He should have left this one to the Knights, Diluc decided, much to his own chagrin. It's not like he wasn't more than capable of fighting a few treasure hoarders. That was precisely why he was currently facing a dozen of the criminals in the Whispering Woods. It just would have been easier with someone to watch his back.

Jean or Sucrose could have grouped up the enemy, Albedo or Noelle could have provided shields, Kaeya, with help of a little hydro could freeze them in place, even without it he could slow them down. Even the non vision holders would come in a group and defend each other.

But no, he was alone, fighting in grass so dry it begged to be lit on fire. Diluc struck down another enemy and dodged away from the potioneer throwing whatever the hell was in those vials. It exploded, leaving bits of electro residue. Another bandit disappeared in a cloud of smoke as two knives came whirring through the air from behind, one grazing his calf and the other his shoulder. He turned and met the assailant with a flaming claymore, narrowly avoiding the lingering electro on the field.

A little while later the tingle of electro faded, and the last bandit was downed. Diluc rolled the tension in his shoulders and dismissed his sword, his vigilante justice served for the evening. He suffered no serious injuries, but the tavern was closer than the winery and if he cleaned up before heading home he could at least save Adelinde the worry, so he made his way toward the city.

Jumping directly from the top of the wall to the balcony of Angel's Share, Diluc slipped inside unnoticed and disappeared into the store room turned occasional bedroom. He removed his cloak and splashed water from the basin on his face, the cool water a pleasant contrast to the sweat he had managed to work up.

Downstairs, business appeared to be going well, if not overly busy. Jovial voices carrying over the clink of mugs and glasses. Every now and then he would catch snippets of conversation, but it wasn't distinct enough to serve as a hideout for intelligence gathering. Tonight, despite having other things on his mind, he caught a few words said close enough together to stir up concern though.

"Kaeya… knife wound…Cathedral" the conversation was overtaken by laughter from a closer table and a call for another round.

It didn't matter. Diluc was already descending the balcony and on his way to the upper part of the city.

The streets were relatively clear this evening and he was making good time, but traveling to the Cathedral seemed to take hours. Most knife wounds aren't that serious. Even more severe ones can be recovered from if properly treated, Diluc reminded himself. Kaeya was probably fine. Somehow, no matter how many times he told himself that, it was difficult to believe. He had to see for himself.

Reaching the top of yet another flight of stairs, Diluc finally reached the Church of Favonius Cathedral and burst through the double doors.

"Kaeya?!" his call came out unnecessarily worried sounding as he spotted the person in question standing, appearing uninjured, and laughing with Barbara a short distance away.

"Oh? Master Diluc. What brings you here?" Kaeya asks, voice cheerful and smooth, and not at all like he had been nearly killed.

"I.. I heard you had been stabbed…"

"My, news does travel fast," Kaeya returned with a chuckled, noting his brother's Darknight Hero persona outfit, minus the cape and mask. " A bit exaggerated though." He held up a hand, still wearing his fingerless gloves, and wiggled his fingers. "Still all there. I did have a minor mishap with a pocket knife, but it wouldn't have even warranted a trip to the Cathedral if I hadn't already been right outside."

"So, you're not hurt?"

"A little cut from peeling an apple, and it's already good as new," Kaeya confirmed. "What about you though? Tavern guests extra rowdy tonight?"

"Me?"

Kaeya gestured toward his shoulder and for the first time Diluc noticed the sting of his injuries and ripped clothing, forgotten in his hurry to get here.

"It's nothing."

"I'm sure," Kaeya agreed. "But since you're already here…"

"Of course! Master Diluc, I'll heal your injuries," Barabara volunteered. "It'll only take a minute."