The two of them were already on board on the plane bound to Ireland. After their group dinner last night, they were so full that what they only did last night was walk, go back to their hotel room, prepared for their trip, and then slept.
As Meredith was looking at the window, she heard Atlas sigh, getting her attention.
"What's wrong?" she asked, looking at the message that he got from Austin.
"He says that he may be delayed for a day or two. I wonder what is keeping him from the palace when we are already looking for the book."
Meredith looked at his screen and she could indeed see his message. With a small smile tugging the corner of her lips, she told him a suggestion as she held the pamphlet about the country in her hand.
"Well… why not we think of places to visit while we wait for him? As we visit places, we may look for clues about the place, and it might lead us to the clues that we are looking for."
"Hmm…" Atlas thought for a while, looking at the pamphlet. With a slow nod coming from him, he does recall that even Austin may not be familiar as to where a leprechaun can be seen here in Ireland. "Well… maybe exploring the place could help."
"Mm." Meredith agreed, looking at the pamphlet and turning the pages to look at places to visit. "Of course, even though mortals believe it's a myth, who would know more about their origin and place? The locals who spread the story, right? Maybe we can ask them."
"A point," he agreed, now replying to Austin's message. "Then I'll let him know that while waiting for him, we will visit some places."
It was quiet for a minute. While Meredith was busy humming to herself a tune as she read the pamphlet on Ireland's wonders, Atlas then heard his phone ping, making him read the message.
"Ah… and he agrees," he updated Meredith, further telling his message. "And he suggests we visit the places in Dublin as a start. Well, our plane will land there. How convenient."
"Dublin… it's here on this pamphlet."
However, as they were looking at the pictures of the scenic places in Dublin, one picture caught Atlas' attention. Somehow, that place seemed to be magical in a sense. Other than its breathtaking view, he thought that it might be a good place to start looking for clues on leprechauns.
"Glendalough and Wicklow mountains… it might be a good thing to hike there."
Meredith widened her eyes. "Hike? Atlas… you know I'm not that very athletic."
Atlas chuckled a little. With him kissing the top of her head, he assured her that it's going to be an okay trip--one that can hit two birds with one stone.
"While looking for clues, it can also be fun doing something worthwhile, you know? Something you aren't used to doing."
Meredith arched a brow at him. "A hike…"
"Yes, a hike. Besides… not all people will hike deep in the mountains. It's a good start to begin our search! We book a group hike, talk to the locals possibly, then hike the location deeper on our own."
"Oh…" Meredith pouted a little. "If only this isn't an important mission, I could've skipped this hike and all."
"You can't," Atlas said, cocking his head to the side. "Besides… you are doing this for me--for us, right? So you can break the bond between you and him?"
Meredith nodded. With a small smile appearing her face, she knew that indeed, that is one of the reasons why they are pursuing the book.
"Yes… fine… let's hike. I have no choice."
Atlas chuckled. "Don't make the idea of hiking so bad! Besides, Meredith… this can be one of the memories memorable for you--our travel here. And of course, we can visit other places you want, too, before the hike. You want that?"
Her face lit up for a moment. She does like the idea of visiting other places! With a nod coming from her, they then looked at the pamphlet to decide on places they could visit while they are in Dublin.
***
As soon as they landed in Dublin, they were taken aback by the city's charm. The bustling streets, lively pubs, and friendly people made them feel right at home.
After checking in to one of Atlas' hotels, they spent their remaining hours of the day exploring the city's top attractions, such as the Guinness Storehouse and Trinity College. They decided that since Austin may come here late in the afternoon tomorrow, they have the free day today.
Tomorrow, they plan on exploring other places as well, and then go on the hike as the last activity for the day. They also made sure to update Austin on the itinerary so he can catch up with them once he arrives in the city.
Being a being with powerful magic, he can teleport himself undetected once he knows their whereabouts.
"Hmm… visiting these two locations are interesting," Meredith commented, the two of them walking in the streets as they held hands. She looked up at Atlas and smiled at him, asking him how he is doing. "You enjoying the place so far?"
"Of course," Atlas said, smiling at her. "I know we have also a hotel here, but I never visited the place," he added, looking at the city to appreciate it. "Tomorrow, will be full of fun indeed before the hike."
Meredith tightened her hold on his hand. "We should rest, then. We have to book tours for the other locations and then shop tonight for our hiking equipment. You have to book the activity, too."
"True," he agreed, letting out a sigh. "It will be a fun exploration tomorrow, but we have to make sure to get some clues even before our hike. Talk to some locals, too, yeah?"
"Of course," Meredith said, nodding. "We shouldn't lose sight of our goal."
Atlas said nothing more and just kissed the back of her hand. As they decided to shop for their hike, they asked the locals where the nearest mall was and decided to commute there so they could buy the things that they need.