It was mid-morning when the dappled rays of the sun finally began to make honest headway in breaching the thick canopy of Northern Stranglethorn. Even by the river where there was a slight brake in the trees the ground was shadowed by the oppressive foliage. It was this light, combined with the cacophony of countless tropical songbirds unleashing their tunes.<br/><br/>From the buzzing insects, the blinding sun rays, and the steadily rising heat Alcyone knew from the moment she opened her eyes it was going to be another jungle day, and a hot one at that. The night had been exceedingly arm as well, and she'd slept in the nude on her bedroll and under the thinnest blanket she could find, not the safest proposal while alone in the jungle but she had her wards up and it was simply too damn hot. She sat up and took a swig from her waterskin, trying to banish the pain of her parched throat after having sweat out what felt like half her body weight in the night. She felt sticky all over, and not in the way she would have liked, her short black hair sticking up at odd angles.<br/><br/>Alcyone rose from her bedspread and walked to the river, enjoying the feeling of what little breeze came through the trees as it tingled across her bare skin. Even better was the shivering touch of the cold water as she poured it over herself, washing the sweat from her skin and bringing order back to her hair. Followed up by a quick cleansing spell to banish the smell and she was right as rain, but as she rapidly began to dry in the heat she knew it was a temporary measure at best.<br/><br/>As she ventured deeper into the jungle she had stripped down from most of her priestly vestments until she had only her thin white robe left. Though relatively fine, trimmed with golden cloth, it was little compared to the many layers some priests wore, and the slit up the side combined with deliberately low cut top gave it a slinkier edge few of her order approved of (out loud). The heat was so intense even that felt oppressive, and she toyed with the idea of travelling in her flattering black underwear before dismissing it. It took only a few minutes to dress and pack her things together. She wore only her robe and underwear, and her pack was light with the things she didn't have. A quick gesture to cancel her wards and she was ready to travel back to the road.<br/><br/>Even on the roads of Stranglethorn the jungle had its dangers. Great jungle cats and powerful raptors stalked the thick underbrush, or so she'd heard. Duskwood had its share of predators in its fearsome worgs, but a quick mind control spell had made them harmless, even worth some entertainment, but she didn't know if she could get such a spell off quick enough if caught in a jungle ambush. Thus, it was with some relief that the sight and more obviously the smell and noise of the Venture Co. Logging camp came into view.<br/><br/>Alcyone did not entirely condone the activities of the Venture Company, but some civilization was better than none, and the goblins didn't mind if you stayed out of their way. She decided she'd parley some temporary lodging with what little gold she had...or with herself. She wondered if the goblins would go for it, before deciding that any man going long enough on the job would empty his trousers (in more ways than one) at the offer of a beautiful and statuesque Draenei.<br/><br/>With new confidence she strode towards what seemed to be their offices before pausing at a sign near the entrance.<br/><br/>"Caravan of Debauchery? Sponsored by the Venture Trading Company?" She read out loud. The turn in her thoughts were evident as her long elegant tail swished idly from side to side. This could be quite the opportunity! She strolled further into the company grounds and spotted, quite easily, the brilliant pink and purple carriage contraptions which no doubt signified the caravan. With a bright-eyed smile on her face she walked towards it, waving her hand to attract the attention of the caravan master.<br/><br/>"Hello!" She called, adjusting her clothes as best she could to show off her long legs and ample chest, hips cocked slightly to the side. "I was wondering if I could negotiate some board with your caravan!"<div class="messageTextEndMarker"> </div>