Villonah takes the opportunity given to her by both Utar and Doozey to introduce herself. Her last name catches Aleyd's attention, as it would anyone's in this city as long as they consider themselves well-enough informed. A brief discussion elapses on the merits and faults of the gnome's father, which are quickly followed by a moment of silence in respect of his death. The Lyceum and its fall are not mentioned during this exchange, but there is a glint in Aleyd's eyes that goes unexplained for now. Through the conversation, Aleyd and Villonah come to the realization that they know each other tangentially. They both participated in Lord Brokengulf's venture into the Quivering Forest. Villonah joined CRAP's mission back then; Aleyd led a separate squad.

-> I'll assume Raist's introduction happens here but will let @Red take the lead there.

Aleyd turns to Utar with a smile. "You are becoming more of a diplomat with each passing day." She laughs a little alongside her former soldier, but when Utar turns the conversation toward the Cult of the Dragon and then the Gray Patriots, Aleyd puts her business face back on. "The Cult is always a looming threat around these parts. The victories we have amassed against them, that you have conquered, are only battles however. The war is still out there to be won. While I would like to agree with you that they might be on the back-foot, I fear they remain a menace. Was it not you who pondered whether our victories against them were working in a particular Cult faction's favor? I would hate for us to be doing their dirty work for them, helping consolidate internal power by getting rid of the competition."

She then takes a deep breath, moving on to the next topic quickly thereafter: "As for the Gray Patriots, I must apologize. I was unavailable to partake on your hunt or even help. I helped that hero regain his freedom long ago. I should have been there to punish the villain he has become." She raises a hand to her face, shaking it side to side in regret. "But the truth is that he is back to doing only little damage to the city now, trade has mostly reopened, and the people are not going hungry. A bounty is still out on his head, by the urgency to collect it isn't. You all did well... Not well enough for your own standards, perhaps, but well nonetheless." She takes another deep breath. "And this Ruse warrior you named, no, I don't believe she was in the Black Fist ranks. If she was, she was of minor relevance then. It sounds like she has grown up." 

Then, after taking a moment to eat a few bites of bread and cheese, she adds: "As for next steps, I do have a thought, but it might take you away from the topics you want to discuss first. My own troubles relate to more internal struggles."

"Well I am certainly gladdened to know that the Grey Patriots are a lesser threat now.  Do you have any idea where they might be making their new base of operations?  Close to the Iron Route presumably but in a sensibly defensible position?"

"Raist leans back and simply says "you can call me Raist"  his eyes watching the new arrival taking in every feature.

Though Doozey and Biscuit would return to their collective meal, the former took care not to lose himself in the delectable morsel so thoroughly as to miss even a single word from Aleyd. Which might be why, with perhaps the exception of Neya, that he found himself cocking his head slightly to the side and raising a brow. "H-Hold on a sec, Utar. Ms. Aleyd, w-what's going on? The guard still giving you the third degree, or... what?" He asks worriedly.  "I'd assumed since you were able to make it here that things been more or less settled back with the guard. But, it start'n to sound like... well..." He trails off there and motions for Aleyd to pick things up.

To Raist's introduction, Aleyd nods in acknowledgement. "Captain Aleyd Burral of the Knight of the Black Fist," she offers.

"I don't," Aleyd answers Utar's question. Reports say they have a ship, so they could be anywhere around the Moonsea. "Your deduction is a fair one, but the Iron Route is long. They could be anywhere along its length."

Hearing Doozey steer the conversation towards her own concerns, Aleyd accepts the assist and dives right in: "Well, we have been working together for quite sometime, right? Nonetheless, at times, I wasn't readily available to lend a hand. I explained it to you at those times that I had taken some interest in the inner workings of the Black Fist itself. I was, and still am, concerned about the organization's involvement in corruption. I don't mean the petty bribes and favors the street guards receive and offer. I mean consequential acts of irrefutable corruption. Well, I have always been concerned by rumors of serious corruption among the Black Fists. I desperately want to do something about it but need tangible proof that I can present to Lord Regent Ector Brahms himself. In addition to serving on the Cinnabar Throne, he is also the Knight Commander of the Black Fists. The Lord Regent is an honorable man, and I am confident that he will act decisively if I can gather sufficient proof."

