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writingwithcolor · 3 years

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“Fantasy Names” for Non-English Languages; One Language Per Continent?

@corrupted---minds submitted:

In my story there are different continents inspired by sections of our world; fantasy Europe, fantasy East Asia, fantasy Middle East, ect. And each continent, for convenience, speaks one language. Cantonese is fantasy East Asias language, for example.

Now on to naming conventions. While in fantasy Europe people have average european names, about 30% have fantasy names like Illumina or Crystal or Raten Firewalker. I want to try to keep the same naming ratio for the other continents, but I’m not sure if it would be offensive for me, as a white woman, to cut apart a language to make a cool sounding name for my characters that are POC.

If you have any insight, suggestions, or just flat out think it’s a bad idea, please let me know. I dont want to unintentionally offend anyone.

On the Issue of Worldbuilding

The salient point is to avoid using languages from real life outright. Already, I sense that your language and coding categories are too broad. It’s never a good idea to reduce such large regions containing so many ethnicities to a single language group/ setting. Think more granular and use single ethnicities instead. Rina has already written on naming conlangs, including pertinent resource links, that I think would be very helpful information for you. Please read her comments here.

Furthermore, as a reader, I think it is more realistic and dynamic when the characters have names that mean something in their own languages. Most people already have such names IRL. I think in many Western cultures, some are simply too removed from the original root languages to know the word origins of their names. My pen-name here on WWC happens to mean “Jasmine” both in Sanskrit and Japanese, but Marika is a lot more culturally relevant than “Jasmine” as it expresses my bicultural identity much more effectively. Thus, I am curious as to why you wish to stick to this arbitrary 30% rule. Not only does it strike me as rather boring, but it also generates a lot of dissonance for me as a reader in conventional fantasy when a person “randomly” has a conventional fantasy name with no context given.

If people are given atypical naming schemes, I’d much rather there be a sensible reason for this choice. It both provides context and lays the groundwork for world-building information that the reader can draw on unconsciously at a later time. For example, as I continue my role as this blog’s Tamora Pierce evangelist, the author has two such examples of atypical naming in her universes. In the Tortall series, the Shang warriors are given titles that reflect their prowess, with more legendary animals indicating higher levels of mastery. Thus, the reader automatically knows that Liam Ironarm, the Dragon, and Kylaia al Jmaa, the Unicorn, supersede Ida Bell, the Wildcat, and Hakuin Seastone, the Horse, in terms of skill. In the Emelan Universe, dedicates of the Living Earth religion choose names associated with plants, animals and natural phenomena ( e.g. Rosethorn, Frostpine, Moonstream) and lack last names. Academic mages, on the other hand, have last names that demonstrate what kind of magic they are proficient in (Goldeye, Ladyhammer, Glassfire), allowing us to immediately discern who is a dedicate in the Living Earth faith, who is an academic mage, and who is neither (whether they be from a different background or are still in training).

Lastly, as a caution, we would like to warn many of our readers that words commonly associated with imagery used in Norse mythology are now often dog-whistles or outright references to white supremacy groups/ movements (Thanks Neo-Nazis!). Thus, particularly for white/ Western-coded characters, please check any name meanings against the following databases created by Southern Poverty Law Center and the Anti-Defamation League (viewable here and here).

- Marika.

On Colonial Implications

I would like to emphasize how flattening it is to summarize any large region down to a single language: British Columbia and some of Washington State have 7 mutually unintelligible language families within a few hundred square miles. That’s an incredibly saturated amount of linguistic diversity in a very, very small region. And it’s not the only linguistic hotspot in the world.

Europeans often have an artificial sense of how many languages are natural in a region, because Europe is one of the least linguistically diverse regions in the world at about nine language families, with 94% belonging to a single language family. Meanwhile, China alone has at least nine families, and India has at least six. In North America, you have dozens if not hundreds of language families across the continent.

Note that these are language families, not languages. Each language family can have anywhere from 2 to 50+ languages within it. The aforementioned language family with 94% of Europe is Indo-European, which covers everything from French (the Romance branch) to Punjabi (the Indo-Iranian branch) to Russian (the Balto-Slavic branch).

Convenience should not come at the expense of linguistic diversity. Language destruction is one of the targets of colonialism, and doing such a flattening would leave an extremely sour taste in my mouth at the implied history of this world. Many, many Indigenous languages are extinct because colonial languages were forced upon the populations of the Americas (English, Spanish, Portugese, French), and this isn’t counting non-European colonialism.

Widespread single languages across huge landmasses often come with an extremely bloody history (unless it was purposely crafted for ease of communication among groups, such as Plains Sign Language), and for your marginalized readers it will be unignorable. You don’t have to create a continent’s worth of languages, but you do have to acknowledge the diversity is there.

As Marika said, focus on individual ethnicities instead of such broad land masses. Doing your current track would pull anyone with even an ounce of linguistics education, or anyone who has had their access to language suffer because of colonialism, right out of the story.

~ Mod Lesya

I agree with Mod Lesya, especially when it comes to their point of language destruction being one of the targets of colonialism. East Asia already has a history of this, with languages being banned and punishments for speaking them, and even now in mainland China Mandarin is being pushed as the only dialect to speak vs. Cantonese, Hokkien, Sichuanese, etc. A suggestion I have is to perhaps have one common language for diplomacy/trade purposes that is used alongside other languages and dialects in certain regions.

--mod Jess

#language #languages #fantasy #names #diversity #colonialism #worldbuilding #asks

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rainbowtransform · 3 years

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Hiii :D

/rp

It was all going so well. Their parents were happy, Dream was looking healthier that ever and Illumina finally relaxed after the talk.

It was going too well apparently.

Illumina and Dream were out when they came. Flying around, taking in the whole End, their home. And when they came back they were already there. The Elders.

The most important people in the village. They established the laws and made sure everyone followed them. They were the ones to exile his little brother.

Illumina made sure his brother stayed behind him and raised a wing protectively over him, glaring at the guards that tried to come near.

"Ah Illumina. Very good." One of the Elders began. "We were wondering where you went after you were granted the permission to leave for the Overworld. Did you have fun?"

Illumina just scoffed, not believing for a second the friendly tone and the innocent question.

The Elder's face quickly lost the small smile seeing that.

"Oh and you brought the Exile with you. Good. We will take care of him now."

Illumina growled and took a step forward.

"His name is Dream. And he is not going anywhere."

Another Elder stepped forward

"You know the rules, Endchaser. He was stripped of his name when he was banished. And you know what he did."

"He was a child! And you left him to die! It's a miracle he is still alive!"

"He may have been young but he knew the rules. No one touches them. Every child knows that. Why would we let him get away with that?"

The guards moved closer and Illumina heard his brother whimper quietly, trying to hide under his wing. He looked in the direction of their house, looking for any sign of their parents, but found none. Where were they? Were all the promises they made in the last few days lies? Would they let their youngest son be exiled again?

