She is in the lake. Sand squelches through her toes and reeds tug at her wrists. It is Peter who is pulling her by the hand, telling her to watch her step.

“Are they coming for us?” Her teeth chatters in her skull. “What happened?”

He is swearing to himself, yet even in these circumstances he takes care to look back, check their path is clear, checking she is okay. Swiping at his cheek with his free hand, it comes away red. They duck into an alcove, a covering in the earth by the water's edge. It is no hiding place, but until the rain stops, it must suffice.

“He won’t get away with this. Not this time.”

“Yes.” She agrees.

The water from his hair drips onto her upturned face. “Don’t you worry, I promise I will think of something...” He scans the lake, but it is a canvas that makes sky, land and water the same; and all is white. He hadn't considered how they would leave again, not if the water continues to rise, trapping them inside the canopy of earth and leaves.

Dinah settles on a mound that protrudes from the earth.  Her shoes have gone and she is barefoot; dress sodden and muddy. It would have to be dry cleaned. Elegance transformed. “It’s not up to you alone to stop him.” She sighs. “Besides it seems we now have bigger problems. Maybe it’s time for a truce?” She says absent-mindedly.

He waits, uncertainty in his green eyes. Palms sweating even beneath all the rain that threatens to drown them. Something is using his chest as a drum. A truce.

“So, you will agree to his demands?”

For Dinah, it is this uncertainty that makes her love him more, for putting her safety and happiness before his. His gentleness. “I can understand if you don't want to give us a try-” he continues.

“Come here.” She motions him forward, until he is merely inches away from her. “Dinah…” He begins again, but she silences him with a kiss. His lips are soft and warm, with his body pressed close against hers, she is melting. Just the feeling of his arms, strong around her waist and the smell of his skin - as she had imagined this moment a thousand times. Peppermint and clothing detergent, that scent of fresh linen-

It is an eternity before she can pull away, in that pocket of a moment that shelters them. Deep in the alcove by the lake, it is one she will forever associate with the sweetness of rainy, autumn days.