The next day after they prepared what they needed for their tour and the hike, they rented a car and set out to explore the countryside.
They also made sure to update Austin and ask how he is doing, the man telling them that he is to arrive today and he will just teleport to where they are with the help of the bracelet.
They drove through winding roads, passing by rolling hills, lush green fields, and picturesque villages. They stopped at quaint pubs along the way, where they enjoyed traditional Irish music and hearty meals.
One of the highlights of their tour was visiting the Cliffs of Moher. As they stood at the edge of the cliffs, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, they were struck by the sheer beauty of the place.
They felt so small in comparison to the vastness of the sea and the towering cliffs. They also went on a boat tour around the cliffs admiring their beauty from the sea.
Another memorable experience was visiting the ancient ruins of the Rock of Cashel. They climbed to the top of the hill, where they were greeted by the stunning sight of the medieval castle and the surrounding countryside.
They spent hours exploring the castle, learning about the history of the place, and taking in the breathtaking views from the top.
As their tour will soon come to an end, Atlas and Meredith realized that they had fallen in love with Ireland. They had experienced so much in such a short time, but they knew that they would have to come back to explore more of the country's hidden gems.
They promised themselves that they would return someday to visit the Ring of Kerry, the Aran Islands, and the Dingle Peninsula.
As they were still atop the castle, Atlas and Meredith looked at their view beyond. With a sigh coming from Meredith, Atlas looked at her, asking what's wrong.
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I am," she answered, letting out another sigh. "It's just that as we ask locals about leprechauns, we get nothing."
They asked every local they met about leprechauns, but most of them just laughed and told them that leprechauns were just a myth. Of course, it was a natural response. They indeed do not show themselves upon mortals!
But they had their fingers crossed, thinking if there were some locals in the old age who knew better about them. Besides, it's them who have higher chances of witnessing a glimpse of them during their time compared to now that technology is here with every possibility of recording moments.
Despite the incredulous remarks they got from young locals, there was one old woman, however, who told them that she had heard stories about leprechauns from her grandmother, who was born and raised in a small village in the middle of the countryside.
Meredith and Atlas pretended to be ignorant young ones who just wanted to learn the legend when in reality, they were trying their best to get at least one small hint about leprechauns.
So, they both asked the old woman what she knows, and she told them that her grandmother saw one in a small village near this castle.
Excited by this new information, Atlas and Meredith decided to travel to the small village mentioned by the woman in search of more clues.
Before going to this castle where they are now, they rented a car and drove through winding roads, passing by green meadows and hills. When they arrived at the village, they were greeted by friendly locals who welcomed them with open arms.
They asked the locals more versions of the story about the leprechauns--in hopes that different versions may leave clues, but most of them just shrugged and told them that leprechauns were just a myth.
However, one old man told them that he had seen a leprechaun once, many years ago. He told them that if they wanted to find a leprechaun, they should look for a rainbow and follow it to the end.
"It's still the same thing, redirecting to the clue that we already have--to look for a rainbow and follow it to its ends," Meredith added, letting out another heave of sigh.
Atlas could sense her frustration. With him wrapping his arm around her shoulder, he kissed the top of her head, comforting her.
"I know that this can really get frustrating as it seemed we're in circles… but we have one last thing to do. The hike, remember? It's not really over. I could sense something different from that place. My guts are telling me to go there."
The two of them just stood still, feeling the breeze atop of the castle. However, one little girl overheard their conversation, her talking to them getting their attention.
"If… you are looking for leprechauns--" she started, her Irish accent cute and strong, but still understandable. "You have to visit Glendalough and Wicklow mountains."
Atlas and Meredith looked at each other, not expecting to be talked to by a little kid. They often talked to old people since they thought they have more knowledge about the mythical creature, but from a child? They may get a lead.
"What's in the mountain, sweetie?" Atlas asked, making sure he doesn't sound suspicious so her grandmother, who sells souvenirs atop the castle, wouldn't pull her away from them.
"Great granny told me that leprechauns fully distanced themselves from villages, even from forests near villages. They said they ran to the mountains and even though it's a tourist attraction, they stayed there because people wouldn't dare go deep inside."
It immediately piqued their curiosity. Meredith, in her sweet tone, further probed the child so she could tell them more about what her great granny knows.
"Why wouldn't they want to go deep inside, dear?"
The child shrugged her shoulders, but still answered her.
"I dunno~! But great granny said when we were there once… that when leprechauns feel threatened from humans further exploring inside, they get abducted. But ma and pa told me that it's a scary story for children not to go further. Humans just get lost because the place is unfamiliar and unexplored."
And with that, Atlas and Meredith looked at each other, thinking that they may have found a great lead.