Galuthel's graceful bow halted and his scaled body stiffened as he caught sight of a hooded figure. No, it was not what he saw, but rather, what he did not see. He could not make out the face nor body of the person standing before him, just robes. And darkness. Darkness enough to offset the sunlight stealing in from outside the shop.
"A Mask Master?" a strange voice came forth. Galuthel could not tell whether it was humanoid or creature, much less whether it was male or female. But the nature of the voice was not what disconcerted him. His hackles rose at the title. Few were left in this world that even knew what a true Mask Master was. And even fewer of those had good intentions.
For a true Mask Master did not merely make artifices of entertainment, playthings for the imaginative and world-weary. No, a true Mask Master could hide the very nature of things behind their crafted creations, no matter how glorious or horrific they may be.
"Good customer," Galuthel fought to keep his voice even. "I am simply a humble mask artisan, I would hardly consider myself a master," Galuthel gave a slight depreciating snort through his snout. "I just hope that my creations bring joy to their wearers. But the hour grows late. I never like to turn away business, but I do have some pressing matters to attend to upon closing, so if you would like to return tomorrow..."
"I am searching for a very specific mask," the voice cut Galuthel off, ignoring his meager attempt at escape. "I believe one such as yourself would know of what I speak." A faint tinge of threat seemed to emanate from the figure.
"My dear customer," Galuthel nervously replied. "There are numerous masks here, I'm sure you can find one that would fit your desires..."
Galuthel gulped inadvertently as the opaque figure seemed to grow in his vision.
"I seek..."