Illumina put so much work into making sure that his brother didn’t get hurt again. He put months of teaching and retracing and love into his brother and he won’t let him go that easy. He risks a glance back, and Dream’s staring at the Elders with fear.

They don’t wear armor but Illumina know they hold the same power as the Warden. So he opens his inventory and takes out a sword, holding it to one of the Elder’s throat. “He needs to heal.” He growls.

“He’s healed enough,” the Elder snaps. Illumina almost laughs.

“Clearly you don’t realize the consequences of staying outside the End for too long. I still haven’t fully healed and I’ve been gone for only a short matter of time.”

“Just hand over the Exil—“

“What are you doing?” Mom’s voice cuts through, sharp and defying and the Elders pause.

“Roxie,” one of the Elders step forward. “Surely you will let the Exiled come with us? See reason.”

Mom hums. “I don’t think so.” She said. Dad stands at her right.

“See me and my husband have come to the conclusion that our sons deserve to be able to stay home without worrying about people knocking at our door.”

The Elders turn to Dad. “Ezra, you must see reason. You both gave him up the first time.”

Illumina feels rather than sees Dream peek around his shoulder (which isn’t too hard considering he’s also grown taller what the fuck?)

“They’re Runners,” Dad says simply.

“Endchasers,” the Elder spits.

“Runners,” Illumina says firmly. “We brought back spoils from other Worlds to create more End Crystals.”

“Runners follow a different law than the people of the Village,” Dad says.

Mom squares her shoulders. “As the last remaining Runner in the village, I am responsible for them. My son, DayDream, will not be exiled again, nor will Illumina. If you try to come after them again, I will be forced to take drastic measures.”

“You barely run anymore,” someone points out.

“Illumina has taken my position as a Runner, but I am still the leader of them. Are you questioning my leadership?” Mom’s eyes flash.

Illumina hears flapping wings, and the dragon’s flying overhead. She isn’t landing, but she swerved more toward Illumina and Dream. The world holds its breath, and then the Elders and guards break away.

“This isn’t over,” the elders tell them. Dad steps in front of Illumina, who puts down his sword, pulls out a bow, and notches an arrow.

It glows with enchantments. The Elders eye it wearily before beginning the trek back to their castle home thing.

(Illumina turns and grips Dream in a hug, both falling to their knees. Mom shields them from view and Dad stands guard as well. Illumina can’t stop thanking the stars and Dragon above; can’t stop telling his parents that he loves them, so so much)

#worldbuilding Pog!!!#roxies a badass #kiuda #<3 #endchasers AU #there’s still more angst to come #stay tuned y’all #heheheheheh

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kiuda · 3 years

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Endchasers au. Imagine the most calm and rational of all the Admins, the one who seems to choose peaceful over violence every single time, CaptainSparklez, is raging with anger upon hearing what quackity and sam has done to dream in detail. With him being also a dragon hybrid, (he was usually drawn as a dragon hybrid) he could feel exactly how painful the torture was. BUT one thing a mortal shouldn't do to a dragon, touch their wings. And what did they do? Touch dream's wings. He's about to show this two the wrath of an ancient dragon. But he can't, Laws for The Champion of Balance from his old, old world remains with him. He can't cast punishment without hearing dream's side of the story yet. He must remain neutral. But, a bit of threatening would be fine right?

/dsmp /rp

I love how all of you really want the others to hurt hahaha /pos

Okay let's see how Jordan does >:)

/rp

Captain Jordan Sparklez. Probably the most well-known Admin of this generation. Respected by everyone. Known for his wisdom, kindness and lack of MCC wins.

When he participated in the MCC with Dream he was suspicious. Something was going on on that server.

Dream was so scared. He looked like any harder punch would send him to the floor and he wouldn't get up again. And yet he still practised. He jumped and he fought and he strategised.

But this wasn't the same Dream he knew before. This Dream was unsure of himself. He almost called him 'sir' several times. He flinched every time someone touched him, even in a friendly manner. And he was never alone on the practice server. There was always someone from his server right next to him, guiding him from station to station and holding his shoulder tightly.

Jordan thought nothing of it at the time. Dream was known to be reckless. Maybe he injured himself and his server-mates were trying to keep him from getting hurt again.

(But deep down he knew the touch was too tight to be protective. He knew the shine of the metal he thought he saw around Dream's wrists right after MCC wasn't a bracelet. He knew something was wrong, but decided to ignore it.)

And now he knows the whole story, the whole truth. At least from one side. Dream is missing, taken to another private server by Illumina. Apparently the brothers were both enderdragon hybrids, just like him.

'But you never saw his wings. Where were his wings?'

A quiet voice in his mind asks. And that was a good question, wasn't it? He never saw the wings. Dream was already an adult, his wings should be hard to miss and yet he didn't notice anything but bandages on his teammate's back when they were preparing for the competition.

And finally he knows why.

He was always told touching a fellow dragon's wings was forbidden. They were a part of you. Very sensitive and easy to break.

Dream's friends touched them. Not only that, they probably had to break them in several places to hide them under the thin shirt for MCC. How Dream was able to play for a full 3 hours and not pass out from the pain was unbelievable.

Jordan is mad. He doesn't remember the last time he was as mad as right now. But he has to stay neutral. He doesn't have all the facts and the only witness is missing. He has to stay calm.

(But then Quackity's interrigation begins. And he can't be calm any more. He follows him out of the room and drags him into an emty hallway.)

"Captain!" Quackity is happy. Why is he happy? Doesn't he see the anger in his eyes? "Hey! What's good?"

"What's good....? Quackity. Did you touch his wings?" he needs him to say no. Please. Say no.

"Dream's? Oh yeah! They were really light you know? Nothing like yours! Yours are so strong! He probably couldn't even glide with his!" Quackity is... complimenting him? Why? Why does he know that? Why did he touch them?

"Light? He is an adult, his wings should be healthy and strong." he keeps the anger out of his voice the best he can. Quackity doesn't seems to notice his anger yet.

"Yeah! They were almost see-though! Broke with just a-" he has enough. He punches Quackity in the face, breaking his nose. "WHAT THE- HEY! WHAT WAS THAT FOR?!"

"You know what." he walks away. There will be no more violence today.

(And maybe he cries later, thinking of a young hybrid that was probably away from his home for too long. For a hybrid he could have helped if he was a little stronger, a little braver.)

#thank you so much for the ask!! <#<3 #not much of the confontation but i hope you like it anyway :D #ask #rmeor34 #endchasers au #writing!#captain's revenge au

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quotent-potables · 3 years

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It's not a universal law or anything, but given the option in an empty bathroom, most folks are gonna pick the stall at the end to put maximum distance between them and anyone else who wanders in after them. It's just good etiquette, people.

Gemina, book 2 of The Illuminae Files, by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff.

#quotes #the illuminae files #gemina

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nothinglessthanseven · 4 years

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My Decade in Books Tag

The rules: respond to the prompt ‘my decade in books’ however you want, & then tag some people.

