Blaise got back to the village and headed straight for Gabrielle's hut. Blaise knocked on the door as Gabrielle answered the knock.

"Gabrielle...I need to talk to Ephiny." Blaise stated firmly.

"She doesn't want to talk to you right now Blaise."

"Let me in Gabrielle." Blaise answered with agitation as she pushed past Gabrielle and was stopped by a strong hand to her chest.

"Let's go for a walk Blaise." Xena replied as she stepped from behind Gabrielle and pushed Blaise back out the door.

"Alright...I'm going!" Blaise answered agitated.

Blaise and Xena headed down to the lake... "what is this crap?" Xena asked with agitation... "I've been relegated to being the warrior match maker princess between you two Blaise."

"Oh, give me a freaking break Xena!" Blaise answered with anger... "I'm tired of hearing how bored you are and how you want some action...are you in that much of a hurry to fulfill that stupid vision of your death?" Blaise shouted.

"What?" Xena snapped as she moved closer to Blaise.

"You heard me...you have a great life right here that you can't be happy with...you just have to get back on the road...I may have lost the love of my life and you're worried about playing matchmaker?"

"You're right Blaise...I should appreciate my life the way it is right now...I guess I feel like I don't really deserve this much happiness...now, what's gong on with you and Ephiny?"

"Xena...you deserve every happiness that has come to you now, relish it and don't let it slip away because one day it could all be taken from you."

~~~ ~~~~~~~ ~~~

"I will Blaise...I definitely will." Xena answered as she gave a half smile realizing that Blaise spoke the truth.

"Ephiny doesn't think I respect the fact that she's an amazon Xena." Blaise answered as she lowered her head.

"Well...do you?"

Blaise looked up at Xena... "I do but I just got nervous when I saw her with those thugs surrounding her and I just reacted to my fear...I just wanted to protect her."

"I know what you felt in that situation because I feel the same way about Gabrielle when we're in the same predicament...but I'm confident in Gabrielle's fighting skills and I allow her to be who she is Blaise."

"You're right Xena...I just don't want to be without Ephiny and it's in my nature to protect her at all costs."

"Blaise...trust me when I tell you that Ephiny could match our fighting skills to a certain point...she's a strong, proud, independent amazon woman and you should respect that...you can still protect her but do it by her side...don't take control over the situation."

"I will if she would take me back Xena." Blaise answered as she looked down at the ground.

"Hey...let's see what your big sister the love matcher can do okay?" Xena answered with a smile.

"Thanks Xena." Blaise answered with a smile as Xena headed back to the village to talk with Ephiny.

Blaise made her way up to the cliff she normally does her morning training sessions on and sat down with her feet hanging over the edge. Blaise looked over the edge at the water as she threw rocks in the lake and contemplated her conversation with Xena. Blaise sat for over a half a candle mark pitching rocks in the lake when she heard someone approach.

She turned to see it was Ephiny approaching and she sat next to Blaise.

Blaise held her head down in shame from her treatment of Ephiny... "how did you get up here?"

~~~ ~~~~~~~ ~~~

"I'm an amazon remember?...a trained hunter and warrior." Ephiny answered with a slight smile.

Blaise shifted her eyes up to look at Ephiny as she kept her head down... "I seem to keep forgetting that fact don't I?" Blaise asked with a smirk as she looked back down and pitched a rock in the lake.

"Why do you not want to accept that fact Blaise?"

"Ephiny." Blaise replied as she looked at her lover... "have you ever been in love with someone so much that..."

"They make you cry?" Ephiny interrupted Blaise's sentence.

"Well...that too." Blaise answered with a slight smile.

"Blaise...you're that person." Ephiny answered as she put her hand on Blaise's... "you're the person I have dreamed about all of my life...when you sleep I watch you just to see you breath...I see the smile on your face when you sleep and I wonder if you're dreaming of me!" Ephiny replied as she pointed to herself... "I treasure every moment I have with you baby and it hurts me to know that the person that means so much to me doesn't respect and love me for the person that I am."

"Baby I do love and respect you for who you are but..." Blaise let out a sigh as she looked down at the lake afraid to look Ephiny in the eye... "when you ...aah." Blaise took a deep breath..."when I lost you I felt as though my world had come to an end and that the one thing I loved more than life itself was gone." Blaise looked at Ephiny who had tears in her eyes... "I felt so much sorrow, guilt, and pain that I no longer wanted to live...all the happiness, goodness and love left me...I don't want to ever go through that with you again...so, when I saw you there with those pigs surrounding you I freaked!...I just wanted to protect you baby...can you understand that?" Blaise asked as tears welled in her eyes.

Ephiny moved to Blaise and held her in her arms... "I do honey...I didn't know you went through so much pain when I died or I wouldn't have been so harsh on you ...I'm sorry." Ephiny kissed Blaise on the cheek as Blaise held Ephiny tight.

"I love you Ephiny and I'm sorry for being a jerk...are you still interested in meeting me at the alter?" Blaise asked with a smile as she looked into Ephiny's eyes.

~~~ ~~~~~~~ ~~~

"I intend to meet you at the alter to give you my heart and my hand for all of eternity...I love you Blaise." Ephiny smiled and kissed Blaise... "come on we need to get back because I'm already in trouble with the queen for sneaking out last night with you."

"It's a good thing she's family then." Blaise smiled as Ephiny reached for Blaise's hand to help her up

The two lovers made their way down the cliff holding hands and laughing at one another. As they made their way to the edge of the village Blaise took Ephiny into her arms and kissed her.

"I love you and the next time I see you will be as my wife." Blaise replied with a loving smile.

"Yes...and you make sure you behave at your party!" Ephiny smiled and poked Blaise in the stomach.

"I promise to behave baby." Blaise laughed and kissed Ephiny.

They both headed off to their separate huts for some much needed rest.

"Blaise!...Blaise!...wake up." Xena replied as she tapped Blaise on the shoulder to wake her.

Blaise jumped up startled from her sleep..."wha...what's going on?" Blaise asked as she cleared her throat and wiped the sleep from her eyes.

"Come on...get changed."

"What for?" Blaise asked confused.

"Wake up sleepyhead...did you forget?...it's the night before your joining and you know what that means?" Xena answered with a smile.

"Party?" Blaise asked with a sly grin.

"You got it baby!...go bath so, we can head out." Xena stated as she threw Blaise a towel.

Blaise headed out of the hut towards the hot tub area. Xena poked her head out of the hut... "chop, chop little sis." Xena replied clapping her hands to get Blaise to move quicker.

~~~ ~~~~~~~ ~~~

"You let me sleep a long time woman so, don't rush me!...I can't believe it's dark already!" Blaise answered.

