The Whispering Pools

WARNING: non-con touching

They led him through winding paths, the ground beneath his feet changing from smooth stone to soft, spongy material that Thaddeus couldn't identify. The air grew warmer and more humid, filled with strange, sweet scents.

Finally, they arrived at what Thaddeus assumed was a bathhouse. The sound of gently flowing water echoed around him. Without ceremony, he was stripped of his clothing, the cool air raising goosebumps on his skin.

The aliens' hands were rough but efficient as they began to wash him. Thaddeus flinched at first, unused to such treatment, but soon resigned himself to the process. They scrubbed every inch of his body with scented oils that tingled on his skin and strange, gritty substances that seemed to slough away layers of grime he didn't even know he had.

After the thorough washing, Thaddeus was patted dry with soft cloths and dressed in a simple robe. The material felt light and airy against his clean skin, almost as if he were wearing nothing at all.

He was then led to another location, the air here thick with the smell of herbs and incense. A voice, old and gravelly, spoke in a language Thaddeus couldn't understand.

"You're in the medicine woman's hut," one of his guards explained, speaking for the first time.

The medicine woman approached, her footsteps light but deliberate. Thaddeus could sense her scrutiny as she circled him, muttering to herself.

Suddenly, she began to chant, her voice rising and falling in a haunting melody. Thaddeus felt a strange sensation wash over him, as if the very air around him was vibrating with energy. The medicine woman's hands moved over his body, tracing intricate patterns on his skin with fragrant oils.

Despite the intensity of the ritual, Thaddeus felt no different afterwards. He was left wondering if the purification was merely a formality or if something more subtle had occurred.

As Thaddeus was led out of the medicine woman's hut, the fresh air cool on his face, he sensed a presence before him. The sound of lumbering feet approaching, the rustle of ornate clothing, and a now-familiar scent told him who it was before the alien spoke.

"My siren man," Zax'lath purred, his deep voice sending a shiver down Thaddeus's spine. "You have been purified and made ready for me." The alien's black eyes gleamed with anticipation, his tattoos pulsing with a hungry red light.

Without waiting for a response, Zax'lath gently but firmly took Thaddeus's arm, guiding him along a path. After what felt like a short journey, they stopped. Thaddeus heard the sound of a heavy door opening, and then he was led into a space that felt vast and opulent, even without his sight to confirm it.

The alien prince was once again upon him, wasting no time at all. Claws carded gently through Thaddeus's thick red locks of hair, savoring the texture of it between his long, slender fingers. Thaddeus shifted uncomfortably under the scrutiny, unused to such focused attention.

He could sense Zax'lath's imposing presence before him. The air seemed to vibrate with each of the prince's movements, betraying his massive size and strength.

Zax'lath circled Thaddeus, his four pupil-less black eyes drinking in every detail of the engineer. The prince's thick, curled horns brushed against Thaddeus's hair as he leaned in close, his warm breath tickling Thaddeus's ear, laced with possessive need.

"You're beautiful," he purred.

Thaddeus remained still, his unseeing eyes staring straight ahead. "I'm flattered," he replied dryly. 

Thaddeus felt a sudden touch of fingers tracing the line of his jaw- the alien's skin was cool and smooth, with an almost silky texture that contrasted with the hardness of his claws. 

Thaddeus tensed as Zax'lath's presence enveloped him. The alien prince's hands seemed to be everywhere at once - two gripping his shoulders, one tilting his chin and another running through his hair. Each touch was deliberate, possessive, leaving Thaddeus with an unsettling sense of being completely surrounded.

Thaddus could hear Zax'lath purr, his voice rumbling from above. Thaddeus felt the cool metal of the prince's bracelets brush against his skin as he leaned closer, the sweet-metallic scent of his breath filling the air.

"Such beauty," the prince murmured, his black hair falling forward as he tilted his head. "And yet, so cold. I will enjoy warming you to my touch."

Thaddeus suppressed a shudder, keeping his voice level. "Your Highness, I'm afraid my dance card is already full. Prior engagements and all that."