I was tagged by @thereadingchallengechallenge

I have chosen to respond by listing my top books of each year. The number of books I will list will be the same as the last number in each year e.g. for 2015 I will list 5 books.

2010, 2011 & 2012: I actually did really know how to read until I was 13 years old in 2013 so I don’t have any favourite books in 2010, 2011 and 2012.

2013: My top 3 of 2013 were; Tiger’s Quest by Colleen Houck, Just Like Fate by Cat Patrick and Suzanne Young and Murfey’s Law by Bec Johnson.

2014: My top 4 of 2014 were; The Mortal Instruments Series by Cassandra Clare, The Vampire Academy Series by Richelle Mead, Just One Day by Gayle Forman and Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell.

2015: My top 5 of 2015 were; The Bloodlines Series by Richelle Mead, Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell, The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins, Paper Towns by John Green and Carry On by Rainbow Rowell.

2016: my top 6 of 2016 were; Burial Rites by Hannah Kent, A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams, Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare, The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling, Illuminae and Gemina by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff and Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli.

2017: My top 7 of 2017 were; The Shades of Magic Trilogy by V.E. Schwab, The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof by Tennessee Williams, The Secret Science of Magic by Melissa Keil, Lord of Shadows by Cassandra Clare, Looking of Alaska by John Green and Begin, End, Begin editor Danielle Binks.

2018: My top 8 of 2018 were; They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera, Hold Back the Stars by Katie Khan, The Reawakened Trilogy by Colleen Houck, Attachments by Rainbow Rowell, The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet by Bernie Su and Kate Rorick, Dear Evan Hansen by Steven Levenson, Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo, Solitaire by Alice Oseman.

2019: My top 9 of 2019 were; Check, Please! by Ngozi Ukazu, Heartstopper by Alice Oseman, What If It’s Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera, Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman, Wayward Son by Rainbow Rowell, Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston, The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzie Lee, History is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera, Opposite of Always by Justin A. Reynolds.

I’m tagging: @thesexyllama @infinite-v0id

#book tags #booklr #bibliophile

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razieltwelve · 6 years

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I take that to mean he doesn’t like Luxa then? Good on him, he has good taste. Not that I don’t like Luxa, but I happen to like Illumina more and want to think it’s petty revenge on her behalf more than anything, heh.

Illumina and Luxa have known each other since they were children. That childhood bond is probably the only reason that Illumina hasn’t dispatched an elite cadre of assassins to murder Luxa yet.

And, yes, Illumina could call upon an elite cadre of assassins. Since she is the Supreme Administrator, she is also the overall supreme commander of the various Dia-Farron law-enforcement groups that try to keep some semblance of order amidst the chaos. She also has access to the Empire’s Special Law Enforcement Units that are dedicated to enforcing the law on especially powerful, troublesome, or otherwise dangerous individuals.

In practice, however, she usually just chases after Luxa and pummels her with paperwork or something. The coffee machine often regales her with stories of how there have been far more troublesome Dia-Farrons over the years with Luxa, particularly the ones with Lucky Fox, which makes them basically impossible to handle.

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bookishbloggerreviews · 6 years

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Obsidio and the Illuminae Series --An Honest Review

[Warning: I give an honest review that focuses not only on plot but on writing and character as well. As this is an opinion, you can take it as as seriously as you want, but understand that my goal is to review, not shame or praise the author.]

Finally, the conclusion to a stunning and (in my opinion it seriously needs one) award worthy series. Before I get into my review I want to thank the authors for providing this enchanting, one of a kind series as it certainly was worth the read and easily became a top favorite in my science fiction collection. I hope that they produce more content and I’m excited to see more from them in the future. Now onto the review.

As anyone who has read my reviews before know, I start reading books with a general expectation that the book will be 5/10. If the book is better or worse than expected, the score adjusts from there, but I guess this rating system is rather pointless when the book is a 10/10, or a 5/5 stars.

The ending of a series, I find, is such a difficult one for authors. Many of my favorite, and many popular series have endings that fans simply aren’t happy about and didn’t conclude “successfully” (I’m using this in the terms of a poorly thought out, or poorly planned ending), or were emotionally rewarding. (Ex: The Maze Runner, Divergent, Michael Vey, The Reign of Shadows, etc.) So when I say that this book has one of the most satisfying, well-ended, and peaceful, eased into endings that I’ve read, that should be one of the highest compliments the ending to a series can get.

As we already know, Kaufman and Kristoff can write well, produce excellent, relate-able characters, and make the story work together flawlessly, but once again, in Obsidio, they prove just how excellent books should be. So having covered the basics, lets get into the spoilers, shall we?

[WARNING: SPOILERS]

From this point on, everything I mention or include will probably have some spoilers laced through it. So if you have not read the previous two books, or have not read this one and are continuing to read this, just know that you’re ruining the ending for yourself.

Starting off I’d like to take a moment to address the AI, which is probably the most complex AI I’ve ever seen pulled off in a book, and even worthy to be compared to one of my all-time favorite characters from the Alien series, David.

Aidan is a true chaotic neutral in all of his loving glory, and we’ve seen that in the previous books but now we get to see what should be an almost characterless-character develop into a chaotic good. And not only is the character development well-paced, well-written, entertaining and charming, but it truly is development. Often times I see many writers claim their characters have changed or developed from the course of actions that have taken place in a series, when, in the end, they remain the same stubbornly attached or unchanged person that they were in the beginning. (Ex: Bella Swan.) It’s essentially the same principle of a character walking into a fire and coming out of it unscathed. But the authors have truly delivered this time.

With each book, Aidan gets “smaller”, as he refers to himself. In the beginning of the series he establishes himself somewhat as a god over his crew and considers it mercy when he attempts to kill them as peacefully as he can. However, as time passes and Aidan gets “smaller”, he changes from a very-god-like character to a very human and very mortal character, and seems to gain human emotion while he is at it until at the very end, Aidan literally sacrifices himself to keep Kady safe.

To have an AI become so human that it prizes the life of one human above all the others on a ship of many thousand is such a remarkable character ark that I am thrilled that I have gotten to be apart of it. But oh, the goodness and excellence of this book does not stop there.

Moving onto Kady we have yet another well-developed character ark and in many times of the book, we see Aidan described Kady as a ghost of the girl he once knew her as, or looking like she could literally just disappear. Which is, once again, astounding, to take a character that we would often define as hard-headed rebel-leader into such a small and quiet, obedient presence, that I just want to stamp an award on it. As I often find myself saying, characters don’t necessarily have to get better to have good character development. In fact, a neutrally or lawfully good character who turns to the dark to achieve their goals is far more interesting than an already chaotically good character becoming more chaotically good.

Now I wish I could say the same about Nick, Ezra, and Hannah, but in truth, their characters were more minor characters in the book so we didn’t see very much character development other than what we have already seen in previous books.

