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Pouring, deafening, abusive rain poured down, beating the roof of her makeshift shelter. The wind pushed it left then right, violent in its chosen direction. Audrey fiddled with the gold plated lighter in her hand, listening to it flick open before igniting the spark and watching as it produced its tiny, bright flame. She really couldn't help herself, feeling the heat, watching as it seemed to dance before being blown out, just for her to light it again. Seeing the flame reminded her of before, and she could almost feel the burning, scorching heat all over again, as it brushed against her skin and left its mark. Between her bright green eyes and over the bridge of her nose was a large burn scar, a faint memory but a deeply carved reminder.
She shivered as a gust of strong wind blew towards her, the rain half soaking her and once again extinguishing the light. She growled, muttering to herself in irritation. But little time was spent worrying about that, as somewhere in the dark she could quietly hear the sound of something in the distance. She paid it her full attention, carefully reaching beside her for her flame thrower. Something was out there, ' Ragstag? Raider? Its too quiet to be a death claw, and mole rats breath heavy.' She thought to herself, trying to guess what could possibly be outside. Right as she had made the decision to burn first and ask questions later, that's when she noticed the warm glow, a light that showed itself first around the corner, where she saw it was connected to a hand, that was connected to a scruffy looking wastelander. " Oh shit, Sorry lady, thought this camp was abandoned." They seemed a little shocked she was there, or maybe it was because they had already noticed the flame thrower she had at the ready.
" You go peering into people's camps often?" She asked, a slight growl in her tone, " Cause its a pretty damn good way to get yourself shot." He gave a stiff grin, looking slightly sheepish. " Mind if I come in, its not like its pouring out the ass out here." He waited for her answer, as much as she was bitter about being disturbed, what was an hour just to wait out the storm? " Keep your hands and weapons to yourself. " She said, begrudgingly setting down her weapon, scooching over to make enough room for the two of them. He seemed grateful, carefully making his way in. One hand held a lit lantern, while the other was held palm up. Having a seat, he set the lantern between them, and she was finally able to clearly see what he looked like.
He was short, kinda stocky. With his dull blonde hair soaked and messily pulled back, a few drops of water dripping down his tan, if sunburnt face. His eyes shone hazel in the light, almost golden. His face was scruffy, and smile lines proudly showed his age on his face. He was dressed in a torn, dirtied red beater, and dark brown pants with holes and a few matches sewn over them, ending in muddied boots that had clearly seen much better days. She looked him over, trying to find if he had some hidden weapon or blade with him. Without an apparent weapon, it made her suspicious and weary of this stranger.
" Where is...Do you have a weapon?" She asked, and he answered with a grin as he wiped the dew from his face. " I left Bianca behind, she's hidden in a barrel not too far from us. I wasn't sure if there was someone out here, didn't want to freak them out if there was." He explained and she grimaced. " You risked being shot AND defenseless?" He had to of been an idiot without any sense of survival to pull that. " Well I tend to get shot at a whole lot less if I don't bring a huge minigun with me. People tend to get more freaked out that way."
" You are extremely lucky if you've done this more than once."
" Its worked out pretty well for me so far, although I did almost get stabbed once. Kinda goes with trying to find and help stragglers like you." She scoffed, feeling annoyed this stubby man clearly had so little sense of self preservation. " Find and help, that sounds like a good reason to risk your life."
It was silent for a moment, as he seemed to try and find his words again. After a moment, he was grinning slightly as he turned to look up at her. " You know, if you're interested I can lead you to a settlement." She shrugged her shoulders, paying mind once more to her lighter. " Generous offer, but I don't have caps."
" Its not for the money, occasionally I help people find a safe spot to bunker down in. Iv seen what the wasteland does if you're out there alone in it for too long."
" Well I'm doing just fine, Iv been out here long enough to survive on my own." He gave a dry chuckle, glancing at the flame thrower beside her. " Yeah, I suppose you are.." He perked up, and she thought for a moment she'd need to reach for it, " Would you accept a counter offer?" He asked, he seemed hopeful, so she thought best to entertain the notion. " That is?"
" You're certainly capable looking, would you ever look into mercenary work?"
" Gun for hire, I'v done that. Once or twice."
" What would you say would be your starting price?" It was like he was testing the waters, trying to see if he'd sink or swim in his attempt to entice her with a job offer. " Depends, how much is in your pockets? She grinned, her lips forming something reminiscent of a cheeky look.
" Three hundred and fifty caps to start, and another three hundred and fifty if you can accompany me to Good Neighbor. Iv got a few things to deal with there, I could use the back up while I'm there."
She mulled it over in her mind, It was a good amount to start with and she could surely use the money right now.. It would be a simple job really, she could handle it.
" Audrey Trevelyan, at your service, Mister?" She held out her hand to seal the deal, " Tethras, Varric Tethras." He took her hand and shook it, giving her a wink.