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Chapter 31 : Afternoon
Jumping back and away from the now shimmering mantis, Mica tossed the empty bottle aside as a wide, excited smile spread across her face.
This glow coming from the mantis began to quickly build up on itself until the whole area was awash with the bright golden light.
The watching spectators were all forced to squint as the mantis began to slowly rise back up to her feet. Looking all the world like a being made out of pure light now, it was impossible for anyone to see any of the mantis' details. But as they watched, mesmerized by the sight, waves of white light began to ripple across her body and as each one of these waves passed over her, new sections of her body began to appear as her missing pieces were seemingly recreated out of the light itself.
For her part, the mantis remained completely silent and still as her mangled body was rebuilt anew.
"…So, was this really the smart thing to do?" muttered Fiona.
"The smart thing to do? No, probably not." responded Anton as his grin widened "Now was it the right thing to do? …Absolutely!"
As the light rippling across the mantis seemed to reach a crescendo, the glow that encased her began to break apart into silent little explosions that left a shimmering cloud of light particles floating in the air all around her. And as these sparkling lights faded away into nothing, the fully healed mantis finally came into view.
Standing motionless with her eyes shut, the mantis' entire being now appeared clean and refreshed as all the grime and dirt, as well as every cut and bruise that had adorned her body merely moments ago, had all been erased away by the healing light of the potion.
Although this rejuvenated state made her an impressive sight in of itself, what stood out the most to the onlookers around her, were the parts of her that were new. Most noticeable of which, was her second pair of arms.
These new arms were far thinner and much more spindly than her original set. And they did not branch out from her shoulders in the more traditional way, but were instead mounted to the back of her hips. Circling forward around her waist, these arms were like the mantis' legs in that they were made up of chitin encased sections. They both ended in five fingered, heavily segmented hands.
New hands also now existed at the ends of her traditional arms as well, just before the hinged portion that allowed her scythes to swing forward.
The small, strange nodes that had covered the lower portion of her broad forearms as well as some of the chitinous plates scattered about her body, had each been replaced with a sharpened, spike-like point, and this left her arms, and the more armored areas of her body, now sporting a formidable looking layer of protective spines.
The two odd bulges attached to the sides of the mantis' head were no longer in their heavily damaged state. And rather than being the dark, ugly brownish color they were before, they were instead a bright, beautiful, fuchsia pink in color. In between these bulges, a pair of thin, wispy, insectoid antennae rose up out of the mantis' now much brighter, lilac colored hair.
The last of the obvious changes, was a pair of long, subtle, cape-like structures which flowed down from the mantis' shoulders and covered her back before trailing down her tail-like abdomen.
"Oh wow… She's beautiful…" breathed Kianna "…She looks like a flower."
"Yeah, a deadly flower." mumbled Fiona.
"Yes… You're both right." nodded Anton.
Pleased with the sight of her new and improved opponent, Mica nodded her head in approval as she looked the mantis up and down.
"Well, you're looking a Hell of a lot better now!" she exclaimed as she gleefully unsheathed her daggers "So you ready to get this started again?"
Without a sound, the mantis flicked her antennae forwards and proceeded to slowly wave them back and forth a few times before whisking them back over her head.
After another second of stillness, she opened her eyes and stared straight at Mica.
Smiling in anticipation, the kiochi lowered herself into a stance as she pointed both of her daggers at the mantis.
Seemingly unfazed by this challenge, the mantis shifted slightly to the side and dropped her gaze down to the side of her chest.
Blinking, Mica creased her brow in suspicion as a thin, sharpen piece of metal suddenly pierced through the mantis' skin, just below her last rib. As the kiochi watched, a metal spike was slowly driven out of the side of the mantis, and as it finally exited completely, the wound it left behind was instantly closed up by the last flash of golden light from the potion.
Catching the piece of metal before it fell to the floor, the mantis held it in the palm of her hand as she silently examined it.
"What the Hell was that?" asked Fiona as her ears pointed themselves straight upwards "Did something just pop out of her!?"
"It looks like it." nodded Anton.
"What is that thing?" questioned Kianna.
"Well, if I had to guess. I'd say it's probably a mana displacer." said Anton.
"What's that?" asked Kianna "Is it like a manabinder?"
"Something like that, yes. Though it's a little more permanent than a manabinder." said Anton "You see, while a manabinder channels a beings mana back in on itself, a mana displacer sort of does the opposite. It displaces a beings mana and sends it flowing out into the environment around it. In this way a persons mana isn't just cut off from them, but completely siphoned away. And unlike a manabinder, a mana displacer is not so easily burned out. Acting as a mere channel, mana can flow through one almost indefinitely. And in that way they're more permanent than a manabinder."
"…Oh. So, how did one of those things get inside the mantis?" asked Kianna "Did she eat it?"
"No. Someone either stabbed her with it, or it was implanted in her surgically." said Anton.
"Ew! That's gruesome…" grumbled Fiona.
Pointing her ears straight back, Kianna's face twisted in anger as she turned and glared at Leopold.
"Don't look at me." said Leopold calmly as he kept his eyes on Mica and the mantis "I didn't do that."
"Well someone did!" growled Kianna.
"Yes… Someone clearly did not want that mantis to be able to use her mana." said Leopold as a thin smile spread across his face "Looks like that issue has been fixed though."
"Yes, it has." nodded Anton "And now not only does that mantis have access to her mana again, but she has a potentially useful weapon as well…"
"Oh, fuck that! That's gross!" exclaimed Fiona before placing her open hands on either side of her mouth and calling out loudly "Hey, Mica! Don't let that bug stab you with that thing! It'll take away your mana!"
Both Mica and the mantis turned to her in unison as she spoke.
"Hey! Stop that!" cried Nokko "You're not allowed to help her!"
"Fuck you. I'll do whatever I want." sassed Fiona as she dismissively waved her pointed middle finger at the fuming kiochi.
"Oh really… Thanks for the heads up." said Mica as she turned back to the mantis "Yeah, good luck sticking that thing in me!"
Shifting her gaze to her, the mantis stared at the kiochi for a moment before looking back down at the shard of metal in her hand. Without a sound, she turned to face away from everyone and rolling her arm back, she threw the mana displacer as hard as she could.
Mica's eyes followed the metal shard as it sailed out over the open field and quickly disappeared from sight.
"…Uh? Okay?" she said as she brought her eyes back to the mantis "Did you not understand what that thing could do?"
Seemingly ignoring her, the mantis was now focused on staring at her new hand.
"…Yo! Hey! Don't think that I don't get that you're happy to have hands again, I do!" said Mica as she readied her daggers "But we've got a fight to get back to. And if you don't mind, I'd like to get started now."
Turning only her head, the mantis looked over at the kiochi and gazed at her with her same blank stare.
"…C'mon then!" said Mica as she pointed her dagger straight at the mantis' face "Show me what you can do!"
Mica blinked as the mantis' form seemed to fade a bit as her outline became slightly distorted. The kiochi's breath got caught in her throat as she registered that within a split seconds time, the mantis had fully crossed the distance between them, and was now standing right next to her.
"…You-!" was all Mica could say before the mantis slugged her right in the jaw.
Dazed and staggering, the kiochi went still for a moment as she collected herself. When she came back to her senses, she realized that the mantis was now standing back in the same exact spot she had been in before and was currently busy gazing at her hands as she slowly opened and closed them.
"Well then…" chuckled Anton "This isn't looking good for Mica…"
"What the fuck just happened!?" cried Fiona as she pointed from the mantis to Mica and back "The bug was there, then there, then there again! Like instantly! …Did she just teleport!?"
"No. She's not teleporting." said Anton "It looks like she can blitz."
"Blitz?" questioned Kianna.
"Yes. Functionally blitzing is like a soft form of teleportation, but mechanically the two abilities are completely different." said Anton "When someone teleports what they're doing is slipping out of reality and traveling through the Void before popping back into a different point in reality. This whole process can be preformed more or less instantaneously. Blitzing however, is what happens when someone infuses themselves with mana and splits themselves apart. Reduced to an immaterial mass, the two halves of this person can not only both move incredibly quickly, but can even exist in two different places at one time. This allows someone to launch one half of themselves forward and then either repeat the process to move forward again, or, alternatively, they could rubber-band themselves back to where they left the other half of their body. This process is so fast that it can be difficult to track with the naked eye."
"…So, you're saying that by splitting in half, that bug can move so fast that we can't even see her?" questioned Fiona.
"Yes, exactly." nodded Anton.
"…So, then the bug could just slice Mica's head right off and Mica wouldn't even know what happened!?" exclaimed Fiona.
"Well, the mantis would still have to pause for a moment to rematerialize." said Anton "But this could happen fast enough to more or less be exactly what you're talking about, yes."
"…So is Mica's fucked!?" asked Kianna.
"More than likely." said Anton.
"Well this just got a lot more interesting." chuckled Nokko.
"Fuck you, bitch! This isn't over yet!" exclaimed Fiona as she pointed her finger at Nokko "You keep talking shit over there and I'm gonna shove your tail up your ass, spade first!"
"Heh, like to see you try that." mocked Nokko.
"No you wouldn't." said Fiona.
