[It has been so long since he felt mortality. It is a faded memory exchanged in words between himself and Kaeya. He drinks animal blood because he can’t bring himself to bite another. Humans are flames that he can’t be anymore.

There is no more Dawn for him. But he thinks he can feel it once more against his skin. The way it warms him. A warrior’s instinct telling him if he fights this one, he can once more hold fast to the light.

His fangs itch. His blood - a cold thing - is beginning to burn. His eyes narrow like a predator sighting prey.]

We are both warriors. There is only way for us to truly prove your honesty. Do battle with me this night.

[He turns his head and calls out to another of his kin, a young red haired man that looks so like his father it hurts.] Victor, take over. I’m going to be out for a while.

[Victor nods and takes the other side of the bar as Diluc grabs his coat and gloves. As he pulls them on he looks closer and closer to the old paintings. He lets his hair down and just ties it back as he comes around through the divider. In that moment he is a legend come to life, eyes taking the measure of Childe and seeming to deem him wanting in the same measure.

His voice is smooth, the tones of a noble lord who is used to others listening to what he has to say.] Fight me and you’ll get a glimpse of your predecessor.

The typhoon that you have to surpass.