Zax'lath chuckled, the sound reverberating through his massive frame. His grip tightened, hands roaming Thaddeus's body from seemingly every angle. "You have no choice in this matter," Zax'lath stated, his tone brooking no argument. 

Despite his growing nervousness, Thaddeus maintained his deadpan expression. "I'm not sure how to break this to you, Your Highness, but I'm not exactly marriage material. If you haven't noticed, I can't even see you."

Zax'lath's grip tightened slightly. "Your sight is irrelevant, you will be taken care of by my servants…. And by me." 

As the alien prince's words hung in the air, Thaddeus's mind raced. He needed a plan, and fast. But surrounded by Zax'lath's overwhelming presence, with his multiple arms and alien strength, escape seemed nearly impossible.

Meanwhile, back in the holding area, the crew was in an uproar.

"That damn alien didn't waste any time, did he?" Flint muttered, running a hand over his buzz-cut hair.

Vex chuckled darkly. "Probably getting a head start on the ceremony."

"Forget that," Flint snapped. "How the hell are we getting out of this mess?"

The crew began brainstorming, trying to come up with a plan. Flint, sensing they were running out of time, moved to take charge.

"All right, listen up," he barked. "We've got a situation to deal with here. That alien prince seems to have a thing for our engineer, and we need to get moving before he decides to make good on those little marriage plans of his."

The crew fell silent, all eyes on Flint. Vex leaned against the wall, his face a mask of frustration and barely contained anger.

"I'm open to suggestions," Flint continued, his cybernetic eye whirring as he scanned the room. "Anyone?"

As the crew fell silent, contemplating their dire situation, a voice from the back of the group spoke up hesitantly.

"Maybe... maybe we should just leave him behind," suggested Grix, a newer member of the crew. "I mean, the prince seems to like him, and we could use this chance to escape while they're distracted with the ceremony."

The words had barely left Grix's mouth before both Flint and Vex rounded on him, their faces contorted with fury.

"Leave him behind?" Vex snarled, his hand instinctively moving to where his weapon would usually be. "Are you out of your mind?"

Flint's cybernetic eye whirred dangerously as he glared at Grix. "That 'him' you're so quick to abandon is the most valuable member of this crew. His mind is worth more than this entire ship and everyone on it."

Vex nodded vigorously, "Exactly! We can't just leave him to be some alien's plaything. He's... he's vital to our operations!"

The rest of the crew exchanged knowing glances, noting the captains' overly passionate defenses. It was clear to everyone that their motivations went beyond mere professional concern.

"But sirs," Grix stammered, shrinking under their combined glares, "I just thought..."

"I don't remember payin' you to think!" Vex snapped. "Thaddeus is coming with us, and that's final. We're not leaving this godsforsaken planet without him."

Vex paced the cell, running a hand through his hair in frustration.

"Now," Flint said, his voice tight with barely contained emotion, "does anyone have any useful suggestions on how we can get out of here and rescue our engineer?"

"What about a distraction?" suggested Rook, her feline eyes scanning the ceiling.

Scorch, the Pyrian with flame-red skin, shook his head, wisps of smoke curling from his nostrils. "Wouldn't do much. Even if we could get out, we'd never make it to the prince's quarters."

"We could try to overpower the guards when they bring food," Fang, a vicious-looking reptilian, hissed.

"Too risky," Flint growled. "We need something foolproof. Something they won't expect."

As the pirate crew debated their options, Thaddeus found himself in a far more precarious situation. 

As Thaddeus stood in the prince's quarters, he heard the rustle of fabric and the clinking of ornaments as servants entered the room.

"Bring forth the sacred attire," Zax'lath commanded, his voice sharp with impatience. "My consort-to-be must be adorned in the finest traditional gear of our tribe. Now!"

Thaddeus tensed as unfamiliar hands began to remove his clothing, feeling exposed and vulnerable. 

The servants, under Zax'lath's instruction, began to undress Thaddeus. They carefully removed his clothing, revealing his slender and well-toned body beneath. His pale skin seemed almost translucent in the soft light of the room, and his soft pink nipples stood out like tiny rose petals against the smooth expanse of his chest. And his waist... oh, his waist was narrow and curved, invitingly so.