"Enough! Save your squabbling for after the fight." said Leopold "We need to pay attention here, we don't want to miss this."
Back on the battlefield, Mica had recomposed herself and now a bit more cautious of her opponent, was ready to continue the fight.
"Okay. Cool trick." she mumbled "But I can do that too."
Breaking into a run, Mica raced straight at the preoccupied mantis before disappearing from sight. An instant later she reappeared in the air right in front of her adversary and slammed down at her with both of her daggers. Apparently anticipating this, the mantis blocked her attack by catching and holding the kiochi's wrists and the two now locked combatants found themselves pushing back against each other.
Grinning, Mica went to utilize her tail against the mantis but before she could do this the mantis reached up and grabbed the sides of her head with her newly regrown middle arms. The next instant found the mantis pulling downwards and slamming a surprised Mica's head into her bent knee face first.
Dazed by the attack, Mica went to stagger back but before she could even take a step the mantis delivered four quick blows into her torso with her middle arms and then leaned back to stand on one leg and give the kiochi a swift kick right into her stomach with the other.
Bent in half as she was sent flying backwards, Mica tumbled and rolled as she made a hard landfall. She came to a stop in a crumbled heap as the mantis went back to casually examining the hands on her new limbs.
"Oh! …Ouch." mumbled both of the dark elves as they watched Mica tentatively regain her feet.
Furious now, the kiochi immediately made another run right at the mantis, and at the last second before reaching her mark, she disappeared again and reappeared up in the air behind her seemingly oblivious opponent.
Everything seemed to be moving in slow motion as Mica's gathered momentum allowed her to sail at speed straight at the back of the mantis' head. The kiochi's gleeful smile became strained though, as she watched the two large bulges on the sides of the mantis' head shift a bit as a dark spot within each of their depths spun around and seemed to become focused on her. Memory coming into play here, Mica was immediately taken back to the time she had experienced a similar situation with Mokai, and her chest tighten as a realization came into her mind.
Those bulges were actually eyes, and she had just been spotted.
Making to teleport away, Mica's response came too slow and before she could escape the mantis had turned around and grabbed her outstretched leg with all four of her hands.
"No!" cried Mica as the mantis yanked her forward over her shoulder and slammed the kiochi into the ground.
Bouncing off the ground with a pained grunt, Mica found herself suddenly flying through the air again as the mantis grabbed hold of her tail and began to swing her around by it. Letting go after a few spins the mantis flung the kiochi off to the side and went still as she watched Mica fall to roll head over heels through the tall grass.
Everything was quiet for a second before an angry scream echoed out over the open prairie.
Throwing bits of grass and debris off of herself, Mica got to her feet and brandished her daggers and bladed spade at the mantis.
"Bitch!" she hissed as her fury emanated out around her "I am gonna cut you to ribbons!"
Though her mouth never actually moved, the mantis smiled with her eyes as she raised the hands on her main arms and showed her opened palms to Mica.
Unsure of what was meant by this, Mica hesitated and then took a quick step back as a white glow began to form around the mantis' hands.
"Uh oh." mumbled Anton "This doesn't look good…"
"What? What is she doing now!?" asked Kianna.
"She's casting a spell…" said Anton as his face went grim.
As the glow around the mantis' hands grew into a full on white light, she dropped her arms down and let her scythes swing forward to lock in place before wrapping a glowing hand around the base of each scythe. The glow quickly spread across both weapons before a blinding flash caused everyone to look away.
Blinking the lights from her eyes, Mica turned back to the mantis and immediately stopped short.
From one instant to the next the mantis' scythes had doubled in length and taken on a metallic shine as they now appeared to be made of sharpened steel.
Taken aback, Mica stood completely frozen as the mantis began to twirl in a controlled series of attacks which effortlessly sliced away at the tall grass around her. With the sunlight glinting off of her now scimitar-like blades, the mantis finished her dance-like display by dropping into a stance in the center of the mowed circle she had just created and smugly brandishing said blades at Mica.
"…Okay. You know what! Fuck you!" said Mica as she pointed her raised middle finger at the mantis.
Without a sound, the mantis sprung forward.
"Crap!" cried Mica as she jumped back to try and evade the quickly advancing mantis.
"Did you know she could do that?" asked Anton as he turned to Leopold.
"I did not." said Leopold as he watched a profanity shouting Mica frantically try to keep her distance by teleporting away from the blitzing mantis.
"Do you even know anything about this mantis at all?" asked Kianna as an increasingly frustrated Mica threw one of her daggers at the mantis.
"Can't say that I do, actually." said Leopold as he watched the mantis swipe the flying dagger away.
"Where did you even find her?" asked Fiona as the mantis finally caught up to the kiochi and with a single strike, knocked her other dagger out of her hand.
"I let an associate of mine know that I was in the market for a combatant that met certain criteria, and this mantis is what he provided me with." said Leopold as Mica dodged the mantis' blows and tried to reclaim her weapon by teleporting and sprinting over to where she had dropped her dagger, only to be chased away from it by the pursuing mantis.
"Hm. Interesting…" nodded Anton as he watched a now desperate Mica teleport straight up into the air.
"Ha! Bitch!" taunted Mica as she teleported upwards again and again "Let's see if you can jump this high!"
Staring straight up at her, the mantis tucked her arms and scythes in tight against her torso, bent her knees and lowered herself down before springing straight upwards and launching herself at the kiochi.
Mica started laughing gleefully as despite her impressive leap, the mantis was obviously not going to make it high enough to reach her. Her laughing stopped short when the cape-like structures trailing down the mantis' back split down their middle and shot out to her sides. The confused kiochi blinked as next, two massive, heavily veined, insectoid wings spread themselves out wide on either side of the mantis' shoulders and then disappeared from sight as a loud, angry buzz filled the air.
"Oh, dammit to Hell!" cried Mica as her eyes widen in fear "This bitch can fly!?"
The spectators on the ground remained silent as they all tilted their heads back in unison and followed the two combatants as they rose higher and higher into the air.
Once Mica and the mantis were little more than two black dots in the sky, it became hard for anyone to determine exactly what was happening, but it appeared that Mica had attempted to escape the mantis by teleporting behind her, and this did not seem to work.
Having caught hold of Mica, the two dots had become one as they fell back towards the ground and as they got closer and closer it could be seen that the mantis was giving the kiochi quite the midair pummeling.
Diving down head first, the mantis waited till they were both just a few meters off from hitting the ground before she veered off to the side and gave Mica a resounding kick to send her flying in the opposite direction.
Avoiding a direct impact with the ground, Mica still tumbled through the dust and grass like a rag doll before finally coming to a stop. Laying face down with all her limbs askew, the kiochi groaned in misery as she stayed still for a long moment.
It was the buzzing sound of the approaching mantis' wings which prompted Mica to finally lift her head. Looking upwards she found her opponent staring down at her with a faintly bemused look on her otherwise blank face.
Before the kiochi could even utter a single word, the mantis lifted her middle arms and tossed Mica's weapons to her. The kiochi's two daggers each made a distinct thunking sound as they were driven into the ground on either side of her head.
Spreading her wings back out wide, the mantis hopped backwards and sailed back about a half dozen meters before landing gracefully, folding her wings away and dropping herself down into a fighters stance.
Mica stared at her for a long moment before slowly getting to her feet and collecting her daggers.
"…So what's this supposed to be now?" she mumbled as she eyed the mantis and took a tentative step forward "…Are you saying you're not done humiliating me yet?"
The mantis simply remained silent and still.
"…Yeah. Okay." said Mica as she fell into her own stance "I'm not done yet either!"
The two combatants stared each other down for a long moment before they both shot forward at the same time. A loud metallic clank rang out across the open prairie as Mica's twin daggers met the mantis' spell enhanced scythes. Sparks began to fly as they each unleashed a fury of fast paced blows and their slashing attacks clashed with one another.
Watching the fight intently, Anton blinked as he began to notice something telling about the mantis' attacks. Though certainly impressive, they clearly weren't as intense, nor as precise as they should have been. Several times now she had failed to take advantage of clear openings. And although she continued to parry and counter each of Mica's slashes, she was also leading the kiochi on as well… In a strange way, it nearly seemed as though she were guiding her opponent on where and how to attack… Almost as if she was trying to teach the kiochi how to better fight with her…
Anton couldn't help but to grin as at one point the mantis had a clear shot of Mica's head. With one fell swoop she could have easily lopped the kiochi's head clear off her shoulders but at the last second, the mantis folded her scythe back and instead punched Mica in the face. There was no question about it now, the mantis was purposely avoiding killing blows.
Turning to the side, Anton's grin widened as he glanced at Leopold and found a look of irritation plastered across the kiogah's face. He had clearly noticed what was happening as well.
"Well, well. Isn't this a nice surprise." chuckled Anton as he turned back to the fight.
"Huh? What's a surprise?" asked Kianna as she and her sister both looked from the fight to Anton and back.
"Well, I don't know this for sure yet…" said Anton "But it looks like Mica might have made a friend…"
Looking back and forth again, the two dark elves blinked in surprise as they both noticed that the kiochi, while certainly embroiled with her conflict, was not looking nearly as strained as she should have been, but was actually smiling as she fought.
