#c: sofiya

[f1-chaos]

I’m trying to put together a playlist of songs Oscar mentioned or used in his social media posts. It’s far from complete, let me know songs I should add (and their source please ☺️)

Updated: 08/July

HOUSENOF LUX - DannyLux (Instagram, TikTok, 8/Jul)

Devotion - Lance Savali (Instagram, 03/Jul)

Sunsleeper - Barry Can’t Swim (Instagram, TikTok, 30/Jun)

Bancroft - Lemtom (TikTok, 26/Jun)

Still Ridin - Barry Can’t Swim (Instagram, 25/Jun)

Eatin’ Good - Woodcamp (Instagram, 21/Jun)

Swimming Places (Jerome Sydenham Remix) - Julien Jabre (Instagram, 19/JUN)

Cops & Robbers - Sammy Virji, Skepta (Instagram, TikTok, 17/JUN)

Call You Back - Josh Butler, Bontan (Instagram, TikTok, 04/JUN)

Back to Reality - RMS (Instagram, TikTok, 02/JUN)

Like I Like It - Mau P (Instagram, 01/JUN)

Da Funk - Mochakk, Joni (Instagram, TikTok, 31/MAY)

The Process Is The Good Part - geods sorèd (Instagram, 26/MAY)

Pushing On - Oliver $, Jimi Jules, TikTok, 26/MAY)

Eyes Without a Face - Billy Idol (Instagram, TikTok, 21/MAY)

Always - JAYC (TikTok, 17/MAY)

Euphoria - Claptone (Instagram, 17/MAY)

Clothouse - Hector CT (TikTok, 15/MAY)

Move Your Body (Future House) - Tchami (TikTok, 06/MAY)

No Bad Vibes - Jazzy, KILIMANJARO (Instagram, 06/MAY)

Oh Honey - Angelo Ferreri (Instagram, 05/MAY)

Back in the Dance - Darius Syrossian (TikTok, 05/May)

Like This - ZARG (Instagram, TikTok, 05/MAY)

So Good - NOSI (Instagram, TikTok, 28/APR) note: it’s the song in the background of the video, not soundtrack

CALMNESS - MVTRIIIX, Kingpin Skinny Pimp (Instagram, TikTok 26/APR)

Shapes (Oh Will) - Sammy Virji (TikTok, 22/APR)

Nostalgia - Sammy Virji, Issey Cross (Instagram, 21/APR)

Stay - FISHER (Instagram, TikTok, 20/APR)

What Does It Take - Cody Wong (TikTok, 14/APR)

Racing Green (Disrupta Remix) - High Contrast (Instagram, TikTok 13/APR)

Rally House - valtis (Instagram, TikTok, 12/APR)

GLUE (DnB) - VULTURE$ (Instagram, TikTok, 11/APR)

Automatic - Silva Bumpa (Instagram, 9/APR)

Rave Out - Turno, Skepsis, Charlotte Plank (Instagram, TikTok, 7/APR)

The Final Countdown - Europe (Oscar’s pick for karaoke song, YouTube, Which Driver Has The Best Karaoke Pick? on F1 channel, 02/APR)

Wacuka - AVAION, Sofiya Nzau (Instagram, TikTok, 24/MAR)

LETS GO - Lykia (Instagram, TikTok, 23/MAR)

Find My Way Home - Sammy Virji (Instagram, 17/MAR)

Ventriloquist - Chris Gresswelll (Instagram, TikTok, 6/MAR) Note: also recommended in the 3/MAR video

Big Dawgs - Hanumankind, Kalmi (Instagram, TikTok, 22/JAN)

Baiana (Sped Up) - Bakermat (TikTok, 17/MAR)

I Guess We’re Not The Same - Sammy Virji (TikTok, 3/MAR)

Not Like Us - Kendrick Lamar (Instagram, TikTok, 13/FEB)

Chihiro - Gravagerz (TikTok, 31/JAN)

Real Love - Retrowaves (TikTok, 24/JAN)

The Days (NOTION Remix) - Chrystal (TikTok, 19/JAN) Note: also recommended in the 3/MAR video

Who Loves The Sun - Jo. Ke (TikTok, 13/JAN and 29/JUL)

It’s That Time (FISHER remix) - Marlon Hoffstadt (TikTok, 16/DEC)

Peach - salute, Sammy Virji (TikTok, 10/DEC)

Let Go - Duskus (TikTok, 02/DEC)

If U Need It - Sammy Virji (TikTok, 25/NOV)

Somedays - Sonny Fodera, Jazzy, D.O.D (TikTok, 05/NOV)

Thunderstruck - AC/DC (TikTok, 22/OCT)

Way Down We Go - KALEO (TikTok, 06/OCT)