She pushes her plate away an inch or two, signaling that she needs space to add some hand gestures to her delivery. "I heard rumors of a secret prison where rogue members of the Black Fists tortured and murdered prisoners for their own enjoyment or to satisfy personal vendettas, rather than remand them to the normal prison system. After a long search, I located the place beneath the ruins of the Lyceum of the Black Lord but discovered nothing that would substantiate my suspicions. If it was there, it had been long since cleared out. This was the best lead I had for some time, and I had nothing to show for it." 

She the turn to face Villonah: "Which makes it quite a coincidence that you are here, Ms. Leadstopper." Villonah's eyes go wide. "Your father confessed to being behind the sinking of the Lyceum and was executed for it. If the rumors are right about it serving as a secret torture location for the worst of the Black Fist, then why was your father protecting them with his confession?"

Villonah looks nervously at Neya and Utar, and then, remembering that Doozey may have been told the story in detail even though he wasn't there himself, she also looks at the halfling. She guesses that Raist wouldn't know much yet about this particular story, but still meets the elf's gaze in case he can help somehow.

Utar closes his eyes and sighs. "I had hoped this day would never come."

When he reopens his eyes, they are obviously wet. He looks at Villonah. "How much of this would you like me to tell? It is your tale as much as mine."

Turning to Aleyd, he adds, "For now, I will say this. Rollo Leadstopper was not protecting the Black Fist that day, far from it. I only ask that Torm grant me an ounce of the courage that gnome showed that day when my own time comes."

Incidentally, both Doozey and Utar have the same initial reaction, though no words from the former are swift follow it. Rather in lieu of them, when next he opens his eyes and sees the look on Villonah's face, all he can but do his reach out to grasp her hand in a show of support, if nothing else. Even Biscuit seems to pick up on the change in atmospher. And had VIllonah's other hand been in reach and unoccupied, he place a paw over it and "Boof" lowly at her. 

Neya shies away for only a moment. But forces herself back to the moment. She knows full well their actions and the consequences thereof were of pre-CRAP Utar, Neya and a handful of others.

Villonah accepts the non-verbal support from Doozey and Biscuit, and is glad to see Neya perk up as well. She is most relieved, though, when Utar saves her from having to respond first. Following the orc's introduction to the matter, the gnome provides a truthful but otherwise concise answer. There is much she is omitting, nonetheless: "I was a bit of an adventurous daughter to my father. I got into my fair share of trouble. When I annoyed the wrong guard one too many times, instead of forcing me to spend the night in jail, they sent me to their secret spot beneath the Lyceum. My father hired Utar, Neya, and a few others to come to my rescue. They were successful, but those guards were playing with some dangerous creatures and arcane wards back from the time when the Lyceum was still dedicated to Bane. The fight to save me did enough damage to the structure for the Lyceum to sink. We were able to escape and I chose not to return home as to not trouble my father anymore."

Aleyd steps in, understanding where the story is going: "The investigations on the The Sinking of the Lyceum, as the event is now known, started shortly thereafter. The corrupt faction within the Black fist was looking for those who ruined their hideout. The righteous faction within the order was looking for those who ruined the infirmary that had taken root in the Lyceum after the fall of the worship of Bane. The investigations had too high of a profile for a guilty party not to be found. Rillo Leadstopper knew it would all eventually lead back to you. He confessed so that there would be no need for further investigations. He confessed to protect you and, by extension, Utar and Neya and the others who helped save his daughter." 

There is no need for confirmation here. Aleyd did not ask a question in her most recent spoken words. Instead, she affirmed her conclusions. In the moment of silent that follows, Villonah lowers her head, tears streaming down her cheeks. Aleyd looks pensive. There is an opportunity for CRAP to speak, add color or explanations.