The fight raged on for some time before it became clear that both contenders were starting to show signs of fatigue. This came to a head when Mica got a lucky strike in on the mantis with her tail. Aiming for her opponents face, the kiochi's bladed spade sailed past the mantis' tilted head and was just barely close enough to graze her cheek and leave a small, thin cut behind in its wake.
"Ha! Ha! Yes!" exclaimed Mica in between heaving breaths "I got you! I actually got you!"
The mantis said nothing as she rubbed at the tiny wound with a finger before bringing said digit out to the front of her face. She stared at her bloodied fingertip for a second before looking up at the kiochi and tightening her eyes in annoyance.
"…Ah, crap." muttered Mica as the mantis blitzed into the space right in front of her.
The kiochi couldn't even follow the movements of the mantis' middle arms as a series of heavy blows were riddled across her head and body.
Dazed by the assault, Mica tried to take a staggering step back but instead ended up falling forward on to her knees. Shaking her head to clear her senses, she went to raise her arms but froze as the mantis rested the broad side of one of her scythes down on her shoulder.
Turning her head, Mica stared at the sharpened blade that was now poised and ready to slice her head clean off at the neck. Following the mantis' arm back to its source, she slowly continued to tilt her head upwards until she could finally lock eyes with her adversary.
The mantis' face was as emotionless as ever as she stared back at Mica. After a moment of stillness, she raised her other scythe and held it at the ready.
"No! Mica!" cried Kianna as she and Fiona both went to step forward.
The two dark elves both stopped short as Anton raised his hand and flared his aura.
"Wha, what are you doing!?" exclaimed Fiona as she felt the collar around her neck begin to tighten in an ominous warning "She's gonna kill her!"
Anton's face was stoic as he kept his eyes on what was happening out on the battlefield.
Swallowing a lump in her throat, Mica kept her eyes locked with the mantis' alien-like orbs as she waited for the final blow to land.
Staring back at her, the mantis remained completely still as she seemed to be giving the kiochi a deep assessment.
"Mantis! End this already!" called Leopold.
Mica made a small sound as her father's words echoed in her ears.
Turning her head, the mantis looked right at Leopold with her same blank expression.
"…You have clearly won this fight." said Leopold as he stared back at her "Now end it."
Slowly, the mantis turned back to Mica and gazed at her for another moment longer before lifting her scythe away from the kiochi's shoulder.
Mica leaned back in uncertainty as the mantis took a step away from her and let her arms drop to hang at her sides.
"…Of all the ridiculous nonsense!" growled Leopold before he began to shout "Mica! Now's your chance then! End her now!"
Blinking, Mica quickly registered that the mantis had indeed left herself completely open, but as the kiochi went to lift her daggers, she couldn't help but to hesitate.
"…What are you waiting for!? …One of you end this already!" roared Leopold "End this now!"
Taking one deep breath after another, Mica tightened her grip on her daggers as she worked to will herself to attack. As she stared up at the waiting mantis though, she just couldn't bring herself to do it, and so, with tears beginning to form in her eyes, she dropped her daggers to the ground.
"…I. …I can't." she said softly as she lowered her head "…I'm, sorry."
"…Unbelievable!" shouted Leopold "Absolutely beyond belief!"
Gazing down at her forlorn opponent, the mantis watched her flinch at her father's words. Turning to face Leopold, she stared at him as she continued to remain still.
"…End it. Now." said Leopold as he glared at her "You will finished this!"
Tightening her eyes at him, the mantis took another step back from Mica as with a quick flash of light, her scythes returned to normal. Folding her weapons back into place along her arms, she turned away from everyone and leaped into the air. Blitzing forward to give herself more distance, she spread her wings back out as she made to fly away.
"…How dare you." said Leopold as he took a metal, rune covered rod out of his pocket and aimed it at the departing mantis.
As the runes along the rod lit up, a blinding flash erupted out from the metal belt around the mantis' waist and she reeled in midair as waves of blue colored bolts of electricity ran up and down her body. Going limp, she tumbled end over end through the air before hitting the ground with an audible thud.
Mica gasped as she watched her foe fall, and now staring at the point where she had landed, her heart sank as one of the downed mantis' wings rose up from the ground and twitched wildly before flopping back over to the side and going still.
Everything was quiet and still for several long moments as everyone's eyes stayed focused on where the mantis now lay.
"…This is over." whispered Anton as he turned to the dark elves "Can you two go get Mica, please. While I watch them."
Nodding silently, both Kianna and Fiona had pensive grimaces on their faces as they stepped past Anton and made their way to where Mica still sat staring.
Their eyes following the dark elves, the three shinoccubi remained where they stood as they watched the sisters help Mica to collect her daggers and get to her feet. Walking along on each side of the shorter woman, the dark elves kept a guarded eye on the three assassins as they led Mica back to where Anton was waiting.
"Well this has been a very disappointing day…" said Leopold as the three women came up to Anton.
"It hasn't been without its high points." said Ila as she nudged Leopold with her tail "Mica showed a lot of potential today. And I for one am excited to see her improve."
"…Yes, perhaps you're right about that, at least." said Leopold.
Keeping her head lowered, Mica stepped behind Anton as she made an effort to avoid looking directly at her family members.
"Potential? What potential?" mocked Nokko "I don't know what you guys were watching but I didn't see any potential today. Just failure."
Flinching at her sister's words, Mica coiled her tail around herself as she wrapped her arms around her torso.
Incensed, Fiona and Kianna pointed their ears straight back as they both turned on the sneering kiochi.
"That's enough, Nokko!" said Ila as she glared at her daughter "Your sister fought well today, and you should acknowledge that."
"…Yeah, maybe." mumbled Nokko as she folded her arms in defiance "She still lost though."
"Indeed, she did…" sighed Leopold "There were no winners today…"
"No. That girl…" mumbled Mica from behind Anton "That girl won. She was the better fighter…"
"No. She didn't." said Leopold "That mantis may have been the more skilled combatant. But you're still alive. So she did not win."
"…Well I think she did." grumbled Mica "And I think I would know, since I was the one who fought her…"
Annoyed, Leopold went to say something more but stopped short as Anton spoke first.
"I think, that this day has been long enough." he said as he inclined his head to Leopold "We should probably all go our separate ways now."
"…Agreed." nodded Leopold as he eyed his daughter who had semi hidden herself behind her compatriots "Just one more order of business to finish first…"
Turning to the field, Leopold glared at the spot where the mantis had fallen and shook his head.
"What a waste of money…" he grumbled "Nokko. I'd like to put this day behind us. So go and end that miserable creature's life, so we can be done here…"
"…Wait, she's still alive?" questioned Nokko.
"Of course she is. That shock wasn't nearly strong enough to actually kill her." said Leopold "It was only meant to incapacitate her. She'll still need to be dealt with."
Though no one had noticed her, Mica had gone still and wide eyed as she listened to her father speak.
"Is that really necessary?" said Anton.
Turning his ire on him, Leopold narrowed his eyes as he spoke.
"That creature knew full well the choice she was making, Anton." said Leopold "She knew exactly what was at stake."
Anton stared at him for a moment before turning away with a grimace.
Turning away as well, Leopold nodded to Nokko and went to toss her the mantis' control rod, but as Nokko reached out to catch the twirling rod, a second hand suddenly snatched it out from her grasp.
Having teleported in close, Mica dived through the air in between her father and sister and grabbed the rod before falling into a rolling somersault and bouncing back up to her feet.
"What!?" exclaimed both Nokko and Leopold in unison as they turned to Mica.
Spinning around to face everyone, Mica held the rod out in front of herself with both hands as her tail arced up over her head and she began to threateningly point her spade from one person to another.
"…Mica? What are you doing!?" questioned Leopold as he went to take a step forward "Give me that!"
Striking at the space in front of him with her tail, Mica took a step back before curving her tail over her head and pointing her spade straight down at the rod in her hands.
"Mica, no! Don't do it! It's booby trapped!" cried Ila as she made to jump at her daughter but was held back by Leopold.
"Mica!" exclaimed Fiona and Kianna as they too rushed over towards the kiochi.
Seeing everyone moving to advance against her, Mica raised her tail up high into the air before striking straight downwards and piercing her spade right through the center of the rod, splitting it in half with a single blow.
"No! Mica!" screamed Ila as a split second later the unleashed energy in the rod caused it to explode in Mica's hands.
The wave of energy caused everyone to turn away and shield their eyes as it kicked up a cloud of dust and smoke.
Standing among the shinoccubi now, the two dark elves both went cold as the dust began to part and they could see what had become of Mica. Behind them, Ila began to cry out in despair.
The kiochi was still standing, though both of her arms, her tail and half of her head had been literally blown away to the point that now nothing but burnt flesh was left along the edges of what was left of her.
"…Mica. …No!" breathed Kianna.
As everyone watched, the ravaged kiochi took a staggering step back and began to dissolve into a cloud of shadowy smoke.
"…Wait, what!?" cried Nokko as everyone blinked in surprise at the dissipating shadow clone.
Hearing faint grunting sounds coming from far out behind them, the two dark elves pointed their ears straight upwards and whirled around to face the source.
