Dear subtle,
you have just given a deep experience, reading the first of your stories I have, I think. Your talent and focus on expressing feelings and emotions here earn you a twenty-one gun salute in my eyes.
I will shortly begin reading everything you have posted, starting with the trilogy this was sequel to, but you deserve all the feedback I may give.
Usually I harp (a little ) on editorial errors, and there were only one or two in this one. But due to the quality of the story, those fade to nothingness.
Please, please continue writing. Your skills deserve appreciating by a wide audience.
I write fun little stuff in Lord Mobius' Dungeon; I am not worthy to stand in your shadow, Ma'am.

chksng19