Let It Happen - Matt Frank & The Manic Moon (TikTok, 24/SEP)

Safe and Sound - Capital Cities (TikTok, 17/SEP) Note: version used was “slowed + reverb”

I Follow Rivers - Lykke Li (TikTok, 18/AUG)

Praise Jah In The Moonlight - YG Marley (TikTok, 25/MAY)

Greedy - Tate McRae (TikTok, 22/MAY)

M to the B - Millie B (TikTok, 28/APR)

Bring It Back - Sosa (UK) (TikTok, 18/APR)

Check Da Method - SonoTWS (TikTok, 16/APR)

Lose Yourself - Eminem (Oscar’s hype song, Ride along with Robert and Oscar - Prema Youtube, 21/OCT 2021)

Streetside - Bru C, Bou (Oscar’s song to fall asleep?, other hype song, Ride along with Robert and Oscar - Prema Youtube, 21/OCT 2021)

Don’t Worry Be Happy - Bobby McFerrin (Oscar’s song for a happy moment, Ride along with Robert and Oscar - Prema Youtube, 21/OCT 2021)

Tri Poloski - Davay (Oscar’s song for sleeping, Ride along with Robert and Oscar - Prema Youtube, 21/OCT 2021)

[cultivating-wildflowers]

2024 Reading - March

By now it is clear that I will not achieve my arbitrary goal of reading 100 books this year, and that's fine. My overall progress so far is what I really care about. I am confronting my TBR, I've already read a good number of nonfics, and for the most part my reading has been enjoyable.

While I do have some large books coming up on my list, I am hoping to set aside a little time in April to get to a couple of anticipated rereads (finally) because I'm starting to crave a change of pace into something more familiar.

Total books: 4  |  New reads: 4   |   2024 TBR completed: 5 (2 DNF) / 9/36 total   |   2024 Reading Goal: 11/100

February | April

potential reading list from March 1st

#1 - Dorothy and Jack: The Transforming Friendship of Dorothy L. Sayers and C. S. Lewis by Gina Dalfonzo - 4/5 stars (audio)

After the whole Thing with The Mutual Admiration Society, I went into this book with no small amount of trepidation.

I was immediately put at ease.

This was a surprisingly cozy little book that accomplished what it set out to do. It wasn't horribly deep, but it was thorough and heartwarming. And I found myself cheering when I discovered that Sayers and I apparently have the same opinions about a certain aspect of Paradise Lost, so that was fun.

It does lose a star for spending what felt like too long on the Charles Williams scandal. I think the writer was trying to make a point but I'm a bit lost on what it was.

Notes: 1) Do not get the audiobook if you are at all put off by poor pronunciation and enunciation. The narrator couldn't even say "Pevensie" correctly. 2) I have to be objective, since I kicked up such a stink with the last Sayers-adjacent nonfic I tried, and say there is a bit of bias to this one, with the writer coming from an Evangelical background. It's not overpowering but I would say it informs Dalfonzo's approach. (Which...is how writing works. Whatever.)

#2 - Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik - 5/5 stars ('24 TBR)

"There are men who are wolves inside, and want to eat up other people to fill their bellies. That it what was in your house with you, all your life. But here you are with your brothers, and you are not eaten up, and there is not a wolf inside you. You have fed each other, and you kept the wolf away. That is all we can do for each other in the world, to keep the wolf away."

I haven't had much luck with Novik in the past. I read Uprooted probably six years ago and remember it struck me as kind of bland and disjointed. When A Deadly Education was released I picked it up, excited by the premise, but didn't make it through the first chapter. I was starting to think Novik's style just wasn't for me.

Then while chatting with Elsabet (@eddis-not-eeddis), she mentioned how much she loves Spinning Silver and urged me to give it a try, so here we are.

Friends.

I did in fact enjoy it quite a lot.

The standout aspect for me is how Novik writes relationships. Any kind of relationship. Even the little ones that barely get a paragraph's mention. And then we get to see how those relationships build bonds, build links, make their own kind of magic, and I'm sold. This is how you flesh out characters. And this is how you make me care about them and connect with them.

Novik still has a very distinct style that sometimes trips me up, but it works.

(side note: I always forget Novik helped found AO3, and every time I'm reminded I go "oh yeah! good for her!)

More like this: "The Bear and the Nightingale" by Katherine Arden; "Anya and the Dragon" by Sofiya Pasternack (middle grade but the same sort of vibes); "Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow" by Jessica Day George.

#3 - A Natural History of Dragons by Marie Brennan - 4/5 stars ('24 TBR, audio)

Fantastically written, well-paced, with an engaging narrative and a solid cast of characters. However, it works well as a stand-alone and I’m not sure whether or not I’ll continue the series. There was something in it that was lacking for me personally. I would definitely recommend it, though!

