Persephone did dwell in the Vale of Enna, gathered there the wildwood flowers.
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.