Racing across the open field with a look of utter desperation marring her face, was Mica, the real Mica, and slung over her back was the limp form of the mantis.
The exhausted looking kiochi was carrying the mantis piggyback style and had wrapped her tail around the unconscious creature to help hold her in place as she ran as fast as she possibly could, straight towards Anton.
"…Mica?" questioned Ila and Leopold in unison.
"What is that idiot doing now?" grumbled Nokko as she made to move towards her sister.
"Fiona!" cried Kianna.
"Right!" exclaimed Fiona.
The three shinoccubi all stopped short as a large dome made of pink and neon green hexagonal plates suddenly winked into existence around them and trapped them all in place.
"Oh, c'mon! This again!?" snarled Nokko as she slammed her fist against the dome's wall "Seriously!"
Turning on the dark elves, the kiochi paused as she found them both standing with their backs to the opposite wall of the dome and brandishing glowing light weapons. Kianna held a pink-colored light version of Leopold's sword while Fiona sported a long, glowing green bullwhip in each hand.
The faces of the two dark elves were grim with determination as they stared down the shinoccubi.
Hesitating, Nokko went to step up to them but stopped short as her parents both crossed their tails in front of her. Turning to them, she found them both shaking their heads as they stared at a point beyond the dark elves themselves. Following their gaze, Nokko found herself looking through the space in between the dark elves and locking eyes with Anton as he stood tall behind them.
Although he was technically on the other side of the dome, Anton's presence was still imposing as he was clearly poised and ready to back up the dark elves if need be.
Registering that this fight wouldn't be easily won, Nokko grudgingly crossed her arms over her chest and went to stand next to her parents.
The situation seemingly under control for the moment, Anton turned his attention back to Mica.
Emboldened by the sight of the dark elves containing her family, Mica sported a gleeful smile as she pushed herself to run even faster to her goal. Her smile faded however, as she turned back to Anton.
His face expressionless and unreadable, Anton stood with his arms crossed and his jaw set as he silently stared at the approaching kiochi.
Suddenly unsure, Mica slowed her pace until coming to a complete stop about fifteen yards away from him. Seemingly studying one another for a long moment, the two beings remained motionless as they stared each other down.
Breathing hard from her trek across the field, the kiochi squared her shoulders, clenched her jaw and hoisted the mantis up higher onto her back as she stood tall and made her intentions clear.
The steeled resolve blazing in her eyes now, she held her ground as she faced Anton.
After another moment of stillness, Anton unfolded one of his arms and, without a word or a single change to his demeanor, he faced his open palm right at Mica.
Fearing a possible oncoming attack, Mica took a tentative half step back as she hesitated. Her eyes lit up in excitement however, when a portal suddenly opened up in front of her.
Crying out in relief, the kiochi tightened her hold on her companion and charged forward. Leaping into the air at the last second, she dived head first through the portal and disappeared with the mantis in tow.
With them both now safely beyond the reach of the watching shinoccubi, Anton dropped his arm to his side as he let the portal wink out of existence.
"…Alright, girls." he said as he turned back to the dark elves "You can release them now."
Dropping their dome away, the two dark elves stepped backwards until they were standing with Anton again before letting their weapons fade away as well.
With the two parties now positioned far apart from each other, a standoff ensued.
The three shinoccubi were silent and still for a long moment before Leopold and Ila gave each other a quick glance.
"Why did you do that?" questioned Leopold as he turned to face Anton.
"Why!? What do you mean why? Isn't is obvious!" said Fiona as she folded her arms behind her head and gave the kiogah a sassy grin "Mica made a play to save her friend. You really think we weren't gonna back her up on that?"
Leopold stared at her for a second before looking back at Anton.
A thin smile on his face, Anton shrugged.
Grimacing, Leopold shook his head.
"I expect to be compensated for my loss." he said as he eyed the spot where the portal had been only a moment before.
"Fair enough." nodded Anton "Feel free to roll this into my next bill then."
"Very well, then I will hold no grudge over this." said Leopold as Ila nodded in approval.
"What do you know about that mantis?" asked Anton.
"As I've said before. Nothing." said Leopold.
"Nothing at all?" questioned Anton.
"No, nothing. I have no idea where she came from, or how she came to be in the state she was in. I don't even know if she can even speak." assured Leopold "And even if I was willing to give you the name of the person I got her from, you know as well as I do that information would lead you nowhere. As I doubt there's any less than a dozen people with fake names between me and wherever she originally came from."
Anton sighed as he nodded his head.
"If you really want to know more about her, then I suggest you ask her yourself." said Leopold.
"Yeah, I suppose that's the plan…" mumbled Anton "Hopefully she can tell me something…"
"I wish you luck." said Leopold with a thin grin "Now, if you'll excuse us. We'll be going home now."
"Hm, yes, well, it's been an interesting afternoon." smiled Anton "Enjoyable even."
"Agreed, it really has been. Have a goodnight, Anton, Kianna, Fiona." said Ila as she inclined her head to the two dark elves.
"Goodnight." said Kianna with a soft smile.
"See ya later…" said Fiona as she sneered at Nokko, who glared right back at her.
"Till next time." said Leopold as he pointed his tail to the side and used it to open a portal.
Grinning, Ila gave one last wave goodbye before following her husband and daughter through the portal and disappearing.
When the shinoccubis portal finally extinguished itself, Kianna and Fiona immediately turned to Anton.
"What the Hell was that little idiot thinking!?" cried Fiona "Please tell me you did not actually send Mica and that bug monster back to the house!?"
"…I did." grinned Anton.
"Why!? Why did you send them there!?" exclaimed Fiona.
"Where else was I supposed to send them?" said Anton with a shrug.
"I… I don't know! But not our home! We live there! And now we've got a fucking bug monster to deal with!" stated Fiona as she threw her hands in the air "What the Hell are we even gonna do with that thing!?"
Still grinning, Anton merely shrugged again.
"…Wait? Do you really not have a plan for this!?" asked Kianna.
"No, how could I? I had no idea this was going to happen." said Anton as he turned to the side and opened another portal "At this point I have no clue what we're going to do. But first things first, I think we just need to try to talk to that mantis. We can't really make any plans before that."
"And what happens if she can't even talk!?" questioned Fiona "What are we gonna do then!?"
"…I don't know?" said Anton as he shook his head "We'll just have to figure something else out, I guess…"
"I can't believe Mica actually saved that mantis like that… That was out of nowhere…" said Kianna as she stared at the portal "…What do you think we're gonna find when we get home?"
"I have no idea…" said Anton.
"Maybe we'll get lucky and Mica will have just killed that thing already…" mumbled Fiona.
"I doubt that." said Anton as he shook his head "Honestly, I'd say it's pretty clear that those two don't actually want to kill each other… Or at least it really doesn't seem like they do."
"They might if they fight again though." said Kianna "They might even be fighting again right now!"
"Hopefully not." said Anton as he stepped up to the portal "But just in case, we better go check."
"10 to 1 says they're at each others throats…" mumbled Fiona as she followed Anton into the portal.
"Shut up, Fiona." said Kianna as she quickly stepped into line behind them.
A moment later, the portal disappeared and the open field was left quiet once more.
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The Maryland Theater was designed by Thomas Lamb and was opened in 1915 and has been restored in the 1970's. They host recitals, concerts, comedy shows, and more. There are good restaurants and parking lots nearby.
Have you visited Maryland Theatre? Be the first to tell others about it!
Please describe the place or activity, explain what you liked best or least, or give any special tips. Sharing your thoughts really helps other visitors. Thank you!

subset: commoncrawl


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- Is suction line high or low side?
- How do you identify a suction line?
- Why is suction line bigger?
- What happens if your suction line is too small?
- Why is the suction line insulated?
- Which line is bigger liquid or suction?
- What is the main problem caused by oversized suction lines?
- What size is suction line?
- Why is the suction line cold?
- Why is the suction line not cold?
- What happens if the suction line is not insulated?
- Does line set size matter?
- Why is the liquid line smaller than the suction line?
- What temp should my suction line be?
- Should suction line always sweat?
- Why is my suction line sweating?
- What should my suction line temp be R22?
- Should suction lines be hot?
The larger line typically carries a cool gas and is insulated. This is commonly referred to as the suction line, but it is also called the return line or vapor line. The smaller uninsulated line typically carries a warm liquid. It is most often called the liquid line.


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Best Camping Sites in Jaisalmer – The Golden City
Jaisalmer: The Golden City is a town in Rajasthan, India. The town is located in the heart of Thar Desert which is the greatest Indian Desert and is set up on a yellow brown sandstone and is crowned by the Jaisalmer Fort. It is known as the golden city because of its structure as the fort, temples and havelis of the town are made up of the same stone it lies on making it look golden when the city shines because of the sun. we have covered the best camping sites in Jaisalmer.
Jaisalmer is a tourist attraction even with its extreme weather temperature. The city is famous for its food, festivals, folk dance, fire shows, full of starry sky, desert sports and Jaisalmer Camping and the list goes on. One more thing that makes the place stayable in the hot deserts is its luxurious camps.
One is always welcomed here by the people in their traditional attire representing Rajasthan, India with folded hands as namaste and saying "padharo mhare desh".
