Born in a lesser-known town of Caralain, Darithor's early life was spent enjoying his time with his family, learning how to use a dagger and bow --from his father-- and generally having a good time. The young fellow wasn't completely happy, though; his dream was to become a gleeman, and entertain all.
His dream was attained one day when a gleeman came to town, patchwork cloak and all. Dari admired the fellow completely. Apparently he admired him more than he himself thought, for before he left, to wander to another town, the gleeman asked if the young Dari would care to be taken under his wing, as his apprentice.
Of course, the youngster was crazy about the offer at first chance, and agreed. They wandered from nation to nation, nearly all the way around the world (or so it seemed to Dari) and finally returned to his parents, letting them know he was on his way to being a full gleeman.
His parents, now nearly in their sixties, were glad that their son had found a profession, and let him continue. He did so, his mentor telling Dari he was good enough to thrive on his own, and so Arnlas left, Dari being twenty-five and a skilled gleeman.
Wandering from town to town, Dari planned to return to his parents, telling them of his progress. He did, and finally arrived in Tar Valon. Having never performed in the Sedai City, he hoped to have his grandest performances there, in front of the channelers themselves.