Thanks, dear! I couldn't really avoid interpolating the dialogue; I've seen it done in HP and Tolkien, but too much of it is awful, so I tried to do so sparingly. I figure (as from this whole story) that Vaysh, while no junkie, is no stranger to pharmaceuticals. Back in M + M he'd shared some harish pot with Mabast, so I figured, why not?!

I'm so pleased that you picked up on that nuance; it's part of why I've felt so much more closeness with Vaysh as a character even than Ashmale, I think. Since I knew this would dovetail directly into canon and our first introduction to Vaysh as a reader is through Pellaz's non-objective POV, I wanted to show the many layers to his personality that he chooses to hide. He's put in untenable situations again and again, but it takes its toll. I've decided to take pity on him in a short Epilogue which came to mind today.

Thank you so much for your comments! I always hope I'll hear from you and read your insights.