However, we were introduced to more side characters that also displayed excellent character development. Oshiro, Asha, and Ben, all followed the exact same patterns that I refer to. Oshiro from Lawful neutral to neutral good, Asha from Chaotic good to chaotic neutral, and Ben from Lawful good to chaotic evil. Once again, music to my character-loving ears and even worthy of Zuko level of good.

(May the king of character development forever reign.)

Moving on from character development to plot and writing style, everyone knows how incredibly done the writing style is so I guess plot will be the main focus here but the ability to take something so abstract and make it seem so real is another thing this series has up its sleeves. This series shows that a thousand and one things can go wrong with your plans. This series shows that sometimes you can’t just make it on what you have and sometimes you have to make sacrifices you’re not prepared to make. This series shows that even the most ordinary humans can play big parts into the plot. But most importantly, it shows that you don’t need magical dragons flying out every other chapter (Ex: Gilded) to make a book interesting. In fact, the human interaction and how they deal with stress and organize things is part of what makes this book so enjoyable because it is so realistic.

This book isn’t about a bunch of teenagers getting together at the last moment, disobeying orders to save a country. This book has support systems, rebellions, mutiny, organization, planning, and thorough detail. There are just as many adult characters in this book as there are teenagers, and they’re doing just as much to impact the series although they may be side characters.

And finally, moving onto romance... the romance in this series was not the highlight and I would not suggest this series or this book to someone if they expect romance. This book does not excel in romance and it’s not it’s theme either. And while I believe that the romance made about as much difference to the plot as it not-existing in the first place, it’s clear to show that this is first and foremost a science fiction series.

In fact, I believe that if romance had been the focus of the series, the romance would have been between Kady and Aidan, instead of Kady and Ezra, as those two characters grow together and are far more compatible than Kady and Ezra ever were. And if you want romance out of it, I suggest re-reading it believing that Aidan and Kady are the main love interests because that’s the only way you’re going to get the fullest and most fulfilled senses of love and connection out of that series.

But regardless, the book and the series overall was incredible. The book, a flawless 10/10, and the series, a solid 9/10.

If you have any siblings or family members who want to read but are dulled by paragraphs and words, I would highly suggest this book to them as it is a series I believe anyone can get invested in. Once again, I cannot wait to see what more this duo have in store for the writing community and if they will pair up and produce again. It was more than worth the money (as this series does cost a bit extra to get) but you certainly won’t be forgetting it anytime soon.

If you liked this review or this series, or care to agree or disagree, please leave it in the comments below. I am always happy for some book chatter on my blog and love to see fellow fans. Until the next review, your average bookish blogger out!

#the illuminae files #illuminae #book #books #bookreview #bookseries #booklover #bookstagram #bookworm #things to read #things i love #amazing #bookstoread #sohappy

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sayalibhokare · 3 years

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Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis Market Value Predicted to Hit Big Revenues in Future | Illumina Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.& Natera Inc.

In 2018, Europe led the preimplantation genetic diagnosis market in terms of revenue generated, owing to a larger use of IVF operations due to a significant number of late pregnancy instances. Furthermore, the European PGT market is bolstered by lax aneuploidy screening laws.

Illumina Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Natera, Inc., Bioarray S.L., Good Start Genetics, Inc., Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings; California Pacific Medical Center; Quest Diagnostics Incorporated; Reproductive Health Science Ltd.; CooperSurgical, Inc.; Genea Limited; IGENOMIX; Reproductive Genetic Innovations, LLC; F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG; and CombiMatr Inc. are some of the major players of preimplantation genetic diagnosis market.

read more @ https://bhaokresayali.blogspot.com/2021/08/preimplantation-genetic-diagnosis.html

#PreimplantationGenetiDiagnosisMarket #preimplantationgeneticdiagnosismarket size #preimplantationgeneticdiagnosismarketanalysis

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im-really-not-interesting-guys · 3 years

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02/06/21

– Today was quite good

– Spent about two hours in my bed watching asmr videos... it’s good for my mental health okay?!

– I read a bit of the Illuminae files, good book. I mean I’m super late for that wagon but who cares, I’m enjoying it

– Should I dye my hair?

– Writing songs at 2am is a great coping mechanism

– Played darts with my family

– My brother-in-law can’t really cope with losing games

– I won one game... I wasn’t looking at the target

– They let me choose the music, so maybe the music gods just liked my vibe and let me win this once

– I ate way too many brazilian nuts and now my tummy hurts... kind of specific, I know

#my day #diary #books #music #family

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supersteviegeekout · 4 years

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It isn't against the Law to be an idiot. - Clockwork Angel by @cassieclare1 ~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~ What is the last thing I need? Tote bags! What is the first thing I say when I see a tote bag from a fandom I love? OMG I need that! Do you have any bookish merchandise weaknesses? I'm a sucker for enamel pins and totes. They're so good for library runs, mall trips, and in general any time I don't want to carry a purse, but need my wallet (which stupidly doesn't fit in my girl pants pockets!) ~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~ #readersofinstagram #bookstagram #bookswelove #bookaholic #amazingseries #booklover #booklife #lainitaylor #strangethedreamer #museofnightmares #thehungergames #suzannecollins #jaykristoff #amiekaufman #illuminae #infernaldevices #cassandraclare #totebags #bookishmerch https://www.instagram.com/p/B6ZRayTnUBN/?igshid=10vwd6hhss60n

#readersofinstagram #bookstagram #bookswelove #bookaholic #amazingseries #booklover #booklife #lainitaylor #strangethedreamer #museofnightmares #thehungergames #suzannecollins #jaykristoff #amiekaufman #illuminae #infernaldevices #cassandraclare #totebags #bookishmerch

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kpopfanfictrash · 7 years

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Artificial Stars

Author: kpopfanfictrash

Pairing: You / Junmyeon (Suho)

Rating: 18+ (smut)

Word Count: 4,778

Summary: Far away in the sky city of Illumina, you’re set to be engaged to the heir of the Kim family business. A notion you firmly reject until you come to realize that things may be more than what they seem. (Enemies to Lovers!AU)

The glass walkway is see-through, enabling you to see all nine hundred and seventy-four stories down. Well, not all the way down – your eyes can’t see that far. Somewhere about a hundred stories lower, the view melds into swirls of darkness. The lights of the city looking like a second night, a distorted reflection of the sky above. This one is grimier though, made up of artificial streetlights and yellow apartment light.

You stand at the top of it all, champagne in hand as you stare down at the view. Illumina was one of the first sky cities, built in tendrils of buildings to reach for the stars. Most of your life has been spent off the ground, this way. Glass walkways spanning all buildings, carships traveling by airway.

If you stepped from this walkway, you’d find it freezing despite it being summer. That’s how you know you’re high in the atmosphere. Scanning the horizon, you notice there are barely any ships out. That’s to be expected, of course. Only high ranking citizens can afford carships, and nearly every citizen of such class is gathered in the room behind you.

Gathered for you. Gathered for him.

