The Cross-Roads - Unexpected Warrior Devotion

I've often wonder about the background of the two thieves that were on their own crosses right beside Jesus! What would it have been like hanging just feet from the Savior and Redeemer of the world? What was their story? How did they end up in the same place at the same time, to be remembered forever down through history each one on either side of the One that could wash away the very sins that put them on their own crosses that very day?