Claven2,
I have a finish tip if your interested.
To keep the end grain of your Pegs and Cookies or Wedges lighter in appearance before you apply the oil or stain:
Using a artist brush apply a coat of BLOicon or Finish Varnish over the exposed end grain.
You can test a cut off first to see if it will be too light in color, if so you can add a bit of the oil stain to tint.

When dry, finish as you normally do.
You've only sealed off that sucking end grain that tends to pull toward the darker side.

We do this often when doing custom stairways, cabinets and built ins. Where ever 'End Grain' Pops it's ugly head.

Really nice job