The bitterness of this thought makes you take another sip of champagne. Fizzy and sweet, it bursts on your tongue, a direct contrast to your emotions. You’ve dreaded this night for a while, for as long as you can remember. As the sole heiress to the largest trading company in the galaxy, you’re expected to marry well.

‘Marry well,’ meaning marry one person in particular: Kim Junmyeon. Heir to the second largest trading company and the most insufferable human being in the planets. The man is the sole object of your parents’ attention, along with being your soon-to-be betrothed.

Staring into your glass, you find yourself hating that word. Betrothed. That’s what tonight is, that’s why everyone is gathered. Tonight is the announcement of your engagement to Kim Junmyeon.

Unthinkingly, your hand tightens around the glass. Crystal biting painfully into your palm as you stare into your cup. You wonder if you squeezed it hard enough, would it break? If you start to bleed, would your parents let you leave?

The answer is no. If you bled, your parents would call for a med-bot. Instruct the cameras to stay on your good side so they don’t see the stitches. Staring at your own reflection in the window, you decide the effort is not worth the pain.

Tonight you’re dressed so elegantly, playing the very part your parents desire. The part of an heiress, in love with an heir. It’s against current consolidation laws for your parents to formally merge the two companies, which is why marriage is the logical option for linking your two families.

A sigh escapes as you stare at yourself, hair done so that only loose tendrils fall around your neck. Seed pearls interwoven throughout to create the illusion of a halo. The color of your dress is ivory, signifying innocence and chastity. Things which make you roll your eyes, since you are very clearly not.

Appearances are what matters though, especially tonight. No one cares what you think or want. It’s only what you represent, which to your parents is a bartering chip.

“Y/N?”

Your father pokes his head into your corridor. “It’s time to go,” he says, eyes softening taking you in. “You look lovely.”

You don’t respond, leveling your gaze. “Don’t make me do this.”

Stepping onto the walkway, your father shuts the door behind him. The noise of the party fades until it’s just the two of you staring out at the night. “It’s not so bad,” he sighs, stopping beside you. Staring out over the sea of electric lights.

You don’t respond to this.

“It’s as your mother says, this is merely a marriage of convenience. An unfortunate bend to an archaic law. You don’t have to live with him,” your father explains, facing you. “Don’t have to love him. You can be with whomever you want – just with this marriage on paper.”

Your fingers tighten around your champagne glass. “I’m supposed to pretend though, aren’t I? At least at first.”

Sighing, your father stares across the sea of buildings. “I’m so sorry about this, pumpkin.”

“Don’t call me that,” you mutter, turning away. “Just don’t.”

In the back of your mind, you know this isn’t the worst thing. Overall you’ve lived a very easy lifestyle. You never wanting for anything growing up and your parents do love you, they just don’t understand this growing concern of yours. Neither of them had say in who they married - it’s all business, they say.

“Let’s go,” you exhale. Facing the doors and waiting until your father takes your arm.

When you step forward, the lights are blinding. Flashes go off from every direction as your perfect photo opportunity presents itself. The two of you pause at the entrance and you adopt the smile that you always use. Mouth closed, lips lifted, head down. Stepping forward carefully to ensure you don’t stumble, don’t pause. Nodding genteelly at the crowd as your father leads you in.

The front of the room is just as bright, enough so you can’t see much. The cheers are loud though, and you feel when your champagne is gently taken from your palm. In its absence you wave, smiling your pasted-on smile that you loathe.

You feel, rather than see him approach.

“Hello.”

A quick glance tells you everything you need to know. Kim Junmyeon is still handsome, still devastating and still the ultimate representation of everything you hate about this world. His dark hair pushed back from his face, styled in a way to display his high cheekbones and expressive eyes.

He’s dressed in a tuxedo tonight, just another reminder of the impending nuptials. Taking your arm from your father, he turns the two of you to face the crowd. Junmyeon smiles the same, polite grin you do, waving with his unoccupied hand. “The least you can do is pretend to care,” he whispers from the corner of his mouth. “Your expression looks as though you’ve just eaten a lemon.”

Without allowing your smile to falter, you pinch him sharply in the side. “At least I don’t look constipated.”

Raising a brow, Junmyeon nods at a waving photographer. “Bold to say that without looking in the mirror first.”

Though your grip tightens on his arm you look away, no longer wanting to play. Somewhere off to the side, your father has begun to peak. He says something about family and duty, the wonderful bonds of love - all the while knowing it’s a lie.

He and your mother didn’t marry for love, which is why they don’t understand your current reticence to your engagement. It’s fairly old-fashioned these days to marry out of desire. Love, it seems, became unfashionable with the times.

Most people today marry for convenience, if at all. Which is why everyone around you thinks that this shouldn’t be a big deal. You won’t be expected to procreate, even – just insist on a birth certificate that the two of you did. At this though, your eyes flutter closed. A birth certificate. It’s slowly dawning on you that this is the end of your former life.

From now on, you’ll have certain expectations. You’ll be a wife, a bride, a mother. All this with Junmyeon for a husband. From somewhere behind you, your father announces your engagement. Raising his glass to applause as lightbulbs flash even brighter from the audience.

Junmyeon’s hand is surprisingly firm as his fingers intertwine with yours, gaze darkening as he glances sideways. “Y/N,” he murmurs, facing you. “It’s time for our dance.”

You nod, following him onto the dance floor. This is the time where you act as though everything is perfect. Junmyeon lifts your arms with his, beginning to dance. The two of you whirl about the floor, lost in a dazzling haze of lights and whispers.

Midway through the second song, you start to panic. Junmyeon is looking at you anxiously, as though he cares which only serves to remind that he doesn’t. His hand is low on your waist as you look down, upset by how gentle his touch is. This whole thing is fake, a sham. In reality Junmyeon doesn’t like you any more than you do.

The song comes to an end, the noise of the crowd washing over you in tinkling laughter and murmured cues. It blurs into one, incoherent mess that suddenly you can’t stand to be a part of. “Excuse me,” you breathe, tearing your hand free from Junmyeon’s grasp.

You pretend you’re going to the bathroom, smiling at all the right people as you exit the hall. Trying to slow your footsteps from a run so that no one realizes you’re exiting. When you reach the hall, you glance right and left. Scanning your surroundings before hurrying aimlessly down one corridor. Slipping into the closest room to slam the door shut.

The room you’ve chosen is dark, mostly unused. It looks as though it could have once been an office – furniture dots the space, though white sheets are draped over most of it to protect from dust. It gives the whole room a ghostly feel which suits your mood. Taking a step forward, you try not to disturb anything while you walk.

The wall opposite is floor to ceiling windows, providing an unfiltered view of Illumina outside. The lights of the city are the only source and as you stop before the window, your hand rises slowly to touch outdoors. You wonder if this is the last time you’ll your ring finger naked this way.

“Y/N?”

In the glass window, you see the door open behind you. The shape of Junmyeon framed by the hall outside. Without turning, you catch his gaze in the reflection. “What do you want?” you ask, voice dull.

