his fur. During the brief moment he had allowed the water to stand still he had seen his reflection, and the work of several ice-steam treatments certainly didn't leave him looking pretty.
Nova tried to pay attention between relieved laps as the meeting progressed. Ever the spy, he spent part of his brainpower trying to size up the rebel leaders, and silently assessed the position of himself and the group. There were no clear escape routes, which was never a good sign, but as of yet the Ausi didn't suspect foul play. The whole idea of a super weapon was hard to wrap the mind around, but the plan seemed like a genuine one. Nova couldn't fathom the audacity of attacking the Dimitrios head on, especially when they were in their home cliffs. In the battle that he had witnessed around the time he met Cerise, it was rock wolf settlements out in the woods that had been attacked and routed. But in the cliffs, the Dimitrios would be in their element. It was like trying to attack an Aven in the woods, or a Kamarian in the dark. Or an Ausi in their own capitol city.
Steadied by his recent drink it was enough for Nova to say "I'm in," when the time came to choose. He had come too far to turn back now.
The promised reprieve in the heat was surprisingly effective. It was still plenty warm, but at least it no longer felt like they were standing in an oven. Rather disorientated in the urban setting, Nova kept on the heels of Amarok as they moved through the alleys. The was no mindpower to waste on scouting now, all was needed to focus through the fumes on the task ahead.
Eventually settling himself on the ridge overlooking the factory, the Ausi settled in to wait for the signal. He looked to his left and discovered that he had ended up by Vesta and Amarok, the latter pulling a face that looked like she had just licked a lemon. As he had heard feint chatter among the other rebels in the ring, Nova felt he could risk a quiet comment to steady his nerves and theirs.
"You don't know how long I've waited for this. To do something that matters in ending this war."