[@Dephyus]

Don eyed Eddie as he rooted through various bags on the mule.  One would think Don would have become accustomed to the eccentric behavior of his partner, but time had not dulled the oddity of Eddie's antics.  The balance between entertaining lunacy, and sobering violence was delicate at best.   There were times when Don would pretend to be asleep near the fire, and swear he could feel the cold tinge of steel upon his throat in the night.  In one way Eddie's mannerisms terrified Don.  Watching what a man could do to another living thing with such little provocation and so much savagery.  But in another way, Eddie's madness was comforting.  If nothing else, it validated Don's own sanity in comparison.  And if things ever took a bad turn... Eddie was the kind of guy you wanted on your side. 

Eddie keeled down and picked up a handful of dry, brown dirt.  Rubbing it briskly between his hands, he proceeded to wipe the earthy dust all over his pristine white oxford.  Camouflage was key, and nothing had been as clean as that shirt in damn near twenty years.  Thoroughly dirtied, Don turned back to the mule cart.  It was amazing what kinds of loot and plunder the duo had acquired over the years.  Most of it junk, some of it treasure.   All earned with their blood, sweat, or experience.

[color=0072bc]"That gun's good... yeah.  Damn shame that kid broke the firing pin."[/color]  Don said in reference to the origins of said carbine.  [color=0072bc]"You don't see many guns like that anymore.  They see us roll up with that, they'll know we're the real deal.  Make it seem more believable we escaped that 'bandit raid' too.  My name is... Jacob Reddings.  You and I...  we've only known each other a week or so, and I paid you as a sell sword.  If anyone asks, we've taken to the 'Code of the Road.'"[/color] He said, referring to the practice in which nomads meeting in the wastelands withhold all personal information, other than that of their names and hometowns.  Don walked back to where he had discarded his clothes in the street and selected from the pile his heavy overcoat, which he slipped on- right arm after left.  Scooping up the remaining clothing and hiding it behind a piece of foliage, Don now looked the part of a proper nomadic scientist.
 
[color=0072bc]"I figure it'll be a good ten minute walk until we hit the first buildings.  Keep your eyes peeled, keep your cool, and don't break frame.'[/color]  

Don said as he lazily gripped the mule's reigns and began to slowly lead the pack animal down the overgrown and crumbled asphalt road.