As Zax'lath watched, he felt a surge of excitement and desire. Every part of Thaddeus was beyond compare, absolutely beautiful in its own unique way. The delicate shape of his ears, the curve of his neck, the softness of his skin... it all combined to create a vision that left Zax'lath breathless.

The prince's four arms seemed to flex involuntarily as he watched Thaddeus's body. He felt a wave of passion wash over him, a sense of longing that he couldn't quite explain.

But as more and more clothes were removed, something within Zax'lath shifted. He felt a growing sense of unease, a possessiveness that he couldn't shake. The thought of those hands, those fingers, touching Thaddeus's bare skin suddenly became unbearable.

Without warning, Zax'lath stood up from his chair and roared at the servants, "Enough! Leave, leave now!"

The servants quickly scurried away, afraid to cross their master. But one of them hesitated for a moment too long, and Zax'lath's anger boiled over.

He threw a goblet of wine at the servant, shattering it on the stone floor with a loud crash. The sound echoed through the room as the servant scurried away, joining the others in their hasty retreat.

The prince turned to Thaddeus, his eyes burning with an inner fire as he approached the engineer. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest, his breath coming in short gasps.

"Come here," Zax'lath said to Thaddeus, his voice becoming low and husky. "I will dress you myself."

Thaddeus ' body tensed with surprise at Zax'lath's outburst. He took a step back, trying to move away from the prince.

"Your Highness," Thaddeus said, trying to keep a confident tone, "I appreciate the offer, but I've been dressing myself since I was five."

But before he could take another step, Zax'lath reached out and grabbed him, his grip firm. Thaddeus tried to pull away, but Zax'lath held tight.

"No," Zax'lath said in a gravely rumble. "You're not going anywhere."

Thaddeus struggled against Zax'lath's hold, but the prince was too strong. He pulled Thaddeus back towards him, their bodies almost touching as they stood in the middle of the room.

"What are you doing?" Thaddeus said, his voice shaking slightly despite himself.

Zax'lath's grip on Thaddeus tightened, and he leaned in close, his breath hot against the engineer's skin. "I'm taking care of you," he whispered. "You're mine now."

As Zax'lath began to undo Thaddeus's clothes, the engineer tried to move away from him. But it was too late. The prince had already reached out with two of his four arms and wrapped them around Thaddeus's arms, holding him in place.

"Stop this," Thaddeus demanded, trying to twist away from the prince. "Let me go!" He jerked and squirmed against the prince's hold, but Zax'lath held fast, his arms encircling Thaddeus like a vice.

Instead, he continued to undress Thaddeus, his hands moving with a gentle touch that belied the engineer's struggles.

With his other hands still busy restraining Thaddeus, the prince reached out with another arm and brushed against the engineer's chest. The touch sent a shiver of disgust down Thaddeus's spine, the smaller human retching at the unwanted contact.

The prince's fingers danced across Thaddeus's skin, tracing the contours of his muscles. His fingers seemed to be drinking in every detail of the engineer's body, his face tilted back in rapt attention as he explored Thaddeus's skin.

The prince's breathing was shallow, his chest rising and falling with each ragged breath. He seemed to be mesmerized by the sensations that were unfolding before him.

Thaddeus's heart was racing as the prince touched his hips and thighs, the sensation leaving him feeling both vulnerable and exposed. He didn't know what to expect next or how far Zax'lath would take things, but no matter how much he tried he simply couldn't pull free from the prince's implacable grasp.

Thaddeus's heart thudded in his chest as he suddenly felt himself being pulled further into the tent. Zax'lath's grip on his wrists was firm, demanding. The engineer tried to pull away, but it was futile.

With a primal growl, Zax'lath threw Thaddeus onto the bed of plush pillows, the vibrant fabrics rustling around him. The human thrashed and squirmed for a moment, attempting to get away.

The ceremonial outfit clung to Thaddeus's body, hugging every curve and contour, accentuating his slender figure. 

"You are truly beautiful," the prince murmured, reaching out to brush a stray lock of hair from Thaddeus's face.