"Well...I felt bad for you so, I let you sleep now... get!" Xena shouted as she waved her hands to get Blaise moving.

"Okay already!" Blaise answered as she headed in for her bath.

Blaise hurried to finish her bath and get dressed for her party later in the evening. Blaise left the hut to find Xena and Tarus waiting with the horses.

"Xena...I think you're more excited than me!" Blaise teased.

"It's payback time little sister." Xena answered with a laugh as she mounted Argo.

Blaise looked at Tarus and laughed... "you'd think she would learn...brother." Blaise shook her head.

"Learn what?...what did I miss?" Tarus asked with confusion as he mounted his horse.

"Xena realized the night before her joining that trying to drink me under the table is not one of her many skills." Blaise laughed.

"Well...give it up...what happened?" Tarus asked with a smile.

Blaise mounted Taz... "she got wasted and passed out...I had to throw her in the lake the next morning to wake her for the ceremony!" Blaise answered with a laugh.

"I would love to have seen that one Blaise!" Tarus answered with a laugh.

"Yeah...yeah....let's go!" Xena answered sarcastically as she kicked Argo to a gallop with Blaise and Tarus following.

The trio entered town and headed to the dance club for the party

"Whoa!...It's crowded in here with hot women!" Blaise replied with a big smile.

"You have many fans Blaise...oh, and don't forget." Xena answered as she poked Blaise's chest... "you are to behave this evening!"

~~~ ~~~~~~~ ~~~

"Yes boss!" Blaise answered sarcastically... "is this a private party or what?"

"Yeah...this is a gift from Tarus, Salmoneus and myself for you." Xena answered.

"Salmoneus chipped in too?" Blaise asked with a laugh.

"It was actually his idea which he posed to us and we agreed to do it here... I think he's charging admission though." Xena laughed.

"Blaise!" Salmoneus shouted with excitement as he rushed over with open arms and hugged Blaise.

"Hey, Sal...thanks for the party." Blaise answered with a smile.

"Anything for you Blaise...I owe you my life." Salmoneus answered with a tighter hug.

"No...Sal...you don't owe me anything except maybe your friendship." Blaise replied with a smile as she patted him on the back.

"Everyone!" Salmoneus put his hand up to quite the crowd... "the guest of honor has arrived folks!...the main objective is to show her a good time and to get her drunk!"

The crowd cheered and held their drinks up as a toast to Blaise as she flashed an embarrassed smile. Xena grabbed four mugs and handed them to the group...

"A toast...may you have a gloriously happy life and may you have an abundance of sex too!" Xena replied with a laugh as they sealed the toast with a drink of the port.

Xena and Salmoneus headed towards the food table as Blaise began to follow but Tarus grabbed her arm to stop her.

"Blaise!" Tarus replied.

"What's up bro?"

"Do you think you could hook me up with a woman?" Tarus whispered with embarrassment.

~~~ ~~~~~~~ ~~~

"Dude...stick with me...the chicks dig me and because you're my brother they will dig you too!" Blaise smiled and put her arm around Tarus' neck for a hug as they walked over to join Xena and Salmoneus.

"Oh, Blaise!...come dance with me!" a group of woman giggled as they grabbed Blaise pulling her towards the dance.

"Wait!" Blaise stopped and went back to grab Tarus to bring him with them.

"Blaise!...I can't dance!" Tarus answered with embarrassment.

"You're gonna have to learn quick then bro!" Blaise laughed as they all made their way onto the dance floor.

Blaise and Tarus danced with the ladies for a couple of dances and Blaise nonchalantly slipped away from the group leaving her brother to continue dancing. Blaise headed over to the table where Xena was sitting with a group of women.

"Xena...what's going on?" Blaise asked with a sly grin.

"We where just discussing some type of drinking game for you to join in on Blaisey!" Xena smiled and answered sarcastically.

"It's your lucky day sister just so happens I know one seeing as how you are no good with playing dinars...maybe you will stand a chance with up the river down the river." Blaise smiled and laughed.

"Bring it on!" Xena answered.

"Okay...ladies...here is how you play the game...everyone gets two cards and we place four down on the table, hence, up the river...now, if you're cards come up on this turn of the cards you have to drink however many drinks your card falls under. So, the first card is worth one drink, second worth two, third worth three, and the fourth card is worth four drinks...got it?" Blaise asked and looked at the group for confirmation which everyone nodded in agreement... "now, when we go down the river if your cards come up you get to assign people that number of drinks...so, we ready to get drunk?" Blaise asked with a smile.

Blaise dealt two cards to each person in the group and laid the four cards down to go up the river.

~~~ ~~~~~~~ ~~~

"Okay...it looks like Xena's cards came up in the third and fourth spots so, you drink seven of them warrior princess!" Blaise replied as the group laughed... "we need a pitcher over here for Xena!" Blaise laughed as Xena drank her seven drinks.

The group played for over a candle mark each person ganging up on Xena to make her drink.

"How ya feeling Xena?" Blaise asked with a laugh.

"Oh, just wonderful...Baise." Xena slurred with a silly smile on her face.

"Looks like another trip to the lake for you warrior princess!" Blaise laughed and looked up to see Aphrodite standing with Cupid. Blaise moved over to the pair... "hey, Aphie!...Cuppie!" Blaise hugged them both.

"Blaise...keep the Cuppie thing down okay?...I got a rep to maintain you know." Cupid asked with embarrassment.

"Sorry bro!...I'm psyched you two are here." Blaise answered with excitement.

"Yeah...well...mom's going through the empty nest thing and I couldn't stand to hear her whining anymore so, I told her to come see you."

"Aphie...what's wrong?" Blaise asked with concern.

"Oh, sweetpea!" Aphrodite whined... "it's just that my baby is going to belong to another woman and I'm upset."

"Aah...come here." Blaise hugged Aphrodite... "you're still one of my favorite girls and you always will be."

"I know but I miss you hangin around Olympus with me and I hardly ever see you anymore baby." Aphrodite continued her whining.

"I promise to come and visit more often Aphie...I hope you like my bride to be because I love her very much...you are coming to the joining tomorrow aren't you?...because I want you to share in my happiness."

"We'll be there Blaise." Aphrodite answered as she smiled and kissed Blaise... "I love you honey and we have a very special surprise wedding gift for you."

~~~ ~~~~~~~ ~~~

"I love you too." Blaise smiled... "what surprise do you have for me?" Blaise asked with a wondering smile as to the present.

"It wouldn't be a surprise if I told you sweetpea...you'll have to wait and you'll know what it is when you get it." Aphrodite answered with a smile.

"I will be sure to keep an eye out for it then...too bad you two can't enjoy the port it's very good!"

