Chapter 61.

Litre Litre: metric unit of capacity, formerly defined as the volume of one kilogram of water under standard conditions, now equal to 1.000 cubic centimetres. This pitcher holds a bit more than three litres. Siena was born in a humble and working family that taught her the values that ruled her life. She started to collaborate with the resistance thanks to those convictions and, even she didnt like some of them, kept on for own quirk, just not to give up something she had started, because she believed there was a real option of change, although it was remote. She got into the orbit of the Torroals on Frolins side and she kept on after he strayed from their path. She felt respect for them, she thought they acted by heart and what others regarded as excessive interest she saw it as a protection system. She believed that not everybody should have access to the movement; they used exclusivity as screening of the opportunists and amateurs; if they wanted to help they must be prepared to commit themselves as she was. Her collaboration didnt take away to much time of her private life, perhaps that was what she liked more; the occasional travel to the village, some meeting at the town and, from time to time go to the city. That was what she liked the less, the citizens were disgusting, she fought for them because she believed that everybody must be free, not because she thought they were worthy of being free. She only knew a few persons of the resistance but she didnt think highly of them either, they werent clear. We will not ask for it if someone else could go Torroal said. The others are giving him too much opportunities The old man added he is young but he gives himself on airs. You can settle him down. Im nobodys mother, you should choose them more carefully Siena said. The others apologized. did it; you know... Torroal

The others or you, its the same, the danger is the same, and until you get to understand it, we will not do anything Siena told them off. I know, I know... Torroal.

Siena was strong-minded, had no sense of authority and the cheek enough to say whatever to whomever. She was conscious of that, she limited her meetings with the sensitives; she liked most to take them down a peg or two than flatter; and, of course, the sensitives liked more a compliment than a booing. In her job she checked every article to be sure it was neutral, objective, real, reliable and sincere as she tried to be. She had that skill, positioning and being neutral as well. She understood the rift of Froiln from the Torroals without leaving one or the others. It was him who didnt understand that she could love her and even though think for herself. No Siena, you are with them or with me, make your decision! He stuck as an ultimatum. How can you set me out such nonsense? I thought we were in love... She said without understanding. How can you be in love trust? Froiln asked. with someone you dont

He made the question meaning that if she loved him she must follow him blindfold; it was useless because she understood that it was Froiln who didnt trust her and with all the great regret she forgot him. It hurt, of course it hurt, she thought they were ready to have children, maybe two. She woke up with anxiety for some time, got up in the hope that he had thought it over and realized that ideology didnt have to do with heart; that he realized that he also couldnt live without her. But it never happened. With time and a three months posting in one of those never ending wars in an exotic country made her understand that life was too beautiful to waste it waiting for someone who was not coming back. It was impossible not to see each other; the first meeting was hard, at least for her. She tried to see in his face a glimmer of what they had, but he looked at her like a stranger, he called her by the name but with a cruel and inexplicable coldness, in her opinion. But she would appreciate it as time went by, she didnt hate him, she got over it, she could face him not loving or hating him, 2

without the need of ignoring him. She appreciated it more when she fell in love again. Okay, I will go; but my way, if you like it, perfect; otherwise youll go Siena said clearly. No, its perfect, we agree but the others you just know Torroal said. Then, youd better make things clear to them too, dont make me do it Siena insisted.

The old man nodded while he was filling a pitcher with a litre of wine, as badly as they get on it would be better agree to a meeting than create another infighting.