Junmyeon steps inside, which surprises you. You would have thought the sight of you would be enough to make him want to leave. Instead you watch him come closer, stopping beside you to stare into the night.

“You don’t want to marry me.”

It’s not a question.

Feeling suddenly embarrassed, you look away. It’s occurring to you suddenly that you’re not the only one being forced into this. Junmyeon has never expressed interest in wanting to marry you, either. “No,” you agree. “I don’t.”

“Why not?”

You realize then that he’s holding two glasses of champagne, one of which he hands to you. The gesture forces you to look at him, and in his expression you see that Junmyeon’s gaze is heavy. You wonder why he even came to find you in the first place.

Not just that, but why he sounds so serious. Normally Junmyeon is the first to add a biting remark or comment. Normally he’s nothing but impatient, which is why you can’t stand him.

“Because.” Looking at him, you decide to take his question seriously. “I just don’t,” you say, taking a sip from the glass in your hand.

Shaking his head, Junmyeon stares out into the night. “That’s not an answer,” he says, sounding vaguely annoyed. “Why are you always so difficult?”

“Me?” Your mouth drops open. “You’ve been nothing but rude to me our entire lives. Hanging around, offering commentary I don’t ask for. Thinking you know what’s best for me. You’re ridiculous.”

Junmyeon continues to look unimpressed. “Maybe I do know what’s best for you,” he counters, cocking an eyebrow. “Maybe it’s you that’s always blundering, hopelessly naïve and I feel it’s my duty as your future husband to call you out on it.”

At this, you scowl. Barely restraining yourself from throwing the drink in his face. “I am not naïve.”

“Yes, you are.” Junmyeon says this simply, as though stating the obvious. “You are, since you believe in love.”

This statement steals whatever words you were about to say. You’re left staring at him, unsure of what to say.

Junmyeon seems amused by this. “Most people consider those who believe in love to be naïve.”

“Most people are wrong,” you huff, slamming your glass onto the table. You walk away, halting before the next panel of windows. You don’t know how Junmyeon realized, how he knows. Closing your eyes, you struggle to regain composure. Now that Junmyeon knows, you suppose there will be entire lifetime of taunting of this very fact.

When you open your eyes, you find Junmyeon staring back at you. The two of you have known each other your entire lives – what’s one more thing to tease you about. Junmyeon always tends to appear at the very worst times. Always when you’re in the middle of something embarrassing or awkward.

Like when you were dared to walk the rim of the glassway between Portim and Nar. Your foot caught halfway and you were almost sent careening off the edge before Junmyeon’s strong grip caught you. He’d climbed out after you and somehow managed to keep you from tumbling sideways. The next few months he spent reminding you of this, of course. Insisting you owed him a favor and that one day, he’d come to collect.

Or the time you decided to drink an entire bottle of your mother’s vintage, forgetting you had a ribbon-cutting ceremony to attend to that evening. Junmyeon was the one to notice then, too. He kept his arm around you the entire night, pinching the inside of your elbow to make sure you sobered up in time.

Or now. When you found the confines of the party too much and needed to escape – Junmyeon followed. Followed you and insists upon staying, not satisfied until you’re completely undone before him.

“It doesn’t matter what I think,” you exclaim, eyes blazing. “My parents made it clear that, regardless of what either you or I want, we’re to be married.”

Something in his gaze flickers. “Would it be so terrible,” Junmyeon asks, his voice low, “to be married to me, Y/N?”

His question throws you. It’s not like Junmyeon to be self-deprecating. “I – yes. Maybe,” you stutter, confused when he takes a step closer.

“What do you think love is?” His expression is serious, making you feel as though you don’t know how to respond.

“I... I don’t know,” you admit, turning away. He’s too close right now. Your pulse thuds at the distance, consumed by anger. “I suppose I’ll know it when I feel it.”

He laughs, the noise soft. “Will you?”

“Will you stop?” you snap, turning back to him. Blinking when you realize how close he is. “Stop questioning everything I say. Stop acting like you know better than me and stop appearing every time I’m sad, angry, upset.”

Junmyeon arches his brows. “Do you even hear yourself? Do you even listen to what you’re saying?” Setting his glass down, he cocks his head. “Why do you think I hate you, Y/N?”

“Because you do,” you say, automatically.

Except that as he’s looking at you, it doesn’t seem to be full of hate. His expression is angry, frustrated - but more sad than anything else. As though Junmyeon is waiting for you to say something, but knows you won’t.

Sighting, Junmyeon reaches up to push a hand through his hair. “I don’t,” he says, refusing to look away. “I don’t hate you at all, Y/N.”

His confession makes you blink. “I don’t… understand.”

Softly, he reaches out. His hand finds yours, fingertips sliding across your palm to send a warm shiver down your spine. Enemies shouldn’t be able to make you feel this way. Junmyeon looks up, watching your face with a curious expression.

“For years,” he confesses. “I’ve felt like both the luckiest and most cursed man in existence, Y/N. Luckiest because I get to marry you. Cursed, because you refuse to love me back.”

“Love you back?”

Maybe you’ve had too much champagne, since the room around you is spinning. The words Junmyeon says don’t make sense at all. He hates you, as much as you hate him - doesn’t he?

Junmyeon steps closer. His body is close, mere centimeters away. You feel the heat from his torso, feel the intensity his presence always brings. It’s strange, now that you think about it. Somehow you’re always able to tell when Junmyeon enters a room. Your gaze always turns, his eyes already on yours. The two of you have always had this connection – it was something you chalked up to animosity, loathing.

If you hated Junmyeon though, you wouldn’t be standing here listening to a single word that he’s said. You wouldn’t be staring at his hand, intertwined in yours. For that matter, your heart wouldn’t be beating quite this fast if you hated him.

Junmyeon stares back. He’s always been direct, alarmingly so. “I’ve been in love with you,” he admits, the words hesitant, “since before I understood the meaning of it.”

Your thoughts tumble, struggling to reconcile this man with your preconceived notion: Junmyeon, the man you’re supposed to marry. The one you never allowed yourself to consider as an option, since he was your only one.

He stares back now though, his dark eyes wide and fearful, and you find yourself struggling. Struggling to hang onto this idea of him because you’re slowly realizing that he’s not. His hand in yours is gentle, his touch hesitant and you find yourself leaning forward.

The pieces of your life start to shift. All his actions, all his words taking on a new significance as you reconsider things. Yes, Junmyeon has seen your embarrassing moments – seen all your scrapes and bruises because he’s been the one putting you back together. This realization crashes through you, changing everything as you look into his eyes.

“You love me,” you say, testing the words in your mouth.

Junmyeon nods. “Naïve, I know.”

You’re still staring at him, stuck with the horrible revelation that you pushed him away for so long. That you were so determined to find love you were able to overlook it before you. You ignored Junmyeon, berated him and – you squeeze your eyes shut.

“Kiss me,” you whisper, the words barely audible.

Junmyeon hears. “W-what?”