"I will have to settle for enjoying the scenery instead...ooh, there are some hot women here Blaise." Cupid answered with a grin.

"Is there?...I hadn't noticed." Blaise answered with a smile.

"Blaise...how are you going to stay tied down to one woman?" Aphrodite asked.

"Easy because I love this one with all of my heart."

"Oh, honey...I'm happy for you... just a little jealous but I will welcome her with open arms into our family." Aphrodite answered as she hugged Blaise.

"Blaise...Xena just fell out of the chair!" Cupid replied with a laugh.

"What's up with the warrior babe?" Aphrodite asked as they all looked over to Xena... "is her annoying little bard keeping her up late with her boring stories?" Aphrodite asked sarcastically.

"Easy Aphie!...The warrior babe is wasted once again...which means I win again!...she got this way at her party before her joining too...I'll catch you later I better check to see if she's okay."

"We'll see you tomorrow baby!" Aphrodite answered as her and Cupid disappeared.

Blaise moved over to help Xena off the floor and back into the chair... "Xena...wake up."

"Yeah...I'm up." Xena slurred.

Blaise made sure that Xena was sitting in the chair securely and headed over to the bar laughing as she grabbed another drink.

~~~ ~~~~~~~ ~~~

Tarus came up and put his arm around Blaise... "hey, the chicks are digging me...I'm drunk!"

"Me too bro...check out Xena though she's wasted." Blaise answered as they looked at their sister slumped in the chair passed out.

"No way!...that is too funny!...should we get going?"

"We probably should...let me hit the outhouse first though...go get the horses and meet me out front okay?" Blaise replied as she found her words becoming more slurred with each sip from her port.

"Gotcha!" Tarus answered as he made his way through the crowd to the door.

Blaise staggered to the back door and fell through the door onto the ground outside as her foot caught on the door.

Blaise laughed as she laid on the ground... "good thing I didn't spill my port...that's important!" she slurred with a laugh.

"Yeah...you don't want to spill that." a voice came from before her.

Blaise looked up to see some very sexy women's legs and made her way to her knees to see who they belonged too... "Solari?...where have you been?" Blaise asked as she tried to stand but staggered and Solari helped her up.

"I've been around Blaise...I wanted to see you before your joining."

"Listen...Ephiny wants to."

Solari interrupted her... "I don't want to hear about Ephiny Blaise." Solari answered as she kissed Blaise.

"Solari this isn't going to happen." Blaise replied as she pulled away from Solari's kiss.

"I just want you to know what you will be missing Blaise." Solari answered as she put her hand behind Blaise's neck and pulled her in for a passionate kiss. Solari took Blaise's hand and put it on her sex.

~~~ ~~~~~~~ ~~~

Blaise pushed Solari away from her... "you bitch!...why can't you get it through your head that you and I are never going to happen?...I knew you couldn't be trusted enough for Ephiny's forgiveness!" Blaise shouted as she spit the taste of Solari out of her mouth.

"You mean Ephiny was to forgive me?"

"Yes...she was Solari but I'm going to make sure that never happens!...Ephiny trusted you with her life and considered you her friend how could you do this to her?"

"I'm sorry Blaise...but I fell in love with you and nothing else mattered to me." Solari began to cry.

"You need to realize that Ephiny and I will be together forever...I will never be with another woman and you need to decide if you want to continue being an amazon because if I tell Ephiny or Gabrielle of this you will no longer be one."

"Being an amazon is all I have left now and I want to be back home again...maybe something can be worked out Blaise...please...would you help me?"

"Why should I help you after all that you have done to Ephiny and I."

"All I can do is try to make it up to the both of you and gain your trust again Blaise...I will work very hard at it and I will gain that trust back one day...please...I'm begging you." Solari pleaded as she cried harder.

"Oh, man!...don't cry...I hate it when women cry!...okay I won't say anything but I'll be watching you and the first thing I see that is fishy you will be gone... got that!" Blaise answered sternly.

"Yes...thank you so much!" Solari replied with a smile as she tried to hug Blaise who backed away from her.

"Don't let Ephiny or your queen down again." Blaise snapped as she walked past her to the outhouse.

"I won't Blaise...you'll see." Solari answered as she left the back of the dance club.

"Women...By the gods why do I have such a weakness for crying women!" Blaise grumbled as she finished her business.

~~~ ~~~~~~~ ~~~

Blaise went back into the club and put Xena over her shoulder who remained passed out. Blaise put Xena on Argo securely as the trio rode back to the village.

"Blaise...I'll get the horses you can put the light weight to bed!" Tarus laughed as did Blaise.

"Go figure!...she can handle everything but her liquor!...we better keep that a secret dude or she could be in big trouble!" Blaise answered with a laugh.

"The secrets safe with me...hey, Blaise...aah...I had a great time tonight...thanks for helping me out with the ladies." Tarus stammered nervously.

"What's family for bro?" Blaise answered with a smile.

"Goodnight Blaise...get some rest you have a big day tomorrow."

"Yeah...I guess I do...thanks and sleep well." Blaise answered with a smile.

Blaise hoisted Xena over her shoulder and carried her off to their hut for some needed rest. Blaise took Xena's armor off and covered her with a blanket before she began to undress for bed.

In the morning Xena woke before Blaise and felt as though she had been tied behind a runaway chariot as she realized Blaise was cuddled up next to her.

"Aah...my head...that sister of mine did it to me again!" Xena thought to herself angry that she was had again.

"Blaise!" Xena replied.

"Uhmmm...Ephiny." Blaise whispered through her sleep with a smile on her face.

"Get off of me!...I'm not Ephiny." Xena answered with anger as she tried to push Blaise off of her.

Blaise hugged her tighter... "oh, Eph...give me a kiss." Blaise answered through her sleep.

"Blaise!...wake up and get off of me!" Xena shouted as she pushed Blaise off the bed

Blaise peeked her head up on the bed as she sat on the floor... "not a morning person huh?" Blaise asked with a laugh.

~~~ ~~~~~~~ ~~~

"You jerk!" Xena answered with agitation as she sat up... "Ow!...my head!" Xena replied as she put her hand to her head.

"Seems that I have found the way to defeat the warrior princess!" Blaise replied with a laugh as she got up off the floor.

"Yeah...yeah..don't rub it in!...hey, are you nervous?"

"Not yet...but I will be as soon as I see Ephiny." Blaise answered as she gathered a towel and a robe for her bath... "you coming for a bath or do I need to toss you in the lake again?" Blaise laughed.

"No...no!" Xena answered as she put her hand up in protest... "I can do it myself this time!" Xena answered as she got up off the bed... "oh, man do I feel horrid!"

Blaise laughed and threw Xena a towel... "Grab your robe so we can get cleaned up!"

