Golbez (Durante)

portraits of Durante from FFXIV Endwalker. He clasps his shoulder on the left, looking concerned or concentrating. On the right is his armor is revealing more of his body without the scarf. In the middle is a small chibi of him running saying, "Hurry, Golbez! The city is already overrun!"

Some old Durante doodles cleaned up✨
HURRY GOLBEZ--!!! #ffxiv

Ah... How naughty of you to bite me. [He retracts his hand, denying her the chance to lick his blood. Durante smirks, bringing his hand to Dian's waist, squeezing tight.]

You deserve to be teased...

[Also brooding. Not too close, but not too far either. Just the right amount of brooding distance.]

//I'M GOING TO SCREAM AND SOB...

Thank you for the angst, I'm squeezing them...

"A... Collar that absorbs aether...?" it sounds as though Panne is speaking the truth, he shall take her word for it.

"I've never heard of such a tool. I shall give it a try then."

You ask why it is I am angry, truly? When that scum nearly took your life?

Is it so strange for me to feel... protective...?

"Hah...." An amused chuckle, followed by silence for a moment.

"How very bold of you. Are you in charge of my wardrobe now?" He smirks, finding T'asir's excuse to be both amusing and adorable.

"Now then. Why not tell the truth? Come now, I won't bite... Unless you provoke me further."

There's a couple of dimwit Ascians stirring trouble. My apologies for overreacting, I find myself feeling rather... Protective over the new bonds I've forged.

And what exactly is so nasty about it?

Ascians make a habit out of causing ruckus. Where are they? I'm on a hunt.

@panne-nini.bsky.social

Durante had been taking a nap when he suddenly feels something leathery wrap around his neck. Slowly, he opens his eyes to find Panne before him.

"Oh? Now why exactly did you place this accessory around my neck?"

@tasirfarosh.etheirys.social

Durante is slightly taken aback when the collar snaps into place. He glances down at it then at T'asir.

"Now this is quite sudden. What's the occasion?"

@bloodyredbunny.bsky.social

Durante immediately smirks when Dian places the collar on him. Slowly, he runs his finger across the material.

"Craving some vengeance, Little Red?"

@nikafauh.bsky.social

"You've been quite bold as of late for such a shy thing. What is this little accessory for?"

He her a wicked grin.

"Please do tell me dear, what's the matter? You were bold enough to put this accessory on me mere moments ago...?"

His tone was hardly above a whisper. He smirked, finding her fidgety and flustered nature endearing.

My apologies. Hearing you were harmed by that fiend made my blood boil so much I wished to go strike him down.

I mustn't let anger consume me.

So you not only don't find me intimidating, you find my presence comforting? [He smiles fondly]

You've no idea how much joy that brings me.

Ahh... Nothing gives insight to one's culture quite like the food.

I certainly look forward to sampling what this Star has to offer.

That is, if he grew up with similar circumstances. He can still feel the sting of a self-inflicted injury to his neck.

After getting dressed, he steps outside. He needs fresh air, needs to clear his mind.

He's used the name Golbez for so long. That alone has caused an identity crisis. Durante wished to reject these glimpses of his other self, but he couldn't.

Even if the idea of destroying his own home on purpose sickens him to his core, Durante knows he would have done the same exact thing.

A stinging, burning sensation across his neck. Durante jolts awake in a cold sweat. (What is going on...?)

Slowly, he makes his way to the nearest mirror. Good, he still looks like himself. And yet, the lines of who he is have blurred.

An obsession that would drive a man to destroy his very home, to murder his own father. Durante believes he doesn't understand... And yet at the same time he understands these sort of acts all too well.

It was in his own obsession that Durante wished to bring his twisted version of Salvation.

A nightmare? No, perhaps a vision. One that feels far too real.

Memories of another life, of another person. Durante had conversations previously about reflections. Was this one of his? What is this obsession? One that goes beyond the obsession of his old friend.

[He scratches behind her ears, smiling fondly]

Either way, you most certainly can.

How /very/ adorable...

There are... Several ways? How very curious. I shall dedicate myself to research before I venture out!

[A low groan escapes him as her nails dig into his arm]

Yes... The fighting and killing can wait. I shall simply breed you again on the battlefield my adorable little red bunny.

[He grabs her chin, leaning close to Dian's face. Durante slowly brushes his finger across her bottom lip.]

Ah... [A sigh escapes him. So soft. He gently pets her ears]

I had no clue your kind could purr just like felines... [Oh, his heart is going to melt]

I suppose the name matters not if the food tastes good.

You've certainly piqued my curiosity.

You may call me Durante then.

I need not carry the name of my old friend. Especially when it feels as though they are right here.

[Durante smiles back]

"There is so much to experience here on the Source. I've hardly scratched the surface." Slowly, Durante reaches out and places his hand on Olwen's cheek.

"And you are the person I wish to receive guidance from the most."