When most of the people prefer spending their vacation here in summers, it is highly recommended to visit the place in January end and February because the biggest desert festival takes place during this time of the year. One more thing that makes the place stayable in the hot deserts is its luxurious camps.
Best camping sites in Jaisalmer are-
- Rajputana Desert Camp
- Winds Desert Camp
- The Serai Camp
- Dangri Desert Safari Camp
- Rajwada Desert Camp
Rajputana Desert Campin site:
It is the most preferred camp of Jaisalmer, operational since 2014. 200m opposite to Sam sand dunes at the Rajputana Desert Camp one can spend nights in tents or cottages which were once only set up for royals and local maharajas in the past. Staying in such a desert camp will provide a unique experience away from city noises, under the sky full of stars and a natural sand dune land.
The camp is the most popular camp of Jaisalmer because of its non disturbing USP, restaurant camp, night musical and dance shows and camel or jeep safari which leads to a very charming and picturesque sunset point at sam. Camping here will be a great choice.
Winds Desert Camping site:
Wind Desert Camp is the place where one can fully feel and experience the culture of Rajasthan. The place describes itself as the famous saying of Rajasthan "Padharo mhare desh". They welcome you with tilak, dhol and welcome drinks. The camp provides accommodation in spacious roof tents, dining space in the center of the camp and a rajasthani baithak i.e. mattresses and cushions on the floor which gives one a feel of royals.
The camp is famous for the representation of culture and customs of Rajasthan along with activities like bonfire, stargazing, safaris,khaba for and much more. One should consider their stay here if they visit Jaisalmer.
The Serai Camping site:
The camp has 21 tents only, 14 of them are suites, 6 of them are luxurious suites with private gardens, pools and jacuzzi and the remaining 1 is an exclusive royal suite with its own spa, pool, jacuzzi, dining and lounge tent.
One can experience farms to table in which The Serai shows their own grown spices and foods they use for the meals. It is one of the rejuvenating places built in the Thar Desert.
Dangri Desert Safari Camp:
It is an award winning camp providing well maintained tents with people awaiting to serve. At the campsite, one can experience open dining along with stargazing, musical dance shows, fire shows,safaris on camel or jeep. One can also request for private dance programs or other events and for private safaris at night too. Unique experiences here will boost one's serotonin.
Rajwada Desert Camp:
The place is unique because of its Indian tradition and culture it follows. The place provides 20 luxury camps with facilities of maharana style bedrooms, personal modern washrooms, windows from where one can see dunes and an open verandah setting.
Also providing a large dining camp serving the best rajasthani cuisines. The camp offers calming holidays with activities like camel or jeep safari, quad biking, candlelight dinner on dunes. There is folk music and dance performances. The camp is quiet and desirable under the clear sky.
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Aconcagua Climb
10 top reasons to choose the best services for the Aconcagua climb
You have come to the right place to know the many reasons to choose the best services for the Aconcagua climb without problems. Aconcagua in Argentina may be the highest non-technical mountain, but still, it is only around 1,000 meters less than the Himalayas. Hence the steep altitude will cause many issues for even seasoned climbers to reach the peak. Especially the last 1,000 meters with steep altitudes with low oxygen levels There are also over 30 routes for climbing Aconcagua, so it is essential to choose the right one per the physical and other conditions. Also, to make the entire 12 to 18 or 20 days trip an enjoyable and exciting experience rather than facing any issues to fulfil your dream of climbing Aconcagua come true.
So, check the top reasons to select top services for the Aconcagua climb to transform challenges into opportunities for the best vacation.
Ten top reasons to choose the best services for Aconcagua Climb easy and safe
Aconcagua in Mendoza, Argentina, is the highest mountain in America and the southern hemisphere. Hence many with mountaineering and adventuring passions come to the magical Mendoza city annually. But not having proper preparation, and insufficient information will lead to many issues. It is why many casualties occur every year in the Aconcagua, which could cause a lot of hardships. Hence it is better to have the best services for the Aconcagua climb safe, easy and quickly. It is for the following, among other reasons.
- Have decades of experience helping thousands of people to climb Aconcagua without many difficulties to offer the right support for preparing, climbing, and returning safely
- Offer the right training plan for beginners to seasoned climbers to be ready to handle all the challenges of climbing Aconcagua with no issues.
- Provide the right itinerary as per the climbers' free time to have a wonderful vacation to remember for a long time.
- Offers the best guide ratio of one guide to only a few climbers to have personalized help to go up to the peak without many problems
- Provide round-the-clock support to have all the facilities like porters, mules and others carry the luggage for the mountain trip.
- Offer the best base camp services to climbers to have the proper lodging, food and other facilities to make the trip joyful.
- Have self-owned infrastructure even at high camps to provide all the essential needs and support for Aconcagua climb safely
- Work only with small group sizes of only less than 10 climbers for each team to provide customized guidance and help.
- Provide proper acclimatization for enhancing the adjusting abilities to high altitudes and low oxygen levels.
- Offer caring help right from arriving at the Mendoza airport, staying in Mendoza, and carrying the essential things, until returning and boarding the flight.
The above facts and reasons will convince you to choose the best services for Aconcagua climb safely without issues to have a great and memorable time of your life.
We provide the best Aconcagua services with all the necessary medical facilities.
We have a 100 percent customer satisfaction record as we provide the best Aconcagua services with all the necessary medical facilities. We have our outstanding medical team, who will be there to assist you. Aconcagua is the tallest Mountain in the world, and due to this, it has various difficulties to climb the Mountain. Many people lost their lives while climbing the Mountain. But for your safety and unfortunate incidents, we have a great medical team to help you.
We at Acomara provide our best Aconcagua services.
We provide our best services to our clients, including all the necessary facilities. Each year, we help many climbers to explore the Mountain of Aconcagua.
- Park rangers
Since 1990, the park rangers service has controlled the protected area of Mount Aconcagua Park and helps the visiting climbers. Thus, this service is present in all the base camps.
Duties of park rangers
- They control the mount Aconcagua base camps.
- They check for cleanliness in all the base camps and Mount Aconcagua Park.
- They help and inform the climbers.
- They control waste collection.
- They also exercise the power of the police.
- Park rangers check admission permits.
- They are coordinating evacuations.
- Logistic services
An excellent logistic service is the vital success of your expedition. Planning and assigning resources to contract the corresponding services on time is essential. We provide accommodation both in the city of Mendoza and in penitentes. We organize and provide all the necessary services to achieve the successful mount Aconcagua expedition every year.
We not only provide accommodation in Mendoza and penitentes, but we also provide meals for all climbers. We offer excellent infrastructure in all the base camps in the Mountain of Aconcagua. We also provide logistic services to solo climbers. For more information about our services in Aconcagua, please visit our website.
- Local Aconcagua mountain guides
We have experienced and legally authorized local Aconcagua mountain guides. They will accompany you throughout your climbing journey. Our Aconcagua mountain guides have been working with us for ages and contributing their valuable experience with our climbers. They have been carefully selected and trained under the Mendocinean School of principles of High Mountain and trekking for over two years.
One mountain guide will be with our three climbers, who will assist you at every time and every place. Our local mountain guides carry VHF radio, emergency kit, rope, digital oximeter, and professional clothing and equipment.
- Mules
Mules are the animals that make your journey in Aconcagua more comfortable. These animals have been used for carrying equipment and food supplies. These mules cannot take more than 60 kg per journey. We offer healthy mules which guarantee the safe arrival of equipment and people. Some muleteers live with these mules and work with these types of mules. Each muleteer takes care of three mules. We also offer people transportation on these mules from and to the Mountain of Aconcagua base camps.
These mules are excellent sources of transportation. And these mules will make your expedition more comfortable and safe. We advised you not to carry more than 30 kg per bundle as a mule cannot have more than 60 kg.
For a successful expedition, please visit our website or contact us.
6 Best Honeymoon Places In India For A Romantic Trip
A honeymoon is not just a trip. It's a precious moment of your life that leave some beautiful memories of you with your partner. It is a moment to celebrate your new life, your eternal bond with your better half. So, you should take your honeymoon very seriously!
India is a country where you can enjoy and experience every type of climate. It is a versatile country, where you can find beautiful places with splendid vibes. From the mesmerizing Kerala beaches to the exclusive heritage of Rajasthan, from the chilling Jammu and Kashmir to sizzling Goa, you have a lot to explore.
So, why not choose India to fulfill your honeymoon goals? We present to you the top 6 best honeymoon places in India that are so fabulous that you will forget about going abroad.
Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir
Srinagar, the capital city of Jammu and Kashmir, is no less than a paradise on earth. Its lush valleys, shimmering lakes, picturesque landscapes, and splendid mountains will make you fall in love again. This place has been one of Bollywood's favorites as many movies were shot in Srinagar.
You can also reach the shikhara with your loved one to experience a more dramatic and beautiful romance. There are Mughal gardens to visit with your partner, or you can enjoy sightseeing, shikhara rides, shopping, and much more.
Lakshadweep Islands
The smallest union territory of India, Lakshadweep, is full of exotic and unoccupied beaches. Its beautiful beaches have a turquoise tinge that forms a beautiful blend with white sands. Book an aesthetic beach cottage to feel the positive and romantic vibes of the beach with your loved one.
