Unfortunately, the cold season lasted for quite a while, with snow laden on the ground well into Gozran, limiting mobility. Just as the group was planning to head out, though, a messenger arrived from Pitax, bearing a curious invitation - he, and his kingdom, were invited to participate in the Rushlight Tournament, held in Pitax, during the first week of Sarenith - a little over a month away. He would know, through his own knowledge, and Talia's information, that the Rushlight tournament was a popular event throughout the River Kingdoms, with rulers from numerous small nations coming together to participate and socialize, with competitions in the name of various nations resulting in fabulous prizes, from the vault of Kin Irovetti himself!<br/><br/>They'd also receive word from Tina, who was working her way to the research centers around Lake Encarthan, where she's found more and more references to this woman, usually shortly before the fall of a nation in the Stolen Lands. Her appearances seem confined to the northern reaches of the River Kingdoms, and there are more than a few legends, but little else. She is following up on an interesting thread, though - stories of a weapon that seems to be related in some way, with the name 'Briar'.