Darphin (prime)/Sea to Sea: Darphin's search for Talliver

This is a creative work set in the world of Elanthia, attributed to its original author(s). It does not necessarily represent the official lore of GemStone IV.

Title: Sea to Sea: Darphin's search for Talliver

Author: Darphin Ta'Mori

    As the caravan comes to a stop, the weary Lord awakens. A long year of toeing the line has granted him the ability to nap anywhere, yet it has also cursed him with a perpetual sense of fatigue. As he steps into the bustling streets of the Landing, which feel almost like home, he notices more sand falling from his cloak. It is not as bothersome as when it blows in the driving wind, but it still irritates him, serving as a reminder of an unsuccessful trip.

    Although he has seen many signs of The Coven's influence, he has failed to find any evidence suggesting that the Mayor of Icemule is in the desert. The vibrant atmosphere of the Landing assaults his senses, as the myriad smells, sounds, and movements register in his waking mind. He contemplates a brief rest in his orchard, perhaps to tend to the trees, before moving on to the next phase of his search. Initially, he had only considered two locations where the mayor could be held, based on the visions of the rainbow-haired seer, but time spent in the sand has prompted him to think of another possibility. It is true that they are operating as a council, but would Rammael be so far from his prey as to have the Iron Harpy keep him on their isle? Perhaps, for the five seem ever cunning. As he enters his orchard, Lord Ta'Mori allows his mind to ponder the reasons behind it all. Why did they kidnap the mayor? The Five are astute enough to know that the town will not trade for him. The mayor is too proud to allow it, even if they would. Certainly, Nettle and Rammael would want to toy with him for a while before killing him, but why orchestrate a kidnapping? Why let the town know? Darphin rolls these thoughts around in his mind for a while; he understands why he would do it—to draw the orb out into the open. The town will naturally want to form a rescue party as soon as Darphin reports any signs of the mayor. This leads to the next question for him: should he reveal the mayor's whereabouts if he finds him? He risks the orb falling into the Five's hands if he does.

    If he remains silent, he ensures the mayor's death. The morality of the question is not the issue; good and evil are merely matters of perspective, and he does not concern himself with that. What is advantageous for the many, for the Ta'Mori—that is the choice he must make. After tending to the trees' needs, he sits beneath one, leaning against its sturdy trunk. Almost able to feel the orchard breathing around him, he finds comfort and is lulled to sleep. Tomorrow, he will set sail for the second location, with no worries about what to do with the information until he finds it.