Walk through the sands, leaving lovely footprints of you and your partner. Island hopping, coral reefs, water sports, scuba diving, and snorkeling are some of the activities that you can enjoy here.
Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
One of the most beautiful places in the world, Rajasthan, is a lovely place because of its rich culture. If you want the essence of royalty on your honeymoon trip, it's time to fly to Rajasthan. Jaisalmer is one beautiful city in Rajasthan that offers a plethora of exciting things. You can enjoy camel rides, elephant rides, sightseeing of palaces, forts, and many more. Its Thar desert is very vast to enjoy various dunes activities.
Jaisalmer is famous for its tent accommodations where you will experience exclusive cultural nights. Rajasthani dancers and musicians give mind-blowing performances that you will surely enjoy. You will also like spending time with your spouse inside the Golden Fort of Jaisalmer.
Ooty, Tamil Nadu
Let's move to the south of India. Ooty in Tamil Nadu is one of the popular and topmost honeymoon destinations. It has a romantic aura that is present in its iconic Botanical Gardens, breathtaking Rose Garden, Ooty Lake, and Dodabetta Peak.
Take your better half to this romantic place where you will find yourself interacting with nature and embracing the peace. You can also roam around the tea garden, hills, Nilgiri Mountain Railway, etc. One plus point of this place is that you can visit it throughout the year.
Darjeeling, West Bengal
Darjeeling is a stunning hill station that is perfect for honeymoon couples. The widespread tea plantations and sizzling and chilly weather of Darjeeling, are like a cherry on your honeymoon cake.
Not only it's famous among the people of India, but it is also dear to people all around the world. You will experience a pleasant beginning of your newly married life with Darjeeling. Apart from tea gardens, you can visit monasteries, enjoy trekking, shopping, toy train, etc.
PS: Make sure to keep a check on your luggage in order to avoid any misplacement while travelling in India.
Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Agra is home to the marvelous Taj Mahal, which is one of the significant figures in our Architectural history. Along with it are situated Fatehpur Sikri and Agra Fort, which will complete your beautiful honeymoon trip.
Taj Mahal is recognized as the most romantic monument in the world, and its an epitome of love, eternal love. So why not visit this romantic place with your dear one on your honeymoon?
Explore the magnificent beauty of the Taj Mahal holding the hands of your love, and capture heavenly memories from your honeymoon. Apart from this, you can also visit other world heritage sites and relish in the streets of Agra doing shopping.
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Djavan and Cassiano on Claudio Zoli's live CD
Tom Cardoso
After retaking his solo businesses with the release of the album Férias, in 1999, the singer/guitarist/songwriter Claudio Zoli embraces the live album trend. His is due to come out in the first months of 2001 on the label Trama. The soulman's idea, along with producer Wilson Simoninha, is to combine a lot of new material with reviews on his solo career, as well as the hits that Zoli enjoyed in the 80s with his former band, Brylho (À Francesa, Noite do Prazer). Zoli has demanded that Djavan and Cassiano participate.


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As we roll towards New Year's Eve in one of the strangest years ever, it's time to start making plans for 2021. This also means, of course, resolutions for the new year. For many people, their new year resolutions are but a distant memory by the end of January. So, this year we're suggesting a new approach. 2021 is the perfect time to put aside the excuses that you usually make for breaking your resolutions. Whether you've decided to give up smoking or you want a smoking hot body for the new year, keep reading! The following guide will set you on the right path to doing just that.
Let's get physical
Of course, top of the list for 2021 (as with every year) will be to get fit. It's often difficult to get to the gym when you're juggling work and family commitments. Thankfully, OpenFit offers some great at-home, live-trainer fitness sessions meaning that you can tick off your fitness resolution from the comfort of your living room. Better yet, make it a year long journey – check out How to Stay Fit Year Round.
Those who can, teach
If you're a fan of yoga, why not turn it into a career into 2021? Teaching yoga can be a rewarding and lucrative career, and Yoga Class Plan can help you on your way with some great tips and templates. Be sure to do your research and get onboard with LinkedIn Sales Navigator to help supersize your client base, and arm yourself with the tools to start your new business.
Be the boss in 2024
If yoga's not your thing, you can still stretch your creativity and start your own business in 2021. Think about what you're good at and what you love. Then, see if it can be turned into a business or side hustle. Whether you would like to become a life coach or turn your crafting into a company, many local governments offer grants and other kinds of assistance to help get you started. For a super professional approach, you can get yourself a free website and get a hold of some affordable branding tools to get your venture off the ground cheaply. If you plan on selling online any time soon, you'll want to read Square Online Checkout Review.
Working it in 2024
The second most common new year resolution is finding a new job. Maybe your work has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Perhaps, you just feel that it's time for a change, so what better time than the start of a new year? ZipRecruiter allows you to search for jobs in your local area – or further afield if you choose. Before the clock strikes 12 on the 31st, make sure your resume is in tip top shape for your job hunt. Also, why not make your application stand out by creating a personal website to showcase your talents? Squarespace lets you do this quickly and easily, even if you have no tech skills whatsoever.
The Numbers Game
For many people, a top priority in terms of new year resolutions is getting their finances in order. Financial worries can cause a great deal of stress. That is to say, a new year is the perfect time for a fresh start. When looking at your finances, you first need to know where you stand, so your first step should be to check out your credit score. Be sure to check out 5 Spending Resolutions for 2020 too.
Once you've got your financial ducks in a row, you may want to think about investing. Online platforms like Ellevest and RobinHood can guide you through the processes to help you start your investment journey safely and securely. Another way to get your spending in order would be to invest in home insurance. Home warranty or home insurance can definitely help to keep your financial in check in case if there's an issue with plumbing, heating, air conditioning and more. Instead of forking thousands of dollars, you will be saving a lot of money with just a low monthly payment.
Resolutions by the book
If you're stumped for new year resolution ideas this year, and need a little inspiration, head on over to AbeBooks. This fantastic site is a treasure trove of books! That said, they can provide fantastic motivation for taking up a new hobby, learning a new skill, or even changing your career path.
New year resolutions are a personal challenge. For the best chance of success, start with a small, easy to achieve goal. Most importantly, you can always build on it as you go along. Having a new year's resolution in mind is a really great way to start a new year. Especially because starting on a positive note can lead to new habits and skills that last a lifetime.
If you enjoyed this article, check out Must Have Apps For Android – 8 Apps for Productivity & Life and Apps That Help Save Money – Save While Shopping!. We wish you all the best on your new year resolutions.
We hope you love the products we recommend! Just so you know, Talk District may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page.


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Leg 500 week 3 discussion managing contract issues in business
"Managing Contract Issues in Business" Please respond to the following:
1. Imagine you are a senior manager in a U.S. manufacturing firm who procures component parts and services from various states. What is required for a valid contract and what might put your company at risk if not sufficiently scrutinized prior to signing a contract? Explain contract formation and differences pursuant to Common Law versus the Uniform Commercial Code. Why is it important to distinguish and identify which applies?
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Order Paper Now2. Research one (1) breach of contract case involving two U.S. businesses within the last 2 years. Explain the facts of the case, the dispute and the outcome if the case resolved. Post an article, video or other source to help explain the case and show your source for information.


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The power of social media to reach many people from many places and backgrounds makes it an obvious choice for a brand that wants its name known. But when a brand isn't conscious of who its message is directed to, it won't reach the audience interested in what they offer.
To ensure that where your message goes on social media, you can only have your video play to a demographic, a specific group of people
The first stage is sending out your brand all over a social media platform. Then, you can narrow down on a specific type of person who responds well, slowly.
The key is to find what makes shoppers tick. If you know their behavior, you know how to grab their attention. If the intended buyers enjoy watching your ad, there is no need for unsavory click-baiting. Additionally, it's important to not be rash but not static. Micro-adjustments. If one video runs well, don't make every video just the same.
The advertisements shouldn't ebb and flow with the view tide, consistency portrays a sense of integrity and connection in your brand. Learn more about finding a perfect audience in the following infographic below:
Source: Bang Productions


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Custom Home 4B
Experience the ultimate in luxury living at this stunning estate in the prestigious Madison Club. This exquisite property offers 7 bedrooms, 7.5 baths, and 10,046 square feet of living space, with panoramic views of the Santa Rosa Mountains and the 4th hole of the renowned Tom Fazio-designed golf course. This home is a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship, featuring top-of-the line finishes and amenities, such as a golf-simulator room, an office/home gym, art hallways, and a well-appointed bar and wine cellar. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views by the cozy fireplace in the spacious great room or unwind in the opulent primary bedroom suite, complete with fireplace, sauna and steam room. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's dream, equipped with a prep kitchen and a large pantry. The floor to ceiling glass doors pocket away to create a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor living areas, where you can enjoy the outdoor fire features, the infinity edge pool, the spa, and the built-in barbecue. The separate living upstairs offers privacy and comfort, with two bedrooms, two baths, a living area, a kitchen, and an outdoor lounge area with a fireplace and endless 360-degree views of the desert. This home is a rare opportunity to own a piece of paradise in one of the most exclusive communities in the desert. Don't miss this chance to live your dream at the Madison Club.