Thaddeus jerked away from the unwanted contact, his heart pounding in his chest. 

"You're making this so difficult," The prince growled out between clenched teeth. 

As he pulled Thaddeus closer, his four arms wrapped around the human's smaller frame, Zax'lath couldn't help but take in the scent of his skin. It was intoxicating, like a rare spice he had once tasted during a hunt.

"I can't wait any longer," Zax'lath growled, his voice gruff with desire. "I want you now."His hands traced over every inch of skin, mapping out every dip and curve, tracing lightly before exploring more boldly. It was like touching fine silk, smooth and warm. Zax'lath couldn't help but inhale sharply.

The human's skin was pale, almost translucent, and it seemed to glow in the soft light of the tent. His scent was intoxicating, a blend of fear and arousal that made Zax'lath's nostrils flare uncontrollably.

Zax'lath's wide eyes widened as he took in the sight of Thaddeus's alien-like member, barely bigger than his thumb. He had never seen anything like it before. He chuckled darkly, a deep rumble resonating around the tent.

"So this is what they mean by 'infertility'," he murmured to himself.

But he didn't care. The human was still beautiful, and he was still his; no one would take him away.

Feeling vulnerable, Thaddeus tried to shield his nudity with his own hands, but it was an ineffective attempt. Zax'lath, however, seemed to take it as defiance. Zax'lath's handsome face twisted into a scowl, his golden eyes flashing with a blend of frustration and desire. He grabbed at the human's ankles, forcing them apart. 

"You cover nothing," he snapped, reaching for Thaddeus's wrists and pulling them away from his body. "I want to see all of you."

Zax'lath watched as Thaddeus wriggled uncomfortably under his gaze, unable to tear his eyes away from the sight of the pale flesh that was now laid bare before him. The action only seemed to fuel Zax'lath's arousal.

He could feel his heart pounding in his chest, his body trembling with anticipation. With two strong hands, he pinned Thaddeus's wrists above his head, holding him down like a helpless sacrifice.

The prince bent down, his seven-foot-tall frame towering over Thaddeus. His four hands reached out, each one grazing a different part of the engineer's trembling body. One hand ran its thumb over Thaddeus's quivering lip, while another caressed his cheek, sending shivers down his spine. A third hand slid down his torso, tracing the contours of his abdomen.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Zax'lath seemed to have had his fill, stepping back and admiring his handiwork. The engineer was sprawled before him, his body splayed like a crushed flower.

Zax'lath's eyes roamed over Thaddeus's body, taking in every detail. And then, with a nod, he reached out and picked up the ceremonial outfit that lay on the nearby table.

As Zax'lath moved to dress Thaddeus in his ceremonial outfit, the engineer's unease grew even further. He had still not recovered from the uncomfortable experience and the thought of being touched again made him feel like he was going to be sick.

But Zax'lath seemed oblivious to Thaddeus's feelings. He continued to dress the engineer in the ceremonial attire, his fingers moving with a gentle precision as he tied the sash around Thaddeus's waist and placed the delicate white slippers on his feet.

The outfit itself was beautiful, with intricate patterns and designs that seemed to shimmer in the light. But Thaddeus didn't care about its beauty - all he cared about was getting away from Zax'lath's touch.

The outfit consisted of a flowing white tunic, embroidered with gold thread and precious gems. The sleeves were long and flowing, with delicate lace trim at the cuffs, and the collar was high and ornate, with a small golden pin holding it in place.

A matching sash wrapped around Thaddeus's waist, cinched tightly to accentuate his slender hips. And on his feet, Zax'lath placed delicate white slippers, embroidered with silver thread and gemstones that sparkled like diamonds.

As the prince finished dressing Thaddeus, he stepped back to admire the outfit in its entirety. The engineer looked stunning in the ceremonial attire, and Zax'lath couldn't help but feel a sense of pride at how handsome he was.

The alien prince, Zax'lath, had him properly dressed in the traditional clothing of the tribespeople - intricate robes adorned with shimmering, otherworldly fabrics that seemed to change color with every movement.