Opening your eyes, you look back at him. “Kiss –"

He crushes your lips to his.

Junmyeon’s hands push through your hair, lips soft and eager parting yours. He groans, tongue flicking out as his hand slides around your waist. The lines of his body are hard, rigid and you feel yourself melting forward. Softening against him in places you never thought you would.

When Junmyeon pulls away, he’s wide-eyed. “I’m sorry,” he breathes, still not removing his hands from your body. “I’m sorry, I just –"

You kiss him back. There’s fire in your veins, igniting you from inside out as you wonder why you didn’t realize this before. How could you not realize that all these strings drawing you to Junmyeon were of your own accord?

“Junmyeon,” you gasp. His lips are slightly reddened when he pulls away, hair mussed where you’re touched it. “Why didn’t you tell me before?”

“You hated me,” he explains, eyes insistent. “I didn’t think you’d believe,” he murmurs, hands exploring you through the panes of your dress.

You let him, amazed by the feel of his hands on you. Amazed that the sheer act of touching could make your skin tingle so, thoughts scramble. You’ve kissed other guys, done more than that with them. But nothing, no one has made you feel like this.

Junmyeon’s hand end at your face, thumb brushing your jaw to tilt your head up. He leans down, pressing his lips to your throat. Traveling upwards in a way that implies he has all the time in the world – which, maybe you do. Maybe this is what it would be like to be married to Junmyeon. The thought makes you shiver, not unpleasantly.

After finding your jaw, Junmyeon moves to your lips. Kissing tenderly, sweetly before opening your mouth and allowing his tongue inside. Junmyeon’s hands are in your hair, brushing back tendrils. A pearl clatters to the floor and you let it, unconcerned as he backs you against the window. The glass of it smooth, cold as the length of his body presses even closer. Junmyeon curves over you, touching to draw moans from your lips.

Not that he seems to be doing much better. Junmyeon’s touch is shaky on your body, hands fluttering to find purchase in every inch of bare inch he can. When his fingers slide beneath the straps of your dress, you inhale sharply.

“Yes,” you answer, when he looks at you.

Without daring to look away, Junmyeon slowly pushes your dress from your torso. There was no room for a bra tonight, so this simple act of removal bares your chest entirely.

Junmyeon looks pained, almost in awe as he stares. “Beautiful,” he murmurs, pressing lips to your neck. He moves downward, finding first one breast, then the other. Playing gently until you’re whimpering beneath his touch. Kneading your nipple with one hand while tongue flicking expertly against the other.

You gasp, hardly able to stand upright. Angrily, you tug on his jacket at his shoulders. “Take this off,” you say, frowning when he chuckles. “It’s not fair.”

Junmyeon raises his eyebrows but obeys, sliding his tuxedo from his shoulders and dropping it on the floor. His bow tie is next, which he removes to set on the table next to the champagne. His shirt is undone one button at a time, until his chest is revealed and you groan - he’s gorgeous. Perfectly toned and muscular, your hand moves with a mind of it’s own running down his chest.

His breath quickens at your touch, watching your hand drift lower and lower. You pause right before his pants. “Junmyeon,” you say. His gaze meets yours. “Junmyeon, take these off.”

His lips part, hardly daring to believe it’s real when you flick open the first button. Your hands push his slacks to his ankles, leaving him standing there in plain, black briefs. His dress shirt is open, bulge painfully obvious through his shorts and still watching, you push your own dress the rest of the way off.

Junmyeon’s eyes narrow. With a growl of frustration, he scoops you into his arms. Bending to lift you against him and walking towards the a desk still covered in sheets. When he sets you down, he pauses, hair falling into his eyes as he looks at you.

Unable to stop, Junmyeon kisses you again. His lips are eager, pulling your body to wrap your nakedness around him. Gently, he caresses your thighs, trailing your back, tracing the curves of your lower body.

When you find yourself unable to think he pulls away, dropping so that all you see is the dark outline of his hair. “Junmyeon?” you query, confused until, “Ah!”

He spreads your legs, licking a path over your sex. Junmyeon pushes you open, teasing with lips and tongue as you arch your hips upwards. His mouth is hot, succinct and each stroke brings you closer and closer to release.

You lean back, head finding the desk as he continues his work. One finger slides in with utmost slowness, curving softly against a point which makes you tremble. “Junmyeon!” you cry, clapping a hand over your mouth.

Junmyeon doesn’t seem to care if you’re heard though, finger pulling back out to push into you again. Mimicking what could be as the sensations sweep through you. Tightening your insides until they release in a mind-numbing wave, your very first orgasm by a man.

“Oh,” you moan, unable to find anything more coherent than that.

Junmyeon chuckles, dropping kisses up your stomach as he pulls you into him. “Enjoyable?” he asks, grin wicked.

“What makes you think you’re done?” you whisper, a small smile overtaking your face.

Junmyeon’s expression falters when your hand touches his body. Moving over him to feel his hardness beneath your palm. He takes a deep, shuddering breath and stares back. “I’m not done,” he confesses, eyes dark. “Not with you. Not now. Not ever.”

Kissing you gently, he wraps your leg around his waist. As you push his shirt from his chest, you allow the fabric to drop onto the floor. For this you want to feel him fully, have him entirely. When Junmyeon is naked before you, it’s slightly alarming. Alarming you didn’t even realize the full effect he had on you before.

Looking at him hurts. He’s so beautiful that it hurts. Remembering all those times he came to your rescue, you realize how foolish you’ve been. How could you have ever thought it was desire for your embarrassment which made him act so? You were an idiot, but the way he looks at you now gives you hope it’s not too late.

Junmyeon has a condom in his pocket, something he blushingly explains as in case of emergencies – which makes you laugh. “Sex emergencies?” you tease, watching his eyes darken.

“Something like that,” Junmyeon murmurs, dropping his lips to the spot between your neck and collarbone, driving all thoughts of laughter away.

“Oh,” you groan, arching upwards. “Junmyeon.”

“That drives me crazy,” he exhales. “When you say my name like that.”

“Junmyeon,” you repeat, wickedly rolling the condom onto him. Savoring the feel of his hardness, sliding your hands over his shaft and tip. His expression tightens as he groans, tipping his head back.

“That’s it,” he murmurs, pulling your hips to his. “Enough teasing.” Junmyeon lines himself up at your entrance, watching your face as he sinks into you.

His expression changes when he enters. Desire evolving to something more, something almost awe-like as he buries inside you. Junmyeon pushes himself forward inch by inch, filling you until there’s no room left. Once he’s there, deep inside you, you shudder.

“Junmyeon,” you murmur, kissing his neck. “You’re so…”

He nods, the movement nudging your body. “You are.”

Another shift draws a moan from your throat. You can’t help the noise you make when Junmyeon pulls back, rocking into you with an insistence that makes you clutch tighter. Hanging on while his hips set a punishing rhythm, deep and hard against your g-spot. Hitting your walls again and again as you groan.