Co-List with Ginger Glass, Compass


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Human colonic bacteria have an important impact on the biotransformation of flavonoid glycosides and their conversion can result in the formation of bioactive compounds. However, information about the microbial conversion of complex glycosylated flavonoids and the impact on the gut microbiota are still limited. In this study, the ability of different donors' human intestinal microbiota to convert selected flavonoid O- and C-glycosides was evaluated by performing in vitro fermentations. The results show that all flavonoid glycosides were metabolized via their aglycones yielding smaller substances. Main metabolites were 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid, 3-phenylpropionic acid, and phenylacetic acid. Differences in the metabolite formation due to different time courses between the donors were determined. Therefore, from all fermentations, the ones with a specific donor were always slower resulting in a lower number of metabolites compared to the others. For example, in those fermentations, tiliroside was totally degraded from 0h (105 ± 13.2 µM) within the first 24h, while in the other fermentations with fecal samples from other donors, tiliroside (107 ± 52.7 µM at 0h) was not detected after 7h anymore. In general, fermentation rates of C-glycosides were slower compared to the fermentation rates of O-glycosides. The O-glycoside tiliroside was degraded within 4 h while the gut microbiota needed 13 h for the degradation of the structurally related C-glycoside vitexin. However, significant changes (p < 0.05) in the microbiota composition and in short chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels as important marker products of carbohydrate fermentation were not detected between incubations with different phenolic compounds. Therefore, microbiota diversity was not affected and a significant prebiotic effect of phenolic compounds cannot be assigned to the effects of flavonoid glycoside concentrations in typical diets concentration alone.
Original language | English |
Pages (from-to) | 485–497 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry |
Volume | 66 |
Issue number | 2 |
Early online date | 13 Dec 2017 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 17 Jan 2018 |
Bibliographical note
PL, FMF, and SHD receive financial support from the Scottish Government Rural and701 Environment Science and Analytical Services Division (RESAS)
- Flavonoid glycosides
- metabolism
- in vitro fermentation
- human gut microbiota
- short chain fatty acids


text: HomeBlogDefine Your Dream Home Define Your Dream Home Written by Billie Ann Figura on July 16, 2019. Posted in BlogTags: buy a home, define your dream home, move down south, move to myrtle beach, real estate, realtor tips, retire Trackback from your site. Leave a Reply Click here to cancel reply. First Name * Email Address * Website Message Post Comment About our blog Our agents write often to give you the latest insights on owning a home or property in the local area. Recent Posts Why Use a Realtor Reasons to Own Prepare to Move Home Photo-shoot Pack Like a Pro Archives August 2019 July 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019


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Utica and Marcellus to Provide Gas to TransCanada's ANR Pipeline
TransCanada Corporation's ANR Pipeline system has secured nearly 2.0 billion cubic feet per day of natural gas transportation commitments for the movement of oil and gas produced from the Utica and Marcellus formations through its Southeast Main Line. These contracts involve transporting natural gas to points both north and south within ANR's system, as well as increasing their flow capability to the Gulf Coast. ANR is one of the few existing pipeline systems with access to both the Upper Midwest and the Gulf Coast, and they are exploring further opportunities to transport gas produced from the Utica Shale to these areas.


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Seeing daddy-longlegs in real life or in your dreams can make you feel uneasy. In some folklore, it symbolizes good fortune while seeing it in dreams can have some negative connotations too.
The term "daddy Long Legs" refers to both harvestmen and cellar spiders.
They are mostly harmless to humans. Contrary to some popular beliefs, harvestmen and cellar spiders are not venomous.
Remember that symbolism is subjective. The below are examples of possible interpretations only, and may not be the correct interpretations for you and your situation.
What Does Daddy Long Legs Symbolize in Real Life?
1. Killing a Daddy Long Legs
Daddy longlegs are important in various cultures around the world. Some cultures believe that if you kill a daddy longlegs spider, it will rain the next day.
Similarly, there are a lot of tales in various cultures related to cellar spiders. It is believed by many that you should not harm daddy long legs and stay away from them.
It's sometimes thought that hurting them in any way could bring bad luck to you and your business.
Historically, some farmers also believed that harvestmen or daddy long legs helped their crops to grow better, and killing them meant a poor harvest.
There are cattle owners who also used daddy long legs to find their lost cattle.
According to the story, if your cattle run away or get lost, you can pick up a daddy long legs from another animal, release it, and follow its flight direction to find your lost cattle.
Related Article: Seeing a Black Widow Spider: Spiritual Meaning & Symbolism
2. Seeing Daddy Long Legs in the Evening
According to folklore, seeing daddy long legs in the evening can have many positive implications in your life.
It can symbolize good fortune, happiness, and hope. So, if you see a daddy-long-leg spider in real life, just don't bother it. Try to stay away from it and it might bring some good luck to you.
What Does Dreaming of Daddy Long Legs Symbolize?
1. Knowledge and Wisdom
The entire spider family is smart and you can see their knowledge in their intricate web designs. Seeing a daddy longlegs spider in your dreams can be a good sign as it symbolizes knowledge and wisdom.
You can use your knowledge and wisdom into making this world a better place for both yourself and other people around you.
A daddy longlegs spider can symbolize wisdom and wisdom is a rare trait to have in this world. So, if you are blessed with wisdom, make sure that you use it in the best way for the collective betterment of humanity.
2. Calmness
Seeing daddy longlegs or cellar spiders in your dreams may mean that you are feeling calm.
Cellar spiders are quite harmless by nature to humans and they are quite calm. Seeing them in your dreams can be viewed as a good sign.
It could hint that the coming phase in your life will bring much-needed calmness. You will be able to utilize this phase to relax and have peace of mind which is crucial in the current stressful daily lives of ours.
However, do realize that calmness won't just come on its own, you will have to work for it. Try to cut out people in your life who give you stress for no reason. Find an interesting hobby that calms you down.
3. Attention from Unwanted People
Sometimes seeing a cellar spider in your dreams could hint that you are getting attention from unwanted people. The consequences of such attention may be negative.
This might be because of your dynamic and fun personality. While it might attract a lot of good people, it can also make a lot of people jealous.
Most of them won't think too much about it but some people can have negative intentions towards you. One can easily observe who likes them and who doesn't.
Feel the vibes of the people around you and if they do not match with your vibes, it is better to stay away from such people.
4. Wrong Decisions
If you find yourself dreaming about daddy longlegs spider then it can mean that you are about to take a wrong decision in your life.
This decision might be really important to you and making a bad choice can have many negative consequences.
So, take the proper time to think about stuff and make rational choices. Do not rush towards a final decision. Just analyze all the pros and cons of everything and only then decide what you want to do.
5. Hope
Daddy longlegs can also be a symbol of hope and seeing it in your dreams might be a positive sign.
If you are going through a rough time, this might be a good sign you have been waiting for. The world depends on hope and if you hope that things will be better then they definitely will be.
You may want to try to keep that positive outlook alive and hope for the best.
Read More: Animals that Represent Hope
6. Mystery
Daddy longlegs in your dreams can also mean that something unknown is waiting for you.
It can be either good or bad depending on the type of person you are and what you are currently doing. But just stay ready for any possibility and you should be all good.
What Does It Mean to See Daddy Long Legs in Your Dreams?
Seeing daddy longlegs in your dreams can represent a number of positive and negative things.
It could symbolize the calm and wise nature of cellar spiders and their reflection on your personality. However, it could also hint towards wrong decisions you are making in your life.
Just make sure that you pay a little more attention to how you are doing in life. Start taking rational decisions and observing people around you.
Once you start doing that, your life will be much better and you won't have to deal with unwanted attention or troubles.
How to Interpret Spiritual Symbolism
Interpreting symbolism and spiritual meanings is subjective and deeply personal. The symbolic meanings listed in this article are examples of potential interpretations, but might not be true for your situation.
Make sure you meditate and journal about your vision. Reflect on what you saw and think about what message you think is relevant to you and your life right now.
This doesn't mean choosing the message you want to hear, but the one you think you need to hear at this point in your life. Only you can decide which meaning is the right one for your situation.
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In various cultures, seeing daddy long legs is considered a good sign. It can symbolize fortune, happiness, and hope.
However, seeing daddy longlegs in your dreams can have both positive and negative interpretations.
I'm Chris and I run this website – a resource about symbolism, metaphors, idioms, and a whole lot more! Thanks for dropping by.


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Have you ever felt guilty about taking extended time off of work? Are you stuck in a pattern of spending all your income and feeling anxious about the future? Paul and Jim talk about what income smoothing is and how you can reshape the way you view your income, work around destructive money habits, and relax about money.
Start relaxing about investing by scheduling a 15-minute call with one of our advisors here.


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Disease and you will Sagittarius compatibility was unstable once the a couple of characters possess outstanding differences. Both that it partners shares sufficient attributes, this improves this new relationship's resilience Lakewood escort twitter. Whenever feelings, intellect, and viewpoints line-up, Disease and you can Sagittarius can make a go away from like.
