That Which Lies in the Dark

20

"Oh! Look at this one!" Remus yelled making Virgil laugh as he was dragged over to this one merchant's table. Remus was just giggling away as he picked everything up, which of course frustrated the merchant but one look over at Roman kept their mouth shut. "This one's awesome!" Remus beamed as he held up a handmade wooden chest. It was small most likely for jewelry or something but Remus had to praise the craftsmanship of the carving and designs.

"And where would you put it?" Virgil teased as Remus just stuck his tongue out at him.

"Oh phooey. Can't let a man dream huh? It decent size. Could fit quite a lot of jewels... important documents..." Remus paused for a bit giving Virgil a suggestive eyebrow wiggle only making the young ghoul break down in laughter. "...maybe even some fun stuff."

"I don't think I want to know what you meant by that." Roman glared his brother down as he took the chest back before placing it back on the table. "Now come on. We're here for a reason. Let's not bother the merchants too much, lest we cause a scene."

"Awe, you're no fun bro bro." Roman cringed at the nickname only making Remus laugh as he nudged Roman in the side. "I'm just having some fun." Remus's eyes narrowed as Roman growled at him. 'The more relaxed we are the less suspicion any undesirables may be.' That of course caught Roman's attention who simply nodded and waved them off. It wasn't likely that Roman would ever follow his example as the one thing Roman can never seem to do is relax. But at least that was normal and well known. People who saw Roman expected him to be closed off and an asshole. No one has ever really met Remus... a least no hunter or holy knight has, and Roman wants to keep it that way. As long as they don't draw unwanted attention, he supposed his brother wasn't exactly doing any harm. Plus...

"Ooh, what about this?" Virgil spoke in a soft voice as he held up this hand-woven bag. It was dark in color but had a shiny golden threading for the embellishments. Virgil's eyes seemed to sparkle as he brushed his fingers over the soft fabric, making Roman's eyes narrow a bit at the sight.

"And you made a comment about the chest." Remus teased making Virgil blush in embarrassment.

"It was a chest! At least a bag makes sense." Virgil replied before paling at the price. "Too bad it's too much. I know someone who might have liked it." Virgil sighed as put the bag down giving a look to the merchant before pulling Remus off to another table. Roman hesitated to follow, however, his eyes lingering on the bag. He found himself reaching for his coin purse until...

"Hey, Roman! You frozen or..." Roman jerked back suddenly, shaking himself out of his thoughts before following after his twin.

"Of course not. I just don't see a point in going table to table." Roman growled back, before giving one last glance to the bag they had left behind. "Forget it. Can we just hurry this along?"

"Remus, look!" Virgil called out making both twins turn to see the ghoul holding a wooden mask, instantly making both twins' faces fall. "I know you both have a thing about masks but..."

"Roman, don-..." Remus started, worried his brother would get angry only... Roman just sighed as glanced around at the stand to see all they had. It wasn't much, to be honest.

"That mask won't do a thing." Roman finally called back cutting Virgil's ramble off, whose eyes shot wide with anxiety. After all, he was expecting Remus to say something, not Roman. Roman growled quietly as he made his way closer, seeing the way Virgil's eyes narrowed in confusion. "These are masks, yes, but if you wore them for protection they wouldn't last long."

"What do you mean?" Roman just held his hand out letting Virgil place the wooden mask in his hand before holding it up with a scrutinizing glare.

"The quality itself is poor, which makes sense since it's not made to be higher end. Masks like these are meant for the poor who have no other option. The biggest problem with these masks is the material. With how much you need to wear the mask the wood with wear quite quickly. And with how the weather is, you'll end up with a broken or warped mask within a few months and have to buy a new one." Remus just stood there eyes dark as Roman went through his speel. Roman handed the mask back to the merchant, who was glaring at him but didn't bother to try and fight him, before pulling Virgil away who squeaked at the sudden, yet soft, touch the hunter gave him. "If you truly want a mask I recommend a higher-end more ornate mask. One that is typically seen on nobility."

"I can't-..."

"They're for sale everywhere to anyone who can afford it. It's just that nobility are the only ones that dare to buy them." Roman could see the nervousness clear as day in the ghoul as they just continued to walk. "The reason I say this is..." Roman hesitated, not liking what he was doing at all but he couldn't ignore the buzz in his skin. "As a hunter, we are told to keep an eye out for masks like those wooden ones. Monsters are typically unable to afford decent masks. And according to the handbook..." Roman growled those words making Virgil's eyes darken a bit. "The better quality masks are seen to be endowed with sunlight and therefore untouchable to monsters. Honestly, I believe that's nothing but lies the artisans say so people will buy more of their stock but it doesn't change the fact that if you have one... people don't look twice." Roman eyes the ghoul beside him before shaking his head. "Masks are stupid and pointless. They won't protect you. But if you feel you must... save up for a good one."

"Is that why you two don't wear any?" Virgil whispered, tensing up a bit, at the dark look Roman got in response. "You don't have to answer I know it's a tough subject. I..."

"Masks do nothing to protect you from monsters. They will still see you as you are regardless of the masks you wear. The only thing a mask may shield you from is the unwanted eyes of a human who has too much time on their hands and loves to play ridiculous games like pin the tail on the monster and see which ones manage to stick."

"Roman." Virgil jerked as Remus's voice suddenly took on a very cold and heavy tone. "We do not need to speak about it. The past is the past, let's move on."

"I wasn't going to fight." Roman rumbled actually making Remus falter a bit. "He asked me a question and I was answering it. I do not wear a mask because they do absolutely nothing for me."

"Why don't we just move on, hmm?" Roman frowned at the slight tug on his arm. Virgil stood there giving Roman a small smile before gesturing towards a different part of the market. "They're plenty more we can look at."

"Whatever gets us away from here." Remus grumbled making Virgil laugh.

"Sure... come on, you two."