Very satisfying epilogue. I like how much Vaysh has grown and healed since the beginning of this story. He seems to have obtained a balance here, healing himself as best he can through his love for his friends, through daring to talk to Ashmael, through aruna with Vel and his comforting, almost brotherly relationship with Pell. I liked the scene where he talks to Ash - although Ash's inability to give him anything other than a nod to his existence was annoying. (I was disappointed in him as a character not your portrayal.) I see Ash as more damaged at this point than Vaysh. I really understand the desire to write that third story that reconciles them. On the other hand,yes, sometimes this kind of permanent rift is the reality of life. Ash seems to be one of those individuals who in order to get over pain of that magnitude has to thoroughly kill those feelings in himself - to the extent that they are gone for good. But, this is different than a failed marriage and I imagine your Ash isn't beyond recovering his feelings. If you have a yen to write such a fic, I wouldn't let canon dissuade you, even though there were comments to that effect. Fanfic is fanfic. We can get rid of Phylax. (Heh heh. Just put out the contract on him, I'll take care of it.*g*)

In any case, I have so enjoyed these two stories. As the other reviewer said, they do fit seamlessly into canon and yet have given me a deeper understanding of the original and enhanced it greatly in the best tradition of fanfic. Thanks for writing them and giving me your wise and poetic vision.
Hugs!