Chapter 46 [James] Limerick, Ireland
The next morning they’re up bright and early. James’ notebook shows a walking route through the city of about an hour. A quick stop for some coffee takes them to a local café and grants them the beautiful sight of the city.
It’s another cold day. The sun’s bright, with the light clearing the morning fog and the sky littered with clouds.
The air feels damp with it, lingering on his eyelashes and on his coat.
Secretly he’s already anticipating the warmth of another shower before falling into the warm bed on The Adventurer one last time.
Gabriel’s sipping on a coffee beside him.
They took the drinks and some bread to eat on their way to their first stop.
Some of the path they’ve already walked the day before, but in the brighter light of early day it’s almost like it’s a completely different city.
The Treaty Stone sits imposingly on a pedestal next to the River Shannon.
It’s a piece of history that signifies the end of a war.
Besides that it’s a beautiful starting point to their scenic route, as James’ gaze falls on King John’s Castle on the embankment on the other side of the river.
It’s a short walk across the bridge to the castle. The river is wild underneath them. The breeze flowing over the water carries cold and even more fog. James can feel the wind stinging all over his face, numbing his lips with it.
Gabriel’s shivering as well, blowing into his hands even though it won’t help because of the gloves. It’s a silly sight. James looks on fondly.
King John’s Castle is magnificent. From up close it’s even larger than expected. The high and towering walls surrounding them as they make their way into the courtyard. It’s like a castle from a cartoon, beautifully intact and sometimes used as the backdrop for medieval games.
For an hour James trails along the different interactive exhibits, reads about the history and enjoys the stunning view of Limerick. Gabriel has settled down somewhere to begin a rough sketch and James takes the hour to immerse himself in everything that there is to see and learn.
*
With their stomachs full and warmth flooding through their bodies they start on the second part of their walk.
Lunch took them a little off course, but it doesn’t take away from the beautiful sights as they stroll along the streets.
James’ right hand is clasped tightly in Gabriel’s and his heart is full of gratitude that he’s really here.
Discovering such a historic, beautiful city with the man of his dreams by his side.
At a quarter to two they arrive at St Mary’s Cathedral. He only booked entry for King John’s Castle knowing that, even if it’s a full day in the city, they do still need to pack up their cabin. Not going inside doesn’t diminish the beauty of the cathedral in the slightest.
The steps leading up to the door provide a full view of the front.
With the high tower looming over them he takes a minute to take it all in.
The arches over the door, the stained glass windows a stunning detail in between the stone.
He can only imagine what the inside looks like when the sun reflects through those windows, casting shadows and light over the seats.
Gabriel snaps some photos, having taken out his camera, and for some time there’s silence while they admire the exterior. When James’ watch beeps to remind him that it’s two o’clock, he steps back and looks at his notebook again.
The walk to St John’s Cathedral takes them to the other side of town. Having to cross another bridge, James pulls his scarf tighter around his neck as they step onto it, but he enjoys the view nonetheless.
St John’s feels almost gothic in its architecture, reminding James of Cologne, in a more subdued way. The tower reaches up into the sky, with detailing all over the building and glass work that’s intricate but amazingly simple to look at.
“I figured I would’ve gotten bored of this by now,” Gabriel admits. “Looking at these buildings.”
“I’m glad you haven’t,” says James. He offers his hand to Gabriel, pulling him into an embrace. “But I would hope that you’d have said something already if you had.”
“Hmm,” is the only response he gets. He figures that the people pleasing is something the both of them can work on, together. He smiles at the thought.
The last part of their walk takes them toward Arthur’s Quay Park. A unique park at the edge of the embankment. Round in shape, with steps leading into the circle and trees lining the edge. While the barren plains of grass make for a gloomy sight, the view across the river is beautiful.
Gabriel takes a seat at one of the steps, pulling a thermos out of his bag.
At James’ surprised look he says, “Filled it up while you were in the shower.” They sit at the edge of the park, sipping from the thermos and looking out over the city.
Taking in the last of the city before they’ll be heading back to London overnight.
*
When they eventually get back to The Evergreen it’s getting dark and both are slightly buzzed from the two pints of Guinness they enjoyed during dinner. The salty, greasy pub food was the perfect companion while they warmed up after their trek through town.
Reality sets in when James steps into their room and his eyes land on the suitcase he took out of the closet earlier. He sits down on the edge of the bed, eyes locked on the case and heart heavy. Gabriel takes a seat next to him.
“Hey,” he says softly, “I’m sure there will be more adventures.”
James sighs. “But this one’s coming to an end.” He leans against his boyfriend, putting his head on his shoulder.
“It has to, in order for it to become memories,” says Gabriel. James snorts at the cheesy line. It’s enough to break the melancholy he's in, easing some of the sadness and filling his heart with hope as he stands up.