"Maybe I'll feel better after a bath." Xena answered as she grabbed her robe.

"I think a cold dip in the lake would clear up your ailment." Blaise answered with a laugh.

"No thank you...I'll stick to the bath." Xena answered with a smile as they headed off for the bath hut.

They both bathed and headed back to Blaise's hut to dress for the ceremony. Blaise slid her white short sleeved tunic over her head and tied the laces in the front of the shirt. She pulled on her black leather pants followed by her brand new polished black leather boots that she purchased special for the ceremony.

"Blaise!...what's up with the sleeveless shirt?" Xena asked with bewilderment at her choice of joining attire.

"Ephiny likes to see my muscular arms...what can I tell you?" Blaise answered with a smirk.

"Okay...if that's what Ephiny likes then that's what she'll get." Xena answered with sarcasm.

Blaise fit her black silk sash snugly around her waist... "how do I look?"

"So far so good." Xena smiled back... "how do I look?"

~~~ ~~~~~~~ ~~~

"Very regal!...it seems weird to see you in anything but your armor." Blaise answered as she examined the long black robe with burgundy trimming and the queen's royal crest which Xena wore.

"Hey!...is that an insult?" Xena smiled and pointed at Blaise.

"No...I'm just used to seeing you with your armor on...you look more like a regal princess dressed like that." Blaise smiled as she struggle to put on her black cape.

"It goes with the territory when you're the queen's consort...here...let me help you!" Xena answered as she moved over to help Blaise tie the cape around her neck.

"Oh, I have always wanted to see this happen!"

Blaise and Xena looked to the door of the hut.

"What happen mother?" Blaise asked.

"My two daughters helping one another out and doing sister things together." Cyrene answered with pride and happiness.

Xena and Blaise looked each other in the eyes and smiled... "sister stuff...yuck!" Blaise joked as Xena laughed.

"You two stop it...I think I'm going to cry from my happiness." Cyrene replied as she walked over to her daughters.

"There you go Blaisey!...you look very dashing...if I weren't married I might ask you out." Xena replied with a laugh.

"Sorry sis...but you're not my type...I love blondes!" Blaise laughed as she put her single silver hooped earring with a sword dangling from the hoop in her left ear.

"Blaise honey are you nervous?" Cyrene asked as she looked her daughters over.

"I will be if everyone keeps asking me that." Blaise answered with a smile.

"I'm so glad I could be here to share this day with you Blaise." Cyrene replied with a smile as she hugged Blaise.

~~~ ~~~~~~~ ~~~

"It makes this day so much happier that I'm able to share it with you mother...I'm very grateful to have you in my life." Blaise answered as she kissed her mother on the cheek.

"Hey, ladies!" Tarus replied as he entered the hut... "you all are looking very beautiful."

"You don't look so bad yourself bro!" Blaise answered with a smile... "hey, could you do me a hug favor?"

"Name it." Tarus answered.

"Could you deliver this to Eph for me?" Blaise asked as she pulled out a wooden box and handed it to her brother... "it's my wedding gift for Ephiny."

"Can we see it first Blaise?" Xena asked with intrigue... "that is if you don't mind?"

"Nah...go ahead and show em Tarus." Blaise answered as she put on some perfume.

Tarus opened the box revealing an amazon helm with the strip of leather containing a medium sized diamond in the middle which will fit over the middle of Ephiny's forehead when she wears it.

"It's gorgeous Blaise!" Cyrene answered with amazement.

"Ephiny's going to love it Blaise." Xena answered with a smile.

"I hope so."

"Let me take it over to her then." Tarus answered with a smile as he left the hut.

Gabrielle helped Ephiny with her forest green Strophion which crosses the chest in an X-shape to hold up her breasts.

"There your top is all set." Gabrielle replied as she finished dressing in her long white robe with burgundy trim circled around her royal crest.

Ephiny put on her amazon magenta (purplish red) long form fitting Zoma feminine loin cloth and slid her forest green greaves with magenta colored designs over both forearms. Ephiny slipped her sandals on... "Gabrielle...I'm very nervous!"

"All brides to be get that way Ephiny." Gabrielle answered as she held her hands for comfort... "the moment you see Blaise your nerves will go away."

~~~ ~~~~~~~ ~~~

"By the gods I hope so!" Ephiny answered with a smile as she heard a knock at the door... "who could that be?"

"It better not be Blaise!" Gabrielle answered with a smile... "who is it?" Gabrielle asked with a shout.

"It's Tarus...Gabrielle...I have a wedding gift for Ephiny from Blaise." he answered through the closed door.

Ephiny looked at Gabrielle and smiled... "you may enter Tarus." Gabrielle answered back.

Tarus entered the hut and stopped in his tracks stunned as he gazed at Gabrielle and Ephiny standing before him... "by the gods are my sisters lucky!...I can only hope to find a woman half as beautiful as the two of you!" Tarus replied with a stunned look on his face and a half smile.

Both Gabrielle and Ephiny blushed from the comment and looked at one another exchanging a smile... "flattery runs in their family too!" Ephiny replied with a laugh as did Gabrielle.

"Thank you very much for your comment Tarus it was very sweet of you to say."

"It's the truth." Tarus answered with a smile as he approached Ephiny and stopped before her... "Blaise asked me to give this to you before your joining." he replied as he opened the wooden box.

Ephiny was stunned and speechless by the beauty of the gift. She began to cry as she smiled at Blaise's gesture.

"Oh, Ephiny...it's gorgeous!" Gabrielle answered with a smile and equally stunned... "she is so romantic!"

"It's exquisite Gabrielle." Ephiny answered as she stared at her gift... "will you put it on me?"

"Of course." Gabrielle answered as she picked up the present and stepped behind Ephiny to place around her head... "you're all set Ephiny."

Ephiny moved over to the mirror to see how it looked on her and wept at the beauty of the amazon helm Blaise had given her.

~~~ ~~~~~~~ ~~~

"Come on Ephiny...don't cry." Gabrielle replied as she put her hands on her shoulders as she stood behind her... "you don't want to have red eyes for your ceremony." Gabrielle replied with a smile.

"You're right Gabrielle...but I have never been so happy in my entire life."

"You look beautiful Ephiny...Blaise is a lucky woman." Gabrielle answered with a smile.

"Yes...she is very lucky and you look absolutely gorgeous...welcome to our family Ephiny." Tarus replied with a smile... "I'll take the box back to your hut so, you'll have it there later."

Ephiny smiled at Tarus and approached him... "thank you and I'm happy to be a part of your family." Ephiny replied as she kissed his cheek.

Tarus blushed... "I should be going." he smiled and turned exiting the hut.