You’re still sensitive from your earlier orgasm, but somehow start to build again. Which is good, considering the expression of sheer bliss on Junmyeon’s face. “God,” he whispers, lips finding yours in a series of heated kisses. “You feel so good.”

His hand slips beneath your hips, lifting you higher. The motion drives him deeper and he thrusts harder. You let go entirely, falling back and letting him drive, following his motions as he careens towards the edge. Junmyeon’s hand finds that place between your legs still wet from earlier and when he slides over your sex, you fall apart. Gasping his name as your second orgasm shudders though you.

You don’t know if your eyes are closed or not, but when you finally manage to see him again, he’s smiling down at you. Spent from his own orgasm, Junmyeon’s lips find yours in a kiss so sweet you have difficulty believing this is the same man from earlier. You wouldn’t have thought this possible, earlier tonight.

Junmyeon smiles, pulling back to stare. You trace over his jawline, sliding your hand into his hair. “Wow,” you say, still in disbelief.

Junmyeon’s gaze is bright, though this turns to concern. “Y/N.” Worry clouds his gaze. “I want to say that I don’t expect anything. This was amazing, but,” he pauses, shaking his head. “It was more than that. This was the single best thing that’s ever happened but if you don’t feel the same -”

“Shut up,” you murmur, snuggling into him. Feeling his arms wrap around you. “I’ll admit, this is inconvenient. It’s going to make my parents stupidly happy when I tell them I agree for once.”

The movement of Junmyeon’s laughter shakes your frame. “True,” he muses. “Why give them the satisfaction? Let’s hold out a little longer, give this hatred thing another shot. I’ll be sad if you don’t punch me at least once tonight.”

“Hm.” Pretending to think, you smile when he lifts your face to his. “That might be hard,” you sigh, voice softening. “I’ve spent so long pretending not to love you and now that I realize, I don’t think I can go back to the way things were.”

Junmyeon inhales, voice catching. “Really?”

“I love you, Junmyeon. I –"

Your next words are cut off by him kissing you.

Author’s Note: Why. I try to write a simple one shot and it becomes a futuristic marriage arrangement set inside a city of lights. LOL I am sorry this was so long, but I hope you enjoyed! HAPPY FIVE YEARS OF EXO! 💕

#kWriters burning up #kWritersNet #suho smut #junmyeon smut #exo smut #suho fic #suho fanfic #suho au #suho fanfiction #suho fantasy #junmyeon fic #junmyeon fanfic #junmyeon fanfiction #junmyeon au #q: junmyeon tag

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riskhedge · 5 years

Text

How to Get Rich from Exponential Growth

Have you heard the story of the brilliant guy who invented chess?

Legend has it he took the game to the emperor of what is now India. The emperor was so impressed that he told the inventor to name his reward.

The inventor made what sounded like a humble request.

He asked for one grain of rice for the first square of the chess board, two for the second square, four for the next, and so on, for all 64 squares.

The emperor agreed. It seemed like a small price to pay for a brilliant invention.

After 10 squares, the emperor had given the inventor just 1,000 grains of rice. That’s about half an ounce.

After 20 squares, the emperor had given out about 1 million grains. Which is 35 pounds or so—enough to serve 140 adults.

After 30 squares, the inventor was entitled to about 1 billion grains.

After 32 squares—the first half of the chessboard—the total was up to about 4.3 billion. It finally dawned on the emperor where this was headed.

On the second half of the chessboard, growth really takes off.

After 40 squares, the inventor would get over 1 trillion grains.

After 50 you’re over 1 quadrillion. And at square 64, you’re at about 18.4 quintillion grains of rice.

That’s an insanely huge number, enough to cover all of India in a meter-thick layer of rice. All that rice would be worth about $1.96 trillion in today’s money.

Humans Don’t Understand Exponential Growth

The brilliant futurist Ray Kurzweil coined the term “the second half of the chessboard” in 1999.

He used it to illustrate the incredible, almost unbelievable power of exponential growth.

At RiskHedge’s American Disruption Summit, legendary investor Mark Yusko made a great observation.

He said humans tend to be pretty good at linear math, as in 2 + 2 + 2 = 6. But we’re bad at comprehending exponential math.

Most folks don’t really “get” what it means when something doubles 64 times. They don’t understand the true magnitude of exponential growth.

It’s happening right under our noses, though.

Exponential Growth Sneaks Up on You—Then Explodes

Technology has been improving exponentially for more than 50 years.

Have you heard of Moore’s Law? Named after Intel founder Gordon Moore, it observes that computing power doubles roughly every 18 months.

Moore’s Law has held true for more than half a century. For the past 57 years, computing power has doubled about every 18 months.

That’s 38 doublings. Which means that we’re now living on the second half of the chessboard.

A funny thing about exponential growth is it sneaks up on you.

In the early stages, you barely notice four grains of rice doubling to eight—or 32 grains doubling to 64. Likewise, a computer built in 1991 wasn’t much more powerful than one built in 1990.

But over time, the gains quietly accumulate. When you get to “the second half of the chessboard,” where we are now, progress hits a ramp and goes vertical.

Growth accelerates at a speed much faster than most folks believe is possible. Here’s how exponential growth looks on a chart:

And it’s not just computing power that’s growing exponentially.

In 1968, you could buy one transistor for $1.

Today you can buy 10 billion transistors for $1. And they’re better, smaller, and faster than ever.

This is why the smartphone in your pocket is millions of times more powerful than the computers NASA used to send men to the moon in 1969.

But you can buy 24,000 new iPhones for the price of just one of those NASA computer.

Exponential growth is in biology, too.

The Human Genome Project took more than 10 years and about $3 billion to map the first human genome. Today, we can map a person’s DNA in one day for about $1,000. Soon, it will take minutes and cost only $100.

How Do We Make Money from Exponential Growth?

You might be thinking: That’s great, Stephen, but how do we make money from this?

Take a look at the stock chart of DNA-mapper Illumina (ILMN) just below:

This company is the driving force behind the plunge in DNA mapping costs. It has handed early investors 20,000%+ gains and counting.

Notice its chart looks a lot like the exponential growth chart above. Illumina stock achieved small gains in the early stages. Soon these gains would turn into life-changing profits, thanks to exponential growth.

Or consider Cisco (CSCO).

The company piggybacked on one of the most disruptive trends in history—the internet. It provided networking tools that made the internet rollout possible.

Early investors were rewarded with exponential gains:

For perspective, an investment of $1,000 turned into almost a million dollars.

Notice the exponential pattern?

On the Second Half of the Chessboard

In just the last few years, humans have invented computers that think, built cars that drive themselves, developed cures for some cancers, and figured out how to produce energy efficiently without burning a trace of fossil fuel.

Just imagine what’s coming next as we zoom up the vertical part of the curve.

Remember, we stand “on the second half of the chessboard”. Exponential progress has opened a whole new world of investment opportunities for us.

Hands down, I see more opportunities to make big gains in exponentially growing stocks today than at any time in my 15-year investing career.

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