Zax'lath's four eyes gleamed with anticipation. "Now, my siren man, let us get ready for our ceremony."

Thaddeus flinched at the sound of those words, his milky eyes snapping open as the reality of his situation came crashing back down. For a moment, he looked utterly lost, a drowning man grasping for a lifeline. But then his features hardened, a mask of cold fury slipping into place. He took a deep, shuddering breath, forcing his chaotic emotions under control. He couldn't afford to break down, not now. Not when so much depended on his strength, his resilience, despite how dirty he felt.

Thaddeus took a step back, his mind racing. "Your Highness," he said, his voice steady despite his inner turmoil, "since I'm to be living here from now on, perhaps you could show me around the village first? It would be... beneficial for me to know my new home."

Zax'lath's lower set of eyes narrowed in impatience. "There will be plenty of time for that later. Now, come."

But Thaddeus wasn't about to give in so easily. "But you see, Your Highness, there's a human custom that might interest you. We believe that a tour of one's new home before any ceremony brings great fortune to the union."

The prince paused, his tattoos glowing with interest. "Fortune?"

Thaddeus nodded solemnly, inwardly relieved that his bluff seemed to be working. "Oh yes, it's a very important tradition. Skipping it would be terribly bad luck."

Zax'lath grumbled but relented. "Very well. A quick tour, then we return."

As they walked through the village, Thaddeus asked questions about everything he could sense - the strange textures under his feet, the unfamiliar scents in the air, the sounds of alien life all around them. He was gathering information, building a mental map of his surroundings, all while keeping Zax'lath distracted.

However, the prince's patience was wearing thin. As they neared what Thaddeus assumed was a central gathering area, Zax'lath's grip on his arm tightened. "Enough. We're returning. Now."

"Your Highness," Thaddeus began, his voice carefully measured, "in my culture, it's customary for the betrothed to commune with the natural world before a union. It's said to align our energies and bring harmony to the match. Is there a place where I might perform this ritual?"

Zax'lath's multiple limbs bristled with impatience. "Another human tradition? Very well. I will take you to the Whispering Pools. But this had better be the last one. I am growing impatient."

As they walked, Thaddeus's ears picked up a cacophony of alien sounds. Chirps, whistles, and low, rumbling growls echoed around him. The air seemed to dance with life, alternating between warm, humid breezes and cool, crisp gusts.

"Here," Zax'lath announced, his voice echoing strangely. "Be quick about it."

Thaddeus took a deep breath, steeling himself for what he was about to do. "Great Prince," he began, his voice carefully modulated, "in my people's customs, the betrothed must not witness this ritual. It would bring great misfortune to our union."

He could almost feel Zax'lath's frustration in the air. "More rules?"

"I apologize, Your Highness," Thaddeus said, bowing his head slightly. "But it is crucial for the blessing to take effect. Perhaps you could wait just beyond the pools? I promise I won't be long."

Zax'lath let out a sound that might have been a sigh. "Very well. But no tricks. I will be watching from afar."

As the prince's footsteps began to retreat, Thaddeus heard him bark an order to someone nearby. "You there! Pool-tender! Watch over my betrothed. If he attempts to escape, you will face severe consequences. Is that understood?"

"Yes, Great Prince," came the reply, the voice emanating from somewhere behind him. "I will guard him well."

Once Zax'lath's heavy footsteps had faded to a distant rhythm, Thaddeus let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. He cautiously began exploring his surroundings, his fingers brushing against smooth, undulating surfaces, cool and slick to the touch. The air was heavy with moisture, and he could hear the gentle lapping of what he assumed were the Whispering Pools.

Thaddeus took tentative steps, his hands outstretched to feel for any obstacles. The ground beneath his feet was soft and spongy, and he could feel the warmth of the pools radiating up through the soles of his shoes.

As he explored, his sensitive ears picked up a myriad of sounds - the rustling of alien foliage, the chirping of strange insects, and the distant calls of unfamiliar creatures. He could smell the rich, earthy scent of the forest mingling with the light, floral fragrance of the pool area.

