Sofiya Baronova

[yin]

Sofiya was born in 1857 near Novgorod; a rural Russian village. Sofiya grew up as the eldest daughter of a hardworking mother and a gambling-addicted father. Her childhood was marked by the struggles of living in a troubled home, as her father’s reckless habits left the family struggling to make ends meet. At far too young an age, Sofiya became the caretaker of her younger sister, Elisaveta. While her mother toiled to repay the debts and keep the family afloat, she managed the household with a sharp tongue, an iron fist and determination to give her sister the best life she was able. Despite the hardships of their early years, there was always one place of warmth in their home; the kitchen. Sofiya’s mother had a gift for baking, even when food was scarce, and Sofiya was a quick study. It became her way of showing affection, when words often failed her. 

By the time she was old enough to be considered a woman of her own; her father had disappeared entirely, abandoning his ill wife and two daughters with mounting debts. Shortly after this,  in 1881, her mother, worn down by years of overwork and stress, succumbed to tuberculosis. After running herself ragged trying to catch up with the debts, she and Elisaveta made the decision to flee the country.

They traveled to St. Petersburg, a port city where they could disappear into the crowds. With meager rations they snuck aboard a cargo ship heading to Germany. The conditions were harsh, the air was stifling, and the risk of discovery was a constant thought. From there, the journey continued across Europe. By the time they reached France, they were ready to risk another chance on a steamship bound for New York City. This time, they endured the grueling Atlantic crossing as stowaways, hidden in the lower decks. Through a network of fellow Russian immigrants, they learned of opportunities in the Midwest, where ranch work promised better opportunities.

Noticeable Traits:

• Has a resting bitch face that can scare off most, but it softens when talking to Elisaveta or trusted friends.
• It's rare that she'd smile, genuinely. 
• Her English is poor, often hard to understand due to her accent.
• Can drink most men under the table and has no problem proving it.
• Doesn’t trust easily, but once she does, she’s ride-or-die loyal.
• Fiercely protective of Elisaveta.
• If she trusts you, you’ll know; because she’ll feed you.

 

[panch]