Utar adds his own extra detail, his voice flat, his eyes still wet.

"At the time, we did not know that the Lyceum stood above their foul den. We thought we had put a stop to whatever was happening there. It was not until later that we discovered the collateral damage. At the time we weren't sure if this was an offshoot of the Black Fist, operating independently or normal practice condoned and approved by those higher up. Our interactions with the Black Fist had only confirmed the worst assumptions up to that point."

Utar takes a deep breath and wipes the tears from his eyes, looking back to Villonah. "We were returning from an investigation at Sokol Keep when we discovered Rillo has confessed to the sinking of the Lyceum. When we returned to Phlan, the sentence had been passed. I do not think there is a love that burns as fierce or as long as that of a parent for a child. You might have had your differences with him, but he loved you child, be sure of that."

(OOC I was so sure his name was Rollo... Whoops!)

Raist listens intently knowing only the basics and rumors of the story

"I... I wish you had come to me sooner with the truth," Aleyd tells Utar. "Were you anyone else, I'd be drawing my blade now." Her lips quiver for but a moment. "The Temple of the Hand has become the center of all healing in the city since then. They had played an auxiliary role to the Lyceum, and I assume they stepped up their contributions, at least partly, under your guidance and funding. You have done plenty of good for this town. Your ledger is still on the black. Knowing that there are some numbers in red in it, well... makes it more real."

Villonah is unable to speak for now. Her tears become stifled sobs. Perhaps buying the young lady some time, Aleyd continues: "Torm's Justice may still come for you some day, Utar and Neya, but today is not that day. There is plenty of work to be done and you are the best in the business who I can count on as allies. The investigation under the Lyceum was the closest I have been to concrete evidence that was strong enough to bring to the Lord Regent himself. Your actions took that card off the table. But now, another opportunity has shown itself, and I am sure you'll work extra hard not to let this one be wasted, ain't that so?" She looks around the table, her question needing no response. Her gaze stops at Raist for a few extra seconds before she begins addressing the table more generally again. "Do you remember your old friend Spernik? He is a dragon cultist that CRAP captured not too long ago. He robbed tomes from Mantor's Library after working there as a temporary scribe, then left town in search of druid circle ruins located in the foothills of the Dragonspine Mountains. This particular investigation was not led by myself but by another Black Fist Captain. I understand you helped Captain Bolver in capturing Spernik and bringing him back into our custody alive. What can you tell me about this particular mission?"

"I am ready to accept Torm's judgement when that day comes.  None of us are without stain, but this one weighs heavily on my soul.  Had I known that the Black Fist were looking for the guitly party, and I had known what Rillo had in mind,  I would not have let him do what he did.  I would swap our places in a heartbeat given the chance."

Wanting to leave disussions over Rillo Leadstopper to one side given Villanoh's reaction, Utar is content to turn his attentions to Spernik. "I am not sure I would count him as a friend, but have had dealings with Spernik, yes. We found the druidic circle, made notes on the temple and defeated the undead druids who inhibited it."

With only secondhand knowledge of prior events at best, Doozey chose to hold his tongue and observe proceedings for a time. But he would not mask his frown, a response over the direction of things, or shirk away from continuing his non-verbal support. Not until at least bid to do otherwise. When Aleyd goes on to so much as hint at drawing blade under different circumstances, Doozey cannot help but let his gaze flicker to his own weapon. Aleyd had already done the easy job of limiting eyewitnesses, so...

Doozey's eyes widen for a half a second at the thought before he squeezes them shut, clenched his jaw, and shook his head. Only the sounds of Villonah's sobbing is able to pull the halfling from his own remorse, and for once without the usual hesitation born of social awkwardness, he'd try to pull Villonah into a side hug. "... Where exactly are you going with all this, Aleyd? Is this Captain Bolver s'pose to be yer next 'in' on uprooting corruption, or what?" Doozey asked with just a tinge of steel behind his voice.