Suddenly, a low, rumbling growl froze Thaddeus in his tracks. It sounded close, and the heavy, panting breaths that followed sent a chill down his spine. He recognized that sound - it was the same as the beasts that had attacked the pirate camp.

Thaddeus took a step back, his heart racing. He heard the creature move, its claws scraping against the ground as it shifted.

"Careful, star-walker," a gravelly voice called out. "You don't want to startle Rix'kal."

Thaddeus turned towards the voice, his brow furrowed. "Rix'kal?"

The voice chuckled, a sound like stones rolling underwater. "My guard beast. One of the K'sari. But don't worry, he won't hurt you unless I tell him to."

Thaddeus swallowed hard, recalling the chaos the creatures had caused at the camp. "You... you keep one of those things as a pet?"

"Not a pet," the voice corrected. "A partner. Rix'kal helps me protect this sacred place."

Tentatively, Thaddeus reached out a hand, feeling the warmth emanating from Rix'kal's hide. To his surprise, the creature didn't recoil or snap. It simply huffed, the air from its nostrils ruffling Thaddeus's hair.

"He seems calm," Thaddeus observed, his curiosity piqued. "Not at all like the ones that attacked our camp."

The alien made a thoughtful sound. "The K'sari are fierce hunters, but they are not wanton killers. They have a purpose, a role in the great cycle. Tell me, star-walker, did you notice anything strange about the plants in the forest during the attack? A sweet scent, perhaps? Or a glowing pollen?"

Thaddeus frowned, recalling the eerie bioluminescence and the cloying fragrance that had hung in the air. "Yes... it was like nothing I'd ever experienced before. It seemed to affect the crew, made them confused and disoriented."

The man hummed in acknowledgment. "You encountered the M'tha, the dream-flowers. Their spores can induce vivid hallucinations and disorientation in most creatures."

He paused, and Thaddeus could hear him brushing his hand against a nearby plant. "The M'tha and the K'sari have a unique bond, you see. The M'tha spores, while debilitating to most, have no effect on the K'sari. Instead, the K'sari use the spores to their advantage."

Thaddeus's brow furrowed as he processed this information. "How so?"

"The K'sari have learned to track the scent of the M'tha spores," The pool-tender explained. "When they find prey that has been affected by the spores, they know it will be an easy kill. The prey, confused and disoriented by the hallucinations, are no match for the K'sari."

A shiver ran down Thaddeus's spine as he recalled the chaos of the attack. "And what do the M'tha get from this arrangement?"

A soft chuckle escaped the man. "The K'sari, in their hunt, inadvertently spread the M'tha spores far and wide. The spores cling to their hides, falling off as they travel. In this way, the M'tha ensure their own propagation."

He paused, and Thaddeus could hear the rustle of leaves as he gestured to the forest around them. "And when the K'sari make a kill, they often drag the carcass back to their dens, which are usually located near large patches of M'tha. As the carcass decomposes, it provides nutrients for the M'tha to grow and thrive."

Thaddeus was silent for a moment, absorbing this new understanding. "So the M'tha provide the means for the K'sari to hunt more effectively, and in return, the K'sari help the M'tha to spread and grow."

"Precisely," the man confirmed. "It is a delicate balance, but one that has existed for eons. The M'tha and the K'sari are intertwined, their fates linked in a continuous cycle of life and death."

Intrigued, Thaddeus took a careful step forward, suddenly feeling a warm, emanating glow from right in front of him. 

"Hold," that same, gravelly voice called out. "The pools grow angry if disturbed wrongly."

Thaddeus turned towards the sound, his expression neutral. "Fascinating. Temperamental bodies of water."

The voice chuckled again, a sound like stones rolling underwater. "You offworlders, always thinking water is just a dead thing. These pools are alive, have spirit. They can get angry if disrespected, the same way you might."

"-and you, offworlder," the voice came again accompanied by a series of guttural clicks. "What may I call you?"

"Thaddeus Beaufort," he introduced himself. 

"Ah," Krel'ax said, a note of understanding in his voice. "So you're the one the prince has chosen as his mate?"