Blaise, Xena and Cyrene exited the hut as Tarus approached the trio... "did she like it?" Blaise asked with worry.

"She loved it Blaise...you are very lucky...she's a beautiful woman."

"Hey, I better not find out you where hitting on my bride to be!" Blaise teased with a wink.

"Let's get going before we're late." Xena answered as they headed towards the ceremonial area.

Blaise and Xena took their places side by side at the front of the alter... "you did remember the ring didn't you Xena?" Blaise asked as she turned to Xena.

Xena fished through her robe and showed Blaise the ring... "just took me a little while to find it."

"How in tartarus did you find a place in that robe for it?" Blaise asked with a laugh.

"I have many skills...remember?" Xena answered with a smile as she turned and noticed Gabrielle standing at the end of the aisle ready to make her way to the front.

Blaise noticed Xena wasn't paying attention to her anymore and turned to see what she was looking at. Gabrielle made her way towards the pair as everyone bowed to their queen as she passed.

~~~ ~~~~~~~ ~~~

Xena smiled proudly as her bride made her way to the front of the altar and Blaise winked as Gabrielle passed by her with a slight bow out of respect for the queen.

Gabrielle took her place at the front of the altar and motioned for the bride to join them. Blaise turned to see Ephiny step up at the end of the aisle and her breath was taken away by her beauty. Blaise met Ephiny's eyes as she made her way up the aisle and smiled at her bride to be.

Xena nudged Blaise in the back... "breathe Blaise!" Xena whispered.

Blaise took a deep breath and continued her gaze at Ephiny as she approached. Ephiny stopped and reached her hand out to Blaise. Blaise threw her cape off her shoulder and took Ephiny's hand in her own as Ephiny moved to Blaise's side. The lovers smiled and stared into each other's eyes as Gabrielle began the ceremony.

Blaise and Ephiny where lost in the moment and barely heard a word Gabrielle had said to them.

"Blaise...do you promise to love, honor, cherish Ephiny in sickness and in health for all of eternity?" Gabrielle asked as she looked at Blaise who didn't answer... "Blaise?" Gabrielle asked to get her attention.

"With all of my heart." Blaise answered softly as she smiled at Ephiny.

"Ephiny...do you also make the same promise to Blaise?"

"Everyday for the rest of my life and throughout eternity." Ephiny answered with a smile.

"Blaise you may say your vows to Ephiny now."

Blaise took Ephiny's hand into her own. She slid the silver ring with a row of diamonds on Ephiny's finger as she began her vows.

Ephiny...when I first saw you, I saw love
And the first time you touched me, I felt love
You've got a way with me and somehow you got me to believe
In everything that I could be
You gave me faith to find my dreams
You'll never know what that means

~~~ ~~~~~~~ ~~~

You've got a way with words
You get me smiling even when it hurts
There's no way to measure what your love is worth
Oh, how I adore you...like no one before you
I love you just the way you are

Blaise smiled and wiped Ephiny's tears from her cheek as Gabrielle took a deep breath as she was touched by the moment... "now, your vows Ephiny." Gabrielle asked as she glanced at Xena noticing the warrior princess was misty eyed as well. She smiled and winked at her wife. Xena smiled back and glanced over to her mother who wept openly as Tarus tried to console his mother.

Ephiny smiled as she turned to Eponon who stood next to her and took the ring for Blaise from her. Ephiny slid the thick silver band with a "B" and a "G"intertwined with one another on it.

I do swear that I'll always be there
I'd give anything and everything
And I will always care
You're the one I run to
The one that I belong to
The one I want for life
The only one I dream of
Through weakness and strength, happiness and sorrow, for better, for worse
I will love you with every beat of my heart

Blaise's eyes welled with tears as she raised Ephiny's hand and placed a soft kiss on it.

"Blaise...you may kiss your bride." Gabrielle replied with a smile.

Blaise looked into Ephiny's eyes and lightly pushed her long blonde curls off her face. Blaise moved in slowly and lightly kissed Ephiny's lips as she moved her hand through her hair resting it gently on her neck.

"I love you Eph." Blaise whispered with her lips never leaving Ephiny's.

"I love you." Ephiny answered as she kissed Blaise more passionately.

"Excuse me." Gabrielle whispered... "we do have a reception to get to sometime today ladies."

~~~ ~~~~~~~ ~~~

Blaise and Ephiny stopped their kiss as they rested their heads against one another and laughed softly. Blaise kissed Ephiny lightly again before she straightened up and turned to the crowd to present her beautiful bride. Everyone clapped as Blaise looked back at Ephiny pulling her towards her for another kiss. As they finished their kiss Blaise led Ephiny down the aisle towards the reception hut.

Blaise saw that Aphrodite and Cupid where standing to the back of the crowd. Aphrodite was in tears as Cupid tried to console his mother. Cupid gave Blaise a frustrated look and smiled as they passed. Blaise and Ephiny entered the reception hut to wait for the others. Blaise gathered Ephiny up in a hug as Ephiny wrapped her arms around Blaise's neck... "I love you wife." Blaise replied with a big smile as she kissed Ephiny.

"This is the second most happiest moment of my life Blaise." Ephiny answered as she looked down into Blaise's eyes as Blaise held her up.

"Our joining only ranks second place huh?" Blaise asked with a smile.

"The happiest moment was when you told me you loved me baby." Ephiny answered with a smile and kissed Blaise.

"I guess we need to continue creating happy moments then." Blaise answered as she hugged her bride as Gabrielle and Xena entered the hut.

Blaise put Ephiny down as they turned to Xena and Gabrielle... "I'm so happy for you both!" Gabrielle exclaimed as she hugged Ephiny then Blaise.

"Thanks Gabrielle...we're very happy ourselves." Ephiny asnwered with a smile.

"Ephiny...let me know if my sister gets out of hand and I'll straighten her up." Xena replied with a smile as she hugged Ephiny and whispered... "I'm glad you are with Blaise...you're meant for one another...welcome to the family."

"Thanks Xena." Ephiny answered.

"Hey...your arms have been around my wife too long warrior princess...unhand her!" Blaise replied with a laugh.

"Are you jealous?" Xena answered with a smirk.

"Yes...I feel so left out!" Blaise answered sarcastically.

~~~ ~~~~~~~ ~~~

"Come here you big baby." Xena teased as she hugged Blaise and whispered in her ear... "you're made for one another Blaise make sure you cherish her for eternity."

"I intend to Xena...thanks." Blaise answered with a smile as she kissed her sister's cheek.

"Oh, Blaise!" Cyrene replied in tears as she hugged her daughter.

"It's okay mother!" Blaise answered as she held her close.

"It was such a beautiful ceremony...I just couldn't contain my tears of joy!" Cyrene asnwered as she kissed Blaise on the cheek.

