Author's Notes: This is my reworking of the myth of Daphne and Apollo which can be found in Ovid's Metamorphoses. Please review! It'll be very much appreciated :)
Prelude
Each god and goddess on Mount Olympus carried their own special weapon. Whether it be of the sweet kisses Aphrodite exuded along with her magical belt or Athena's spear, the characteristics of the weapon represented the aspect of life the god covered. Apollo's arrows represented the sudden infection and death that came from pestilence and disease whereas Artemis' arrows struck the hearts of women in childbirth, sending them to the realm of Hades. But Eros, mischievous and coy had arrows made to not only inflict love and desire but also repulsion from the very thought of love. The quick searing heat of love could taint anyone, at anytime and cause great distress to those who pursued those who were struck with Eros' lead tipped arrows of abhorrence.
Here we begin the myth of Apollo and his ill-fated pursuit of Daphne, the lovely nymph - daughter of Peneus.
Eros sat cross-legged, adjusting his bow. The fine wood of it sheathed in a fine film of gold, it was a truly lavish weapon and it was most beloved the god of love and desire. Though it was small, it was crafted beautifully. His constant companion Aphrodite had even suggested him that the craftwork of his bow and arrows even rivalled that of Hephaestus whose work was known to be the most magnificent of the world. There was no wonder that Eros would spend hours at a time bending the bow, checking that it was functioning properly and generally admiring its great beauty. As he played with his bow, Apollo the god of music, healing and prophecy strode past and raised a sceptical eyebrow at Eros.
After all, Apollo had just recently defeated the great dragon Python and was extremely proud to finally have a location for his oracle. But what was a weaker god like Eros doing handling weapons only fit for great gods such as himself?
Glancing down at contempt as Eros played with his bow, Apollo voiced his concern. "Why in the world do you have warlike weapons in your possession, you reckless scum?" he said with anger and arrogance, "They have no right to be in your hands! Only great gods such as I deserve to handle such objects, to inflict mighty wounds upon such horrors such as Python! Go amuse yourself with little torches or something - watch the flames and be content with that instead of meddling with weapons deserving of my touch." Apollo finished his spiel and continued glaring at poor Eros who pouted with great indignation.
"Hmph, Phoebus… you may be able to conquer the whole world with your strong bow and arrows but I'm able to strike your heart with one small arrow. So there!" Clutching his bow and stuffing his arrows into his quiver, small Eros extended his wings whilst issuing Apollo with a lethal expression. Eros surely didn't appreciated being held in such contempt by the aristocratic god, and took great Phoebus' words as insult. Waving his wings, he caught the gentle breeze and ascended up above the lord Apollo to Parnassus.
On its lofty slopes, the vengeful Eros removed two arrows from his quiver. One of the arrows beheld love, meticulously crafted with a narrow and sharp tip of gold. The other repelled love, and was crudely crafted with a blunt tip of lead. Eros, known for his calculating and mischievous ways had devised a plan to which nothing but woe would be dealt to the almighty Apollo. With a small chuckle, Eros shot the arrow resisting all feelings of love to a nymph, Daphne was her name, daughter to a river god. With a menacing gaze, the arrow of love he directed to Apollo's breast, and so was Apollo's heart first inflamed with the emotion of love.
"Muahaha! Now take that to your chest Mr 'Only I'm worthy for this weapon'. May great pain and sorrow ensue during your quest for the lovely Daphne! First love hurts eh?" Eros taunted with small hands upon his hips.