Thaddeus's lips twitched slightly downward. "If by 'chosen' you mean 'arbitrarily decided to claim without my consent,' then yes, that would be me."

There was a moment of silence, then Krel'ax spoke again, his voice softer. "You don't seem pleased about this arrangement."

"Your powers of observation are truly remarkable," Thaddeus replied dryly.

Krel'ax made a sound that might have been a sympathetic hum. "The pools have their own wisdom. They might be able to help with your... situation."

Thaddeus raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued despite his skepticism. "What do you mean?"

He heard Krel'ax move closer, water splashing gently. "These pools are unlike other waters. They have life, have voice. They can help you think more clearly, untangle one's emotions, bring forth decisions."

There was a splash of water, as if Krel'ax had gestured towards the pools. "Would you like to try?"

Thaddeus was silent for a moment, weighing his options. Finally, he spoke, his voice carefully neutral. "Well, I suppose consulting with a sentient body of water is marginally preferable to my current situation."

"So, how does this work, exactly?" Thaddeus asked, extending his hand. 

"It is about the right song," Krel'ax explained, taking Thaddeus's outstretched hand and guiding him into the pool. "Each pool has its own song. One must learn to listen, must learn to sing back."

"Gently, star-walker," Krel'ax slowly lowered Thaddeus's hand onto the surface of the pool, his fingertips barely grazing the warm water. "Feel that? It is the pool-spirit breathing."

Thaddeus nodded, his sensitive fingers detecting subtle currents and vibrations in the water. "It's remarkable. On my world, we have similar principles in our most advanced creations."

"Your world?" Krel'ax's voice held curiosity. "What is it like there?"

As Thaddeus described Earth and human technology, he found himself relaxing, enjoying the exchange of ideas. He explained the concept of cities, of machines that could think, of vessels that could travel between stars.

"It sounds like powerful magic," Krel'ax mused. "I would like to see it someday."

Thaddeus chuckled dryly. "Well, I wouldn't know about seeing it. I'm blind."

"Blind?" Krel'ax's voice held surprise. "I do not know this word. What does it mean?"

"It means I can't see," Thaddeus explained. "My eyes don't work."

"Ah, dark-eyes!" Krel'ax exclaimed. "I did not know star-walkers had dark-eyes too. You move as if you see fine."

"Many years of practice," Thaddeus shrugged. "When you can't see, you learn to use other senses."

There was a moment of silence, then Krel'ax spoke again, his voice softer. "How do you feel about being the Great Prince's mate?"

"I don't care about him." Thaddeus stated curtly, his usual guardedness slipping. "I just need to get back."

"Oh?" Krel'ax's tone was gentle, encouraging. "Why so eager?"

Thaddeus's milky eyes widened, his lips pressed into a line. He hesitated, then spoke softly. "A stubborn idiot is probably looking for me right now," he complained, a gentle smile settling over his features. "I can't keep him waiting for too long."

"He'd…probably do something heroic and stupid." Thaddeus continued, his voice noticeably breaking but the smile never leaving his lips.

Krel'ax allowed Thaddeus a moment of silence before speaking, "This one, is he your mate, star-walker?"

Thaddeus felt heat rise to his cheeks, caught off guard by the directness of the question. "I... that's not... we're just..."

A melodic chuckle interrupted his stammering. "Come now, Thaddeus. You cannot fool me. Your voice changes when you speak of him. The pools themselves sing differently."

Thaddeus ducked his head, grateful that his blush wasn't visible to the alien. "Is it that obvious?"

"To one who listens, yes," Krel'ax replied, amusement clear in his tone. "You hide from these feelings? Why not embrace them?"

"I..." he began, then faltered. But once he started, it was as if a dam had broken. Words spilled out of him in a rush, his usual measured speech abandoned.

"Jasper is... he's everything I'm not. He's warm and open and brave in ways I could never be. He annoys me, he's stubborn and acts impulsively but when I'm with him, I feel like I can breathe."

Thaddeus took a shaky breath, surprised by his own outburst, but before he could stop himself, the flood waters rose once more, more violently this time. The pools around them seemed to respond to Thaddeus's emotional outpouring, their whispers growing more intense, more alive.