More like this: the Emily Wilde series; the Frontier Magic trilogy by Patricia C. Wrede.

#4 - South With the Sun: Roald Amundsen, His Polar Explorations, and the Quest for Discovery by Lynne Cox - 3/5 stars ('24 TBR)

If you’re looking for a book that's strictly about Roald Amundsen, don't start here. This book is half a general history of 19th century polar exploration leading up to Roald Amundsen; and half a recounting of some of Lynne Cox’s swimming accomplishments, which were largely inspired by Amundsen's work and travels.

I also wouldn't recommend this as a starting-off point for people who aren't familiar with the details of Lynne's story, since she ties so much of that into Amundsen's story.

Overall, it was a decent enough read. Lynne's passion and enthusiasm are plain all throughout the story, but her writing voice is lacking and parts of the book--especially those focusing on Amundsen's various expeditions--were clumsily written and difficult to follow. Amundsen finally crossing the North Pole received a grand total of one paragraph and was so unclear that I had to read it twice and then google the details of the endeavor to understand the significance of the dates listed. The last hundred pages are a proper muddle.

DNF

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern ('24 TBR) - Another book that was strongly recommended by a tumblr mutual! I wanted to like this one, and not just for Jules's sake. I gave it about 15% but it wasn’t clicking and I kept getting lost. Some reviews say the first part is rough, so maybe I’ll give this another try later. Don’t hate me, Jules 😅.

A Boy and His Dog at the End of the World by C.A. Fletcher ('24 TBR) - I will not apologize for not finishing this one. I'm straight-up ticked off.

The story started out strong (despite me being pathetic and having to really power through the stressful parts). It set a good pace AND the story was straight-forward and compelling. The first red flag was the writing style because my. stars. Did we have to get ominous, melodramatic, foreshadow-y asides practically every single chapter? Could be my fresh-from-DNFing self talking, but the whole voice came off as pretentious trying for profound. [Edit from after browsing 1- and 2-star reviews: it's not just me.]

I decided to put up with it because I honestly did want to know how the story would end. But it just dragged on and on with no direction. Stuff just...happened. And I got bored.

So I looked up reviews. And found spoilers. And rage-skimmed the last few chapters.

Friends. If you can get to the half-way mark in the story you're telling without even a hint of setting up for a stunt like that ending, you're doing it wrong.

Don't read this book. It's dumb.

Currently Reading:

Recorder by Cathy McCrumb (reread)

[crownsofesha]

~ The Wikipedia Page of Tsarina Sofiya Feodorovna ~

A big thank you to @lucky-content for the wikipedia template. I don't know how I would do this without it.

HQ Wikipedia version here

HQ versions of the photos under the cut (and apart of the wikipedia article I wrote that got cut off, and its my favorite part)

"Sofiya and Empress Odetta of Islavaria were friends since the marriage of Empress Odetta to Emperor Alexander II. “Sofiya knew what she wanted and no matter how difficult or impossible it was in theory, she would get it suprising everyone,” Odetta wrote in her personal diary. Sofiya and the Empress were the start of the Six Queens Alliance, bringing in their own allies to this meeting. Sofiya and Odetta long time friends, even in their old age, despite their age difference of sixteen years. “Odetta, my dependable friend. She was always there to lift me up and support me in my work whenever I needed. She was strong, and wanted to be for her loved ones. Her legacy is strong and I look forward to seeing what comes in honor of her,” Sofiya wrote after the funeral of Odetta in c 1856."

[steponmeinejghafa]

Little Crow Pt. 4

Summary: What started as a good day goes south to the point where you display "concerning" behavious on the playground, which leads your principal to call your parents to school.

Your age: 10

Six of Crows x fem!child!reader

Note: Pretend Pekka still lives in Ketterdam, and never moved far far away.

Taglist: @winstonthecow22 , @ell0ra-br3kk3r , @trashmouthsahra , @myheartfollower

Warnings: Blood, mentions of sharp objects, prejudices, fighting, yelling, arguments

---

You sat at the breakfast table with Wylan, who was helping you with your math homework a little bit last-minute. While he taught you how to multiply decimals, you wolfed down your toast and eggs which Nina made for you.

"So, you think of the times tables while you do these, okay?" Wylan explained, when Kaz emerged out of nowhere.

"Come on, little crow," he said. "Or you'll be late."

You hastily put your math in your bag, gave Wylan a big hug and a 'thank you', before bidding everyone goodbye and following your father out.

"Papa, guess what?" You asked excitedly while he sat in the carriage beside you.

"What, little crow?" He asked, not bothering to feign any interest as you both stepped out of the carriage, with him holding your hand as you crossed the street.