Villonah welcome's Doozey's continued support and Utar's perceptive motion to steer the conversation to less hurtful topics. Aleyd nods in understanding and continues on the path of the latest subject of conversation: "I am glad that you dispatched the undead druids, but I don't think they are of any concern at the moment. And although Captain Bolver might need some reprehension, it is not him that brings us today an opportunity to zero in on the tumor within the Black Fist. Do you remember Spernik's culprit, the one called Tibeem. He was captured even before he had a chance to leave the city, unlike his companion. No more than two days later, Tibeem swung from the Stojanow Gate, such is the ruthlessness of martial law. Yet, eons seems to have passed and Spernik still remains in his cell. I am concerned that his trial has taken far too long to complete and that he has been permitted an unusual number of visitors. Though it shouldn’t have been possible, I have been able to confirm that people have met with him and brought him gifts. It is clear there is some sort of bribery going on at Stojanow Gate, but... but I can’t prove it, at least not yet. Under martial law, Black Fists are given wide latitude in the pursuit of the law. It is possible, but unlikely, that someone is simply trading favors for information. That is legal, but outright bribery is not."

Aleyd sits up and reaches for her belt. "I need your assistance as... external auditors, let's call it." She plops a leather coin purse on the table. "It is not much, but I am willing to fund your investigation upfront. The purse contains 200gp. Use it to restock and prepare."

After hearing Aleyd's tale, Doozey's initial reaction is to look first to the rest of the party and try to gauge their response; only to quickly find himself letting out a soft snort upon seeing naught but expected responses. "We'll need to know a little more about the ground you covered so far with this lead, such as if you had a word with this Spernik or got the names of those that visited him, for instance. But aside from that, well... I don't see any of us opposing such a request, Ms. Aleyd. And in the interest of at least 'trying' not cross too many lines going forward... no, actually, scratch that. Are you intending to be with us every step of the way fer this as well? Or are you planin' to handle things from a different angle in the meantime?"

"So, in summary, we are to stake out where Spernik is held? It can certainly be done. Have you been able to notice any sort of pattern regarding frequency of his visits?"

"I have to preserve my excess to the inner halls of the Knightly Order," Aleyd says, answering both of Doozey's questions at once. "One misstep and I lose the only avenue into the Black Fists inner workings that we have. That is why I am seeking your help. Look into the rumors of corruption, go wherever the investigation might take you, and gather the proof we need." She then turns to Neya and cautions: "But avoid the Stojanow Gate itself and the castle beyond it. Security is unusually tight at Valjevo Castle, and I suspects that something important is occurring there today. I am unsure as to what it is, but I suggest that you steer clear of of the area."  

Pleading to your sense of duty, she repeats: "I have become deeply troubled by the actions of my fellows. I am convinced of the righteousness of the Knight Commander and know that he might be willing to take action given enough proof. Help me see this through." Then, almost apologetically, she admits: "However, I must stress that as much as I find it distasteful, the investigation is not sanctioned by the Black Fist; there is little I can do to protect you if CRAP is to break any laws or otherwise run afoul of the Order’s less-than-scrupulous members. I know that you can take care of yourselves, but I will only be able to help from a distance."  She lifts her hand to show the Sending Stone you have placed with her all that time ago.

(OOC: Just to be clear here, Aleyd is letting you know by omission/implication that she doesn't have a lot more information to share. She is hoping your expertise in leading investigations will bring forth the answers to the questions you have asked.)

"What would constitute clear evidence of corruption in this case?  From what you've said, paying for access to prisoners is not objectionable, so we are looking for something more devious or nefarious here.  Is there anyone currently there that you trust, or anyone that you would not trust?"

Raist let's out a short hiss at the mention of Spernik but his face.remains impassive.while scribbling notes in his own version of shorthand.  Both of the mission at hand and C R A P's history