 "And I... I think I love him. No, I know I do. And it terrifies me because up until this point, I didn't think that love was a real thing. I thought everyone else had just been mistaken, that it was just a fancy term for infatuation brought on by the desire to breed." 

Thaddeus inhaled sharply, as though he had forgotten to breathe before continuing. "I've never wanted it to get like this."

Krel'ax was quiet for a moment, letting Thaddeus's words settle. When he spoke, his voice was gentle but firm. "Your fears are natural, but you cannot let them hold you back. If you are at peace around him, then that is all you must know when you are with him." 

Thaddeus felt a hand on his shoulder, warm and reassuring. "From what you've told me, your Jasper already sees the real you. He's chosen to stand by your side. Trust in that."

As Thaddeus absorbed these words, he felt something shift inside him, as tangible as the water around him. He felt his body enveloped in a soft, comfortable warmth, as though he were in his engine room once more, surrounded by the familiar heat of the steam and the comforting presence nearby. 

"Thank you, Krel'ax," Thaddeus said softly. "I think... I think I needed to hear that. To say it out loud."

"But even so," Krel'ax's voice was understanding, but carried a hint of weariness, "This is a tough spot you're in. The prince isn't known for letting go of what he wants."

"I can tell," Thaddeus sighed, exacerbated. 

"Sometimes," Thaddeus began, a melancholic look overtaking his features. "I really hate this face of mine. I often wonder what it would be like if I ruined it. Maybe then people will just leave me to my work."

Krel'ax made a soft, clicking sound that might have been sympathy. "Why do you say this, star-walker?"

Thaddeus sighed, running a hand through his hair. "People see it and they stop seeing me. They see something to desire, to possess. To pester, to bother- I just want to be left alone."

"Ah," Krel'ax said, understanding in his gravelly voice. "Beauty can be a heavy burden, yes? Like a rare crystal that all wish to own."

"Aye," Thaddeus nodded. "It's why Zax'lath wants me. Why others have... it's never about who I am, what I can do. Just what I look like."

Krel'ax was quiet for a moment, the only sound the gentle murmur of the pools. When he spoke again, his voice was thoughtful.

"In tending these pools, I have learned much, star-walker. Each pool is beautiful, yes, but that is not what gives it value. It is the life within, the song it sings, that makes it precious."

Thaddeus felt Krel'ax's hand - rough and slightly damp - on his shoulder.

"Your face, it is like the surface of a pool. Beautiful, yes, but it is not you. The real you, the one your love sees, is the song beneath. The mind that creates, the heart that feels. That is what truly matters."

Thaddeus swallowed hard, touched by the alien's words. "But how do I make others see that?"

Krel'ax made a sound that might have been a chuckle. "You cannot control what others see, star-walker. But you can control what you show them. Sing your song loudly. Let your true self shine so brightly that it outshines any surface beauty."

As Thaddeus considered this, Krel'ax continued. "And remember, those who only see the surface are not worth your time. They are like children, distracted by shiny things. The ones who matter, like your mate, will hear your song."

Thaddeus nodded slowly, a small smile forming on his lips. "You're right. Thank you, Krel'ax. Your wisdom... it reminds me of someone back home. An old gearhead."

"This mentor sounds wise," Krel'ax chuckled, "Perhaps he and I would have much to discuss."

Krel'ax's voice held a mix of amusement and curiosity as he asked, "So, star-walker, what do you plan to do now?"

Thaddeus felt a surge of determination, his usual composure giving way to a moment of raw honesty. "I'm going to find Jasper," he said, his voice filled with newfound resolve. "And when I do, I'm going to kiss him. Right there, in front of everyone."

He could hear the smile in Krel'ax's voice as the alien responded, "Oh? That's quite bold for someone who was just fretting about his feelings."

Thaddeus felt his cheeks warm, but he pressed on. "It's because I want them all to see. Zax'lath, my crew, everyone who's ever looked at me wrong. I want them to know that no matter how much they come after me, there's only one person in this galaxy worth my time."