"Ephiny...you are so beautiful." Cyrene replied with a smile as she hugged Ephiny as Blaise received a hug from Tarus... "I'm such a lucky woman."

"How is that Cyrene?" Ephiny asked.

"To be blessed with three beautiful additions to my family...Blaise, Gabrielle and now you Ephiny...a mother couldn't ask for anymore than what I have." Cyrene answered with happiness... "except that you both call me mother if you don't mind doing that?"

"I would be honored to call you mother." Ephiny answered with a smile.

"As would I mother." Gabrielle replied.

"Blaise!...could you help me with her!...she is inconsolable!" Cupid asked as he struggled to lead Aphrodite into the hut as everyone else stood with smiles on their faces.

"Aphie...come here." Blaise answered as she took Aphrodite in her arms.

"Blaise...I'm such a sap but I can't help it...I love you and I don't want to lose you."

Blaise glanced back at everyone who was watching Aphrodite cry. Blaise led her away from the crowd and hugged her... "Aphie...you won't lose me I promise."

"It's just that you have a new bride and a new mother...I guess I'm jealous...you know me I have to be the center of everyone's universe."

~~~ ~~~~~~~ ~~~

"You have always been the center of my universe Aphie but now I have others in there with you...you have always been a mother, sister, and best friend to me which that will never change...I just need you to share me with everyone else...can you?" Blaise asked as she looked into Aphrodite's eyes.

"As long as you promise to always be a part of my life baby."

"That will never change...ever...I love you too much to not have you in my life." Blaise answered as she kissed Aphrodite's lips softly.

"Aah..we're a very close family." Cupid answered nervously to explain Blaise's kiss.

"Evidently." Tarus replied with disbelief as everyone headed to the table for the dinner.

"You feel better?" Blaise asked as she wiped Aphrodite's tears away.

"Yes...Blaise I would like to meet your mother." Aphrodite answered with a smile.

"Sure...that would be great...come on." Blaise answered with a smile as she held Aphrodite's hand and led her to the table where Cyrene was seated... "mother, meet Aphrodite the Goddess of Love and my other mother."

Cyrene stood up and hugged Aphrodite... "thank you for taking care of my baby...you did a very good job with her and I'm grateful to you."

Aphrodite was shocked by the show of affection from Cyrene... "well...aah...Blaise always had goodness and love in her heart it just needed someone to bring that out...which I think she was born with passed on from you."

"Aphrodite...can you please tell me some things about Blaise as she grew up?"

Aphrodite smiled and sat down next to Cyrene... "well...there was the time that I tried to dress Blaise like me..."

Cupid began to laugh... "hey, Cuppie knock it off or I will tell what Aphie dressed you up as!" Blaise replied with embarrassment.

"Okay...even!" Cupid answered with a smile as he sat down at the table to join everyone.

Blaise sat next to Ephiny as the remainder of the crowd filled the hut for their joining meal.

~~~ ~~~~~~~ ~~~

"Aah...Blaise...did you forget to tell me something about your relationship with Aphrodite?" Ephiny asked with a smile.

"Oh, I didn't tell you about the wild orgie parties our family had at Olympus?" Blaise asked with seriousness.

"Blaise...you're kidding right?"

"Would it have made a difference?"

"You could have told me what kind of family I was getting into." Ephiny answered as she noticed a mishcevious smile appear of Blaise's face... "Blaise! you're so bad...you had me going." Ephiny laughed.

"Where you getting excited at the thought of orgies's?" Blaise asked with a smile.

"No..because I don't like to share you sexually with anyone." Ephiny answered softly as she kissed Blaise's cheek.

Blaise and Ephiny made eye contact... "Ephiny...you're so beautiful...I'm sorry I didn't tell you that earlier...I love you baby and you have made me so happy." Blaise smiled and kissed Ephiny softly. Ephiny put her hands on Blaise's face and pulled her back for a longer kiss.

"I can't imagine Blaise in pink Aphrodite!" Cyrene laughed as did Aphrodite.

Ephiny stopped kissing Blaise and opened her eyes to see Blaise's look of shock at what her mother had just said... "pink?" Ephiny asked with a slight smile.

Blaise pulled away from Ephiny... "Aphrodite!" Blaise replied with agitation.

"I have a portrait of it...I will have to show it to you sometime."

"Cupid!!!" Blaise shouted as she stood up angry as everyone else laughed.

"I would love to see that!" Xena laughed.

"Me to!" Gabrielle answered with a laugh.

~~~ ~~~~~~~ ~~~

"Cupid! You were suppose to have kept that hidden!" Blaise shouted as she moved towards her brother... "I'm going to clip your wings dude!" Blaise shouted as she pointed at him.

"Aah....folks this was really lovely but I have to go." Cupid replied nervously as he stood up.

"Don't you leave here!"

"Sorry...gotta go!" Cupid answered as he vanished.

"I'm going to kill him!" Blaise shouted as everyone laughed.

"Blaise I think you would look lovely in pink!" Xena replied with a hardy laugh.

"Ha..Ha..very funny!" Blaise answered with agitation in to Xena's ear and stood up... "Aphrodite!"

Aphrodite smiled at Blaise and blew her a kiss... "Blaise honey...come here." Ephiny replied as she reached her hand out for Blaise's. Blaise moved over to her and sat down... "you would look good in anything baby...why are you so mad?" Ephiny asked softly so no one else could hear their conversation.

"Because it's embarrassing that the future God of War wore pink one time." Blaise answered with agitation.

"Well...I think you would look very sexy in pink." Ephiny answered with a smile as she kissed Blaise... "oh, I have something for you!...I was so flabbergasted when I received your wedding present that I forgot to send your present back with Tarus." Ephiny motioned to Eponon to bring the present.

She delivered a silver box and handed it to Blaise. Blaise opened the box to find a boot dagger with a handle in the form of a hawk with black onyx stones along the front of the blade. Blaise examined the dagger... "Ephiny...it's beautiful and it's just like your sword." Blaise answered with a smile.

"I'm glad you like it...look at the inside of the handle." Ephiny replied as she helped Blaise turn the dagger over which had their initials intertwined on each other's.

~~~ ~~~~~~~ ~~~

"I love it baby...thank you!" Blaise smiled and leaned in for a kiss... "I think I'll use it to clip Cuppie's wings!" Blaise laughed... "your helm looks even more beautiful on you than I could have imagined baby."

"Blaise it's so beautiful...I love it!...you took my breath away by giving it to me...do you want me to wear it always?" Ephiny asked with a smile.

"That's for you to decide baby...I can tell you that I like to see you without anything to obstruct your beautiful features but if you want to wear it all the time I won't have a problem with that." Blaise answered with a smile.

