Pluto, master of Hades, dwelt alone in his nether kingdom.
Powerful, emotionless, dedicated only to his duty, this ruler
of the dead traveled from time to time, his coach pulled by
giant black steeds. And one such a trip Venus espied him. Angry
because she had no power to move him she turned to Cupid.
"This one knows not of love, lives in serenity. I would he
suffer the pangs of unrequited love. Loose your sharpest arrow.
Let him suffer as suffer those mortals ferried through the
portals of his empire."
Cupid grinned impudently. Ever pleased to show his skill he
notched arrow to cord. True and straight it flew.
Pluto felt a yearning he did not understand. Disturbed, he
flogged his steeds, flew tempestuously he knew not where,
seeking he knew not what.
Wild, the horses flew. And in their flight they entered the
Vale of Enna, paused to drink from the pond therein.
Carrying wildflowers in her arms, with laughter and song did
Persephone approach the chariot, tossed in childlike simplicity
flowers to the occupant. "Come, play with me. I have no
playmate. I need a friend."
She looked on his loathsome form with neither fear nor
disfavor. To her he was merely a welcome playmate, though not of
human form. She asked nothing of him, only that he share this
little while.
He gazed upon her, and in his heart Cupid's poisoned arrow
worked its magic.
The innocent beauty of that face, the warm and happy spirit
shining through those clear eyes, brought to him feelings he had
never known.
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