AN: PLEASE PLEASE READ! I NEED YOUR HELP! Okay, here's the deal… I have hit a major writer's block when it comes to this story. The more I try to force it out, the worse it becomes. I have part of the next chapter written, but I hate it and I refuse to post it. I know that some of you out there, who haven't given up on me, are waiting for me to finally complete this….but, the truth is that right now I can't. I'm sorry…but I'd rather take my time and come back to it later than force it out and end up posting junk… Anyway, this is not to say that I have been idle all this time. I have two other, more involved stories that I'm currently writing. Both are Labyrinth stories, and I'm very pleased with them both so far. One of them, called "The Mistresses" delves into a bit of the history of the Underground, and is taking me a while to write as I'm relying heavily on my mythology (both Greek and Celtic) for realism (myths…real?….well…you know what I mean). Yes, it does feature Sarah, of course it features the Goblin King (duh)….but it's going to be a long time before I even think of posting. The other, however, is called Persephone…and I'm sure most of you will guess the plot right away. I know it may sound similar to some stories already posted, but I'm trying to take a different approach to it. I'm also forcing the plot line to go slower, which is hard for me as I usually just want to get to the "happy-ever-after" (or at least the mushy "I love you" scene). I've written over ten thousand words so far, and have crammed it full of description. This story is easier for me to write because it's mostly my imagination, very little "research" involved….if any. The reason I'm telling you this is because, while I don't want to post Persephone until it's finished, I need someone to read what I have so far and give me feedback…. In other words, I'm looking for a beta reader. I need somebody who can catch the spelling and grammar that slips by me. I also need somebody honest, and descriptive (don't be harsh without details as to why). Oh, and, while I've been writing about every other night, I need someone that can put up with some brief lapses when life intervenes. If any of you can help me out…please e-mail me!! Don't leave it in the review because I might not be able to check for a while. My e-mail is bluehaven030@davidbowie.com Now, this is the last sufficient part I have written of Plans…so enjoy, read, and review!! ~ Saphire

Chapter nine: I Spy...

Drathsar walked down the empty hall purposefully, his soft boots making a quiet scuffing sound against the dusty stone. Coming to a point where the hall branched in three different directions, Drathsar didn't even pause as he took a sharp left. Dinner had been rushed; thoughts of revenge on D'Vinnian speeding his pace and alerting his advisors that something was amiss. Instructing them that he wanted nothing more than peace, the king left them in the dining hall to make his way to his private study.

He opened the door to the room, shutting it and locking it swiftly behind him. The room was covered in dust, and ancient books lay forgotten scattered over the floor and furniture. Off to the left wall of the room there was a wooden desk, very plain in style, with a matching chair. Every other wall in the room was lined with bookcases, almost hiding the door through which Drathsar enetered. In the middle of the room stood what looked to be a stone well. About five stone bricks in height and six feet around, filled with clear water. D'Vinnian struck a match and lit a few candles that stood in groups of five on tall pewter stands around the well. Sitting on the ledge of the stone, D'Vinnian peered into the water. He wasn't a skilled mage, having been more interested in honing his fighting technique as a soldier. Most of his spells were mediocre at best, and he needed the pool to scry, rather than use his mind's eye to project the image onto what he wished. Crystals were something totally beyond his grasp, though he had stumbled across a few promising spells in the ancient tombs. Muttering under his breath in a language that pre-dated even Latin, D'Vinnian touched the water with his pointer finger, watching the ripples form the image he was looking for.

The war king arched a thick black brow as he spotted D'Vinnian Aboveground. It was rare, indeed, for that fae to travel to the mortal realm. His cousin, the Goblin King, was the one who frequented the place. Drathsar had even heard of the rumor that the Goblin King had taken a mortal lover. He cracked a dry smile even now. There was simply no way that the mighty Jareth would ever take a mortal lover. No sooner had the thought crossed his mind than a human woman entered his vision in the pool. He watched as D'Vinnian took her hand, walking with her through the nighttime park. The Goblin Lord stopped and turned the face the woman, whispering something in her ear. The girl laughed softly and nodded. D'Vinnian brushed a kiss across her cheek making the mortal woman blush and look down coyly. D'Vinnian tilted her chin up and presented her with a pink rose, to go with the other flower the girl already held...no doubt another of his gifts. The girl said something to D'Vinnian and the Lord nodded in response before disappearing.

Losing concentration, the image in the pool faded and the ripples stilled. "D'Vinnian has taken a mortal lover....the rumors were partially correct," Drathsar mused to himself, surprised. After a moment, a broad smile spread on Drathsar's features, a human woman...a very easy weakness, indeed.

****************************************

D'Vinnian comfortably took up Madison's hand as they continued their stroll through the park.

"So, Jareth broke her heart," Madison said, again.

The Goblin Lord sighed, "Yes, but with what he thought was good reason. He did mean well, Madison, I thought we went through that."

Madison nodded, "We did."

"And I thought we agreed on a plan to get them to talk civilly, have we not?"

"We talked about it," Madison countered.

D'Vinnian stopped, "Talked? You don't agree?"

"If he hurts her again - "

"He won't."

"How do you know?"

"You haven't been stuck with him the past two months....he won't. I give you my word."

Madison bit her lip as she considered. D'Vinnian reached and softly tucked a stray lock of her hair behind her ear,

"Now, do we have an agreement?"

"Yes," she breathed, distracted by his gentle touch and warm voice.

"Good," D'Vinnian smiled.

Suddenly he leaned in, "And just in time, I feel as if we're being watched. Thank you for your help, Madison Payton, you won't regret it."

She was surprised when his warms lips brushed over her cheek making her blush and look away. She heard the odd Lord laugh warmly at her, and felt him tip her chin up. Her eyes widened when he presented her with a pink rose, still not used to his little tricks.

"To add to your collection," he jested.

She smiled and accepted the flower, "Thank you, D'Vinnian. So, I'll be seeing you soon, right?"

D'Vinnian nodded in response, but said nothing else as he disappeared, leaving Madison looking at the two flowers.