However,, the potency of common ties need certainly to provide more benefits than the new nice relationship variations. Particularly differences commonly constantly insurmountable; this is especially valid when barriers cause the first step toward the brand new Cancers and Sagittarius match to help you crumble.
But, if your objective is actually lifestyle an effective lifelong, loving relationship, so it like matches deserves the chance. In the event it duo fingers on their own that have threshold and you can caring insights, of several barriers is conquerable! Yes, that it pairing are a dangerous love affair. However,, as Lord Alfred Tennyson says, "Tis better to has actually liked and forgotten than never to possess adored at all!"
Sagittarius and you may Cancer Being compatible
On Cancers and you can Sagittarius like matches, there is certainly a shared fancy from things with comedic worth. It duo likes chuckling with her. They are both smart and you will amusing, thus there's always a slap range available to you at only the new correct time to decrease one. They claim laughter mends, in so it dating, they serves as a connecting broker.
In an effective pairing where Cancer tumors and Sagittarius love laughter, the partnership operates strong. It's surprise if this couple visits nearly every comedy reveal in the city. Film night it's time it view the brand new comedy on new giant screen. It favor wire deals where comedians assist them to refrain the genuine industry. It makes to own a, at-household date night. Their capability to help you make fun of within some thing helps them dive of numerous relationships obstacles.
One another Malignant tumors and you can Sagittarius was foodies at heart. Might look for fun minutes from the kitchen while they show their favorite formulas. Regular eating functions home assist Cancer tumors show off their indoor painting experiences. There's another advantageous asset of getting Sagittarius to stick in the household occasionally. Lawn barbecues change away for lunch activities in the event the weather is nice.
Sagittarius and you may Cancer Love
The newest Cancer and Sagittarius relationship get in on the Mommy therefore the Explorer archetypes. Cancer 's the all-enjoying, nurturing Mother. He could be seeking to manage a compassionate and you can safer business to own that it few. It's a scene where Cancer tumors hopes for way of life away a great existence inside close satisfaction. Sagittarius is the Explorer who is ever ready to put out with the second conquest. There is always particular enticing mine just about to happen. Sagittarius generally seems to work with on like nest Disease produces. Attaching themselves down is not on their bucket record. Sagittarius and Malignant tumors personalities appear to run-in reverse guidelines.
Disease need release and provide Sagittarius enough independence and you will independence. Doing so allows these to pave the way to a flaccid love affair.
Sagittarius requires place to grow and you may wander. Because the mommy archetype requires contour, Cancers is better off as a free of charge-wander Mommy. The woman is individual that keeps rely on in her child to let these to be removed to your business themselves. She does not hover more than their youngsters seeing the most of the flow. It is this access to the nation Cancers will need to bring Sagittarius. This is the best way and then make the companion comfy in the matchmaking.
Sagittarius does not desire to means to fix someone. Which have Jupiter as his or her governing entire world, they crave extension and you may development. Cancer concentrates on putting some domestic a good fortress due to their love. Sagittarius is looking to help you wander. It becomes a grandfather-boy relationship in which Sagittarius rebels against the father or mother to possess liberty. In the event that Disease does not learn to let go, there was an abundance of increasing discomfort in the act!


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Whether or not you're a fitness-guru, chances are Nike is still a fixture in your lifestyle wardrobe. The classic athletic brand never disappoints when it comes to high-quality, stylish workout gear we can always rely on.
And if you're in the market for a new pair of Nike kicks, thanks to all of the virtual workouts and social distancing walks that's been keeping us sane during quarantine, now's the perfect time to snag a pair. From DSW to Nordstrom Rack and Zappos, these major retailers are offering steep discounts on best-selling Nike styles.
Starting at just $32, you can find incredible running shoes that won't break the bank. We took the liberty of scouring through the Nike sections of some of the most tried-and-true retailers to curate the best selection for under $60. We found that Nordstrom Rack has the cheapest prices, but Zappos carries more sizes and styles.
The best option we've found is the Nike Tanjun sneakers that are marked down to $54.95. With over 1,100 reviews and a perfect 5-star rating, how could you go wrong? The sneaker features simple construction and is crafted with a comfortable mesh for breathability. There are currently seven different colorways available on the Zappos website.
Ahead, scroll on to see more styles to shop and save on the best Nike sneakers around the web.
Shop: Nike Lightweight Athletic Sneaker, $32.97 (Orig. $60
Shop: Nike Revolution 5 Men's Running Shoes, $48.75 (Orig. $65)
Shop: Nike SB Charge Slip-On Sneaker, $32.97 (Orig. $60)
Shop: Nike Men's Downshifter Lightweight Running, $59.99
Shop: Nike Flex Experience Run 9, $48.75 (Orig. $65)
Shop: Nike Men's Downshifter Lightweight Running, $54.98 (Orig. $59.99)
Shop: Nike Air Monarch IV Men's Cross-Training Shoes, $48.75 (Orig. $65)
Shop: Nike Court Vintage Sneaker, $46.97 (Orig. $60)
If you enjoyed this story, you might want to read out how we tried Amazon's best-selling 'Lululemon dupe' leggings on 3 different body types.
More from In The Know:
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Ventilation Fans Industry Analysis, Market Growth & Forecast Attractiveness 2020
Mn for the years 2013 and 2014, together with the market forecast for the interval from 2015 to 2023. Market forecasts have been analyzed considering the impact of assorted financial, political, social, legal, and technological factors influencing market growth. An awesome way to get some return on a dear item that will have broken or not carries any sentiment. If the nice in query has inelastic demand, the monopolist might repair a high value. Under such circumstances, the monopolist will generally limit his output and promote his goods at a excessive value. Or he can repair the output and depart the value to be decided by the interaction of provide and demand. He can repair the worth for his good and depart the market to determine what output can be required. This is not adapting to the market it is reacting to the market. The report consists of downstream consumers, market distributors, and suppliers of uncooked materials.
To maintain your system wholesome, what info (enterprise or market intelligence, etc.) do you want to collect from your greater-level system? You might want to know how much cash you're going to spend, as sometimes they'll cost up to $2500. A great report will embody progress forecasts they usually need to be as correct as attainable and given for not less than 2 years. The quantities he can promote at any given price depend on the circumstances of demand for his good. The monopolist must also examine the situations of provide. We all know in a market, worth is decided by the interplay of supply and demand. Once we talk about style design of the early 20th century, we must not neglect the fact that what we all know as fashion at this time really emerged across the middle of the 19th century, at a time when the horizons of the vogue industry broadened, due to the new mobility and rising independent life-style many rich ladies. Exposing the knee was the peak of vogue. Within the mid-nineteenth century, Charles Frederick Worth was thought-about because the pioneer of haute couture fashion.
Soon, the fashionable outfits worn by fashionable ladies were strikingly similar to those worn within the heydays of Frederick Worth's designs, and magazines started to incorporate sketches and sepia images of haute couture kinds. The emergence of a few couture houses further stimulated the general public's appetite for sensible but fashionable clothes, and by the beginning of the 1900s, haute couture fashion was born. By 1910, a woman's style silhouette became the order of the day. If she was tremendous with any of the samples (all samples were made from cheap cloth), she then made an order for it and when they desired modifications, these had been made. Suppose all of the steel products are provided by a single agency, then we are able to say it is a monopoly. An necessary difference between good completion and monopoly is that below perfect competition, there shall be several numbers of sellers however underneath monopoly, there might be only one seller. Monopoly means absence of competition.
But he can't control demand for there are a number of number of patrons as within the case of competitors. But there is no such thing as a scope for getting abnormal revenue beneath competition for there are a number of variety of sellers. Under excellent competition, there can be a number of number of sellers. Under good competition, there shall be several numbers of firms in an industry. Then the monopolist will get most profits by fixing a excessive price. Thereby he will try to get maximum income. So he will make the most of the situation and try to get most profits. The purpose of a monopolist is to get most earnings. The purpose of a monopolist is to maximize his income. If the demand for the commodity is elastic, the monopolist can not fix a really high worth as a result of a rise in worth might lead to a fall of demand. It is so as a result of even if the price is excessive, there will not be a fall in demand. Self-ample: You can even grow a cleaning soap nut tree your self! Even transportation, which is a necessity in lots of instances, is probably not necessary all the time. In the sooner levels of manufacturing, marginal price could also be much lower than the marginal income and the monopolist could make big profits.
Monopolies could act as a verify on financial development. Growing demand for product up-gradation is anticipated to drive industry progress over the following seven years. Gradually, girls started to seek practical clothes for his or her new-discovered way of life, and as their demand for such grew from the end of the century to the beginning of the 20th-century, trend houses began to emerge. By the beginning of the twentieth-century, bespoke fashion houses hired artists to sketch and paint designs for dresses, gowns, and different garments for his or her growing clientele who all the time needed one thing particular. Prior to that interval, dressmakers and tailors were the ones who impressed fashion, making fashionable and elaborately sewn garments that were majorly worn by the elite and ladies on the royal courts. By the turn of the century, pattern garments gave option to sketches of couture clothing. These sketches of trend design creations which were introduced to purchasers who in flip either made orders for his or her most popular designs or requested for modifications to some sketches to go well with their fashion. Reverse the Starboard, ahead the Port and turn the helm to Port, the vessel moves to Starboard.