Chapter 32: Dude, Seriously?

"I am terribly sorry, but I can't seem to locate your reservation." The lady standing behind the reception desk was wearing a white cowboy hat, blue jeans, and a plaid shirt. A name tag was pinned to her shirt stating her name was Marci. She punched various keys on the computer in front of her as she shook her head.

"Marcus, seriously! Finish those photos and get the hell out here," Kat paused in her phone conversation and looked at the cowboy nearest her. "Where the hell are we?"

"Ah, the Circle OK Dude Ranch, ma'am," the cowboy replied politely, although he was staring at her with a confused look. He sidled away from her and spoke to another cowboy. "How can they not know where they are?"

"I know it's the Circle OK, but what's the closest airport?" Kat demanded.

"Denver," Marci replied as she continued to work at the computer. "What name was it made under?"

Loki stared at her. "How can it be possible the reservation was lost? I am certain we had a confirmation." He was bluffing but wasn't about to let on to Marci about it.

"Name?" Marci repeated.

Whitey entered at that moment, followed by Jim and Bob. "What seems ta be the problem, Marci?"

Marci looked up exasperated. "I cannot find the reservation. I was just asking what name it was under when you came in."

"Try, ah Odinson," Loki offered.

Marci typed in the name, stared at her screen, then shook her head. "Nothing, sorry."

"Well, don't be worryin' yer little head Marci. Didn't you say we had that cancellation? Those folks from Florida? Or was it Georgia?" Whitey scratched his head as he tried to recall the information.

"Right!" Marci grinned. "We can use those two cabins…" she looked up at Loki. "That is if it alright with you, Mr. Odinson? The cabins can accommodate up to seven people per cabin."

Loki looked at the group that had made it with him this time, counting heads. He blinked, realizing that their party had grown as Sif and Tauriel were now standing in the corner. "Hmm, who's missing? Or… maybe I shouldn't ask that?"

"Um, we don't allow pets in the guest rooms though. Your dog will have to stay in the kennels," Marci stated as she noticed Gollum slinking around.

"That isn't a dog, it's a…" Loki paused, glancing at Thranduil. "What precisely is he?"

Thranduil shrugged. "Hobbit ancestor of some sort. Do not recall the actual name."

"Hobbit? Ummm, they are only in books and movies," Marci interrupted. "But if you're insisting it is a person, I'll need a name for it. In fact, I need names for everyone. Ladies in one cabin ok?"

"That will be fine." Loki was about to give her names when a family entered the lobby area. Accompanying the parents were two young boys and a teenage girl.

"OH MY GOD! MOM! That is Thor! Can you believe it?" The girl shouted as soon as she laid eyes on Thor. "And… is that really Loki?"

"Check it out, sis. Legolas and Thranduil too!" one of her brother's chimed in.

"Isn't it a bit early for Halloween costumes?" the mother asked.

"No, mom. That is the real deal. Just check out those arms… and he even has Mjölnir," the girl sighed softly.

Marci stared at her newest guests. "Thor? Seriously? Wow!" She quickly typed into the computers. "Got those names… now the ladies?" Once Marci was finished inputting names, she looked back up to Loki. "Ok, got everyone into the computer. Now, how were you going to pay for this?"

Kat started to rummage through her purse. "I should have one of the magazines credit cards here," she mumbled.

"Don't worry," Loki pulled out the credit card Tony Stark had given them earlier. "We can put it on this one." He handed it over to Marci.

"You know Tony Stark?" Marci asked.

"Indeed," Loki smiled. "I am certain he will not mind, but feel free to call him and ask."

"Uh, no need… I mean, as long as the card goes through. Now, how many nights are you staying?" Marci asked.

Loki shrugged. "Not a clue. Depends on my transportation."

"Well, I do need to have some idea…"

"A week," Kat announced. "This place is perfect. I have Marcus coming out here tomorrow. We can do more photos, for another issue. If you don't mind, that is."

"Another issue?" Thor asked. "How many do you plan to make?"

"Hey, it ain't often I get good material to work with," Kat snickered. "Usually I get stuck with the likes of him." She jabbed a finger towards Gollum.

"Ok, that went through," Marci handed the card back to Loki. "I booked you for a week, but if you decide you want to stay longer, you need to let me know by Sunday. Bob and Jim can show you all to your cabins."

Bob waved at them from the doorway. "Just foller me, folks."

Loki led the way, trailed by the rest of the group.

"So, ya'all will be in these here two cabins," Bob pointed out two large log cabins that they were approaching. "Meals are all back in the main building we just left. Dinner is the next meal, an' it's at six o'clock. You'll hear the dinner bell. Don't be late. Marci will send someone over shortly to arrange activities for your stay."

"Activities?" Legolas asked as they all entered the first building.

"Yep. We got all kinds of things goin' on ya'all can pick from. Trail rides, fly fishin'…"

"Why would one wish to fish for flies?" Legolas broke in. "Annoying pests at best, although they are a bit better than spiders."

Jim laughed. "Ya'all are sure from the city, ain't ya? We don't fish for flies, we use flies to fish for fish."

"Fishes?" Gollum's eyes lit up. "We likes fishes."

"Then we'll make sure to set up a time for some fishin' for ya. We'll make cowpokes outta ya a'fore ya'all leave."

"Cow pokes?" Thranduil questioned him. "Poking cows does not appeal to me. They are known for their flatulence, so why would one wish to poke a cow?"

"No, no, no. That's what we call our guests when they leave. You'll have learned to ride the horses, round up the cattle, ya know?" Jim replied.

Kat nodded. "I'll explain it all to them. They are new to the country, you know, new customs, et cetera."

"Ah, that makes sense. Well, you can explain it all to them then, right ma'am?" Whitey asked.

"Yeah, I will. Now, is there any place where I can get a change of clothes? Our, ah, luggage appears to have been misplaced," Kat asked.

"We got a gift shop next to the main building. You can get outfitted in no time. I suggest ya get the guys some blue jeans while yer at it. Those robes might spook the ponies."

"Yeah, right. I'll try, but not promising," Kat shooed him out the door.