I like the idea of choosing 3 colours and doing a "tri-border", but piano keys looks stunning too...ah decisions, decisions. By the way, beautiful quilt top...colours are really fantastic.
As a manic pre-washer I can't really help with the running issue, but I know there have been many posts about this - as for the black pepper - I've not heard of it and with all the products available I wouldn't risk ruining a quilt for just a few extra dollars.