I suppose that I should mention that Genuflex and I were betrothed on the fourth day of Gemelion, or Ianuarius to any Romans among you. We Greeks believe that winter is the most favorable time to wed, but there was not enough time to make all the necessary preparations, so an engagement on the most favorable day of all --when the first crescent of the new moon appears-- is second best to being married on that day. Senex and my uncle settled upon the amount of my dowry, which is an interesting story that Senex will likely recount later. Just let me say that my uncle is a shrewd man...

My female relatives and I have spent weeks making preparations for the ekdosis, the physical transfer to a new household and the most significant transition in my life. Tonight there will be a feast in my uncle's house. This pre-wedding event is one of the few occasions when women are allowed to celebrate and participate actively, and I will be so happy to share it with them, my friends, and my future husband.

Earlier today I offered my childhood clothing and toys to Artemis, along with a lock of my hair, in the hope that she will ease my passage from parthenos (maiden) to nymphe (married woman without children) and eventually to gyne (adult woman after the birth of the first child). Tonight, Genuflex and I will make offerings to Aphrodite for a fruitful, child-rearing life. We hope that you will join us on our wedding day tomorrow.