"What if I wear it on special occasions and make it a family heirloom to be passed on to our daughter on her wedding day?"

"As long as she doesn't marry a joker like me!" Blaise answered with a laugh.

"I can only hope she finds a wonderful person like you to fall in love with...then she would be a very happy woman." Ephiny answered and kissed Blaise.

"Okay...you two... time for your traditional dance." Gabrielle replied as the band began to play a slow song.

Blaise stood up and held her hand out for Ephiny to take. Ephiny held Blaise's hand who helped her up and led her out onto the dance floor. Blaise looked into Ephiny's eyes and pulled her into her arms... "shall we dance like we did the other night?" Blaise teased.

"How about tonight in our hut?" Ephiny answered as she kissed Blaise passionately as the two danced to the slow rhythm of the music.

Ephiny put her head down on Blaise's shoulder and sighed... "you okay baby?" Blaise asked.

"I thought of my parents and I wished they could be her to share in our happiness." Ephiny answered as she looked up at Blaise.

"They're watching baby." Blaise answered with a smile and a kiss as she hugged her bride.

"Well...Xena...you can say it." Gabrielle replied with a smile.

~~~ ~~~~~~~ ~~~

"Say what?" Xena asked with confusion as she turned to Gabrielle.

"That I was right about them making a great couple!"

"Yes..dear...you where right!" Xena answered rolling her eyes at Gabrielle's comment.

Gabrielle smiled and leaned to Xena to kiss her cheek... "I forgot to tell you that it's tradition for the queen and her consort to dance with the joining partners."

"Oh, come on Gabrielle!...you know I don't like to dance."

"It's tradition honey...we have too or no one else can dance...I'll make it worth your while." Gabrielle whispered in Xena's ear as she placed a kiss on it.

"Oh, okay...you better make it up to me!" Xena answered with agitation as she took Gabrielle's hand and led her to the dance floor to join Blaise and Ephiny.

Blaise and Ephiny finished with all of the traditional festivities such as cutting the cake and smashing it in each other's faces, the opening of their joining gifts and decided it was time to start their night together as life partners.

Blaise and Ephiny stood waiting for Gabrielle to begin the kissing line with Xena following her.

"Ephiny...I wish you all the happiness in the world." Gabrielle replied as she kissed Ephiny and moved towards Blaise.

"Blaise...you deserve to be happy and I hope you have found it." Gabrielle kissed Blaise and stood next to her.

"Thanks Gabrielle..I have found it." Blaise answered with a smile.

Xena kissed Ephiny and moved to Blaise... "I'm very happy for you Blaise." Xena replied as she kissed Blaise then taking her place next to Gabrielle.

Cyrene kissed Ephiny... "thank you for making my baby so happy Ephiny."

"I should be thanking you mother for having such a wonderful daughter." Ephiny answered with a smile and a hug as Cyrene moved to Blaise.

~~~ ~~~~~~~ ~~~

"Blaise darling...I'm so proud of you." Cyrene smiled and put her hands on Blaise's face..." she's a wonderful woman honey." Cyrene replied as she kissed Blaise.

"She is and I intend to remind her just how wonderful she is everyday of my life mother."

"Ephiny...I'm glad Blaise has found someone worthy of her as yourself seeing as how she couldn't have me!" Aphrodite replied with a laugh and kissed Ephiny... "if you two ever need my help don't hesitate to ask because I will always be there for you." Aphrodite whispered to Ephiny.

"Thank you... we both appreciate it."

"Oh, sweetpea...this wouldn't be so hard if Ephiny wasn't such a wonderful person." Aphrodite whispered into Blaise's ear as she kissed her cheek and took her place in the kissing line as family normally does.

Blaise looked over and saw Tarus kiss Ephiny... "hey, are you getting fresh with my bride brother?...because I think your lips where lingering on hers!" Blaise teased with a smile.

Tarus laughed and hugged Blaise..."I should be so lucky to have such a beautiful bride." Tarus whispered as he kissed Blaise.

"Oh, Eponon!...did you meet my brother!" Blaise teased as she looked over at Eponon.

"Blaise!...don't embarrass me." Tarus replied under his breath.

Blaise leaned to her brother... "just lay a good one on her when she passes...she'll dig it bro!" Blaise whispered as she slapped her brother in the butt as he walked away shaking his head.

They where only half way through the crowd when Blaise leaned over to Ephiny... "normally I wouldn't mind kissing all these women but I really want to be kissing just one certain bride right about now."

"Just save some kisses for me baby...we're almost done."

Solari was the next to reach the participants in the line who all clasped hands with her instead of kisses. She approached Blaise and Ephiny... "I'm sorry for putting you both through everything that I did and I hope you can forgive me...I wish you good luck, health and happiness with your life together."

~~~ ~~~~~~~ ~~~

"Thank you Solari." Ephiny answered as she hugged Solari who moved to Blaise and received a stern hand clasp instead of a kiss.

"Okay....finally finished let's get out of here!" Blaise replied with excitement... "thank you everyone but my bride and I have a date...hope to see you all in about a week when we venture out of our hut!" Blaise replied with a laugh which was shared by the group.

Blaise took Ephiny's hand and led her out of the hut towards theirs... "wait!" Blaise stopped and looked at Ephiny.

"What Blaise?"

"We're finally alone!" Blaise smiled and picked Ephiny up in her arms to carry her to their hut as they kissed along the way. Blaise kicked their door open and carried her bride across the threshold. They where both amazed by how their hut was decorated with beautiful red roses.

"I love you Blaise." Ephiny smiled and kissed Blaise passionately. Blaise carried Ephiny closer to their bed and began to loosen the straps on her Strophion. Blaise removed the straps to reveal Ephiny's bare breasts. Blaise took them in her hands and caressed them as she kissed Ephiny deeply.

Blaise moved her kisses down to Ephiny's breast taking one in her mouth as she caressed the other sucking Ephiny's erect nipple. Ephiny ran her fingers through Blaise's hair and untied her cape dropping it to the floor... "Blaise...you feel so good kissing me." Ephiny moaned.

Blaise moved back up and slid her tongue in Ephiny's mouth for a deep, wet kiss as Ephiny wrapped her arms around Blaise's neck. Blaise moved her hands down to Ephiny's Zoma removing it to reveal the thong Ephiny wore underneath.

"I imagined that's what you had on underneath that skirt of yours." Blaise whispered and moved her kisses down Ephiny's's body to her sex. Blaise knelt before her bride and kissed her center through her thong feeling Ephiny's wetness through the material.

"Oh, Blaise." Ephiny moaned as Blaise slid her hands underneath the strap in the back and slid Ephiny's thong off of her as she tasted Ephiny's sex.

Blaise ran her hands back up Ephiny's tone body and kissed her passionately. Ephiny untied the laces on the front of Blaise's shirt and slid the shirt up over her head dropping it to the floor taking her lips away from Blaise's momentarily to remove the shirt.

