Katia may have been older, but with so many children, she was also more scattered, and there had never been any question of Xena performing this particular rite. And so, with a small, wrapped parcel under her arm, Roslyn arrived in the evening to visit her motherless sister and induct her into the ways of the world.

"Only to see you," Ros answered, her smile so serene it might be deemed suspicious. "I thought we might have a talk—and did not want to wait. I remember from my own wedding how hectic the coming days will be."