~~~ ~~~~~~~ ~~~

Ephiny ran her hands down Blaise's muscular midsection to unlace her leather pants as she kissed Blaise's bare muscular chest. Blaise slid her boots off as Ephiny pushed her pants to the floor allowing Blaise to step out of them standing before her bride naked. Blaise moved behind Ephiny and wrapped her arms around her body. Blaise kissed Ephiny's neck as she ran her hands softly across Ephiny's body as Ephiny tilted her head allowing her lover to kiss her lips.

Blaise slid her tongue into Ephiny's mouth as she leaned down and picked Ephiny up in her arms without interrupting their kiss. Blaise carried her to the bed and laid on her back placing Ephiny on top of her.

Blaise ran her hands down Ephiny's back to her leg to spread her open so, she could feel Ephiny's wetness on her leg... "baby, you feel so good on me." Blaise moaned... "rub your wetness on me." Blaise replied seductively.

Ephiny moved her hips up and down slowly against Blaise's leg growing wetter with every movement. Ephiny placed bites followed by light kisses on Blaise's neck as she moved faster against Blaise's leg.

"Blaise...touch me." Ephiny whispered in Blaise's ear.

Blaise slid her hand under Ephiny and entered her finger inside of Ephiny's wet opening... "ow." Ephiny replied with a wince.

"I'm sorry baby...I'll be more gentle." Blaise replied softly as she kissed Ephiny and slowly slid her finger into Ephiny... "you're so tight baby." Blaise moaned.

"How many fingers do you have in me Blaise?...because it's a little painful."

"I only have one inside of you baby...I'm sorry I'll take it out if you want." Blaise whispered.

"No...it should be alright...I don't know what's going on I feel like a virgin." Ephiny answered as she kissed Blaise on the cheek.

"Well....tonight is our first night as partners so, you could say we are both virgins baby." Blaise smiled.

Ephiny smiled back at her bride and kissed her neck as she began to move her hips to Blaise's movement in and out of her opening... "you okay?" Blaise asked softly.

~~~ ~~~~~~~ ~~~

"Yes...you feel so good inside of me baby." Ephiny answered as she began to suck Blaise's neck and picked up her pace moving her hips against Blaise's finger.

"Ummmm...you feel so good sucking my neck baby...it's such a turn on...touch me and feel hot wet I am." Blaise whispered as Ephiny slid her hand between Blaise's legs to feel her wetness.

"Oh, baby you feel so good." Ephiny moaned as she continued to suck Blaise's neck and she picked up her pace rubbing Blaise's clit much to her delight.

Ephiny began to thrust her hips faster against Blaise..."oh, Blaise...aah...baby." Ephiny moaned as she leaned her head back in pleasure.

"Let it go with me baby...come on...let me have it." Blaise whispered as she moved her finger in and out of Ephiny's opening faster.

"Ooh, Blaise...aah!...yes!" Ephiny moaned loudly as Blaise felt Ephiny's release on her hand and leg.

Ephiny laid down on Blaise and bit her neck causing Blaise to release her orgasm... "oh, Eph!" Blaise shouted with her climax.

Blaise moved her hand from Ephiny's sex and wrapped her arms around her glistening naked body holding her tightly... "I love you baby." Blaise replied softly as she moved Ephiny's long hair off her forehead and kissed her.

Ephiny picked her head up from Blaise's chest and looked into her sexy blue eyes... "I love you so much Blaise...you make me feel so wonderful." Ephiny answered with a smile and kissed Blaise passionately... "let me see your neck baby...I may have gotten a little over zealous." Ephiny smiled as she examined Blaise's neck... "oh, baby...you are going to have a nice mark on your neck for awhile...I'm sorry." Ephiny answered with a sheepish grin.

"Don't be sorry because it felt wonderful honey." Blaise answered as she kissed Ephiny softly on the lips before Ephiny laid her head down on Blaise's chest. Ephiny ran her hand up into Blaise's hair resting it there and kissed Blaise's chest softly.

Blaise stroked Ephiny's long curly blond hair and kissed the top of her head... "baby, you have made me so happy...I love you so much." Blaise replied as she kissed her bride again. Blaise got no response from Ephiny... "Eph." Blaise asked as she leaned her head to see Ephiny's face to find she was fast asleep... "sleep well my love." Blaise whispered with a smile as she closed her eyes and fell asleep.

~~~ ~~~~~~~ ~~~

Blaise woke to find Ephiny laying on her back beside her peacefully. Blaise propped herself up on one elbow to watch her beautiful wife sleep. Blaise took a rose out of the vase near the bed and smelled the scent of the flower. She ran the rose softly down Ephiny's body over her breast watching her nipple become erect and continued the descent down her body.

Blaise stopped what she was doing... "what are you doing here father!" Blaise asked softly with anger to not wake Ephiny.

Ares walked around to face Blaise... "you've got a hot one there Blaise." Ares answered with cockiness as he gazed at Ephiny's naked body.

Blaise grabbed the sheet to cover Ephiny... "you have no right to look at my wife...turn your head!" Blaise answered with anger.

"You're right Blaise." Ares answered as he turned his head... "but you've done well for yourself." Ares answered with a sly grin.

Blaise climbed out of bed and moved to her father... "what do you want!" Blaise snapped quietly.

"I'm just here to remind you of our deal." Ares replied sarcastically.

"How could I forget it father?" Blaise answered as she moved in front of Ares.

"Ooh, too bad you're my daughter...you aren't a little girl anymore." Ares answered with a smile on his face.

Blaise grabbed him by the throat... "you pig!...leave!" Blaise answered with agitation as she glanced at Ephiny to make sure she was still sleeping.

"Okay...Blaise...I'm leaving let me go." Ares replied through a choke from Blaise squeezing his throat.

Blaise let her father go and moved over to sit in front of Ephiny on the floor as her father moved to the opposite side of the bed from Blaise.

"Don't forget our deal...because I intend for you to pay up soon." Ares answered with a smirk as Ephiny began to stir.

~~~ ~~~~~~~ ~~~

Blaise gave her father a hateful look and Ares blew Blaise a kiss with a smile as he vanished from their hut.

Ephiny opened her eyes to see Blaise sitting on the floor before her... "honey, what are you doing?" Ephiny asked with a smile.

"Just loving you is all." Blaise answered with a smile as she leaned in to kiss Ephiny.

"Come to bed and love me instead of doing it from the floor."