"I might get top marks in my tests this week!" You grinned. "Uncle Wylan helped me with my Math and a bit of Science, and Auntie Nej did Social Studies with me, and Auntie Nina did the rest of Science! I'm super confident in class and no one, not even Sofiya Reznik could answer the questions the teacher asked us!"

"Reznik is the girl who's father is a professor, isn't it?" He asked. "I'm proud of you, Y/n."

"I need to go now, Papa," you said, nodding at his hand which was clutching yours tightly.

"Alright," he sighed. "But remember: never start a fight, always be the one to finish it, and please stay far away from Alby Rollins. I don't need Pekka breathing down my neck if you hurt the boy."

"I'm making no promises," you grinned and leaned against his side a little. "I've got this."

"Have a good day, little crow," he smiled slightly, letting go of you. Excited, you skipped in past the gates, running to greet your friends.

Kaz's skin prickled as he saw the children bustling about in the schoolyard. Almost all of them were mercher's children, and he knew they lived on the far richer side of Ketterdam.

Shaking off the feeling, he walked away, back into the carriage.

Your day commenced as it normally would. However, recess was the one part which caused your happy mood to sour.

You ran with everyone else on the playground, laughing as you all played tag. You'd been tagged, and chased relentlessly after a random kid from the other fourth-grade class.

You clapped him on his back and turned around swiftly, but you slammed bodily into Alby Rollins, Pekka Rollins' spoiled, rotten little boy.

"Sorry about that, Rollins!" You apologised hastily and tried swerving around him.

He shoved your shoulder and scowled, "Watch where you're going, Barrel trash."

You'd been called many names before, but that particular one struck your dignity hard.

Your hands clenched into fists at your sides as your e/c eyes blazed. "You take that back, Rollins."

He hit you on the shoulder, "Or what, slum rat?"

You noticed a sharp rock at your feet and picked it up, baring it at him. "Or I'll cut you."

His piggy eyes went wide, but he still held himself confidently. He kicked you on the back of your knees, causing you to tumble down onto the dusty ground. The stone in your hand cut a deep gash across your palm, but you didn't care.

"You'll cut me?" He scoffed, kicking you in the ribs. "You'll cut me? I don't think so, scum. Don't even belong here with us non-slum dwellers, do you?"

"I belong here just as you all do," you spat, trying to stand up, but he kicked you hard in the ribs again. You wheezed and collapsed again, arm clutching your abdomen.

"Think you're equal 'cause your Da owns a club?" He scoffed. "Kaz Brekker don't got nothing on Pekka Rollins."

But before he could even draw his leg back for another kick, you regained your posture and swung a fist at his nose with as much strength as your 10-year-old body would allow.

An audible 'crack' came from where your fist connected with his face, and he clutched at his jaw which you'd hit. The hit was cushioned by his round cheeks, but you weren't any older than him nor were your knuckles conditioned enough to handle a direct hit, and your fist pulsed with pain.

"You filthy Barrel rat!" He screamed, and knocked you down as he tackled you, his pudgy body weighing your down significantly. He threw punch after punch at your face and body, while you tried freeing your arms pinned under his knees. Around you, kids chanted 'fight, fight, fight!'

Of course no one was going to help. Your face was bleeding, and you could barely feel it anymore as he beat you bruised and bloody. Tears streamed down your face as you pleaded for him to stop. He didn't cease his relentless hitting, and no one dared touch Pekka Rollins' son anyway, so why would they attempt to now? You prayed desperately that someone went to get a teacher, and ignored every single insult he hurled your way. Regardless, a white-hot anger coursed through you, making you struggle harder.

You got an arm free from under him and caught his collar, before pulling him to the side hard enough to get him off one side of you. Wiggling out, you wiped a hand across your mouth for it to come down red with blood. Angry like a bull, you charged at him, fists swinging at his pudgy body as you hit and kicked every place you could reach. The other kids tried holding you back, but nothing would stop you from taking revenge for all he did to you.

"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF ALL THIS?" Exclaimed a teacher. Beside her stood Sofiya Reznik, looking worried for you.

"Miss!" Wailed Alby pathetically while you wiped the steadily drying blood from your knuckles. Dragging your sleeve over your face, you wiped off whatever blood you could, and had only just been able to think rationally and clearly, when another teacher seized you by the elbow and dragged you inside. It gave you some satisfaction to see that Alby was also being dragged with you equally harshly. Clearly these teachers weren't scared of Rollins the way the others were.

"I need some context on what happened," sighed the teacher who'd grabbed you, while you sat on a cot in the nurse's office, Alby opposite to you and mewling pathetically to the nurse and teacher.

You allowed the young man to start dabbing away at the blood on your face and replied, "He called me Barrel trash just because I bumped into him, accidentally. I apologised, but then he had to escalate it."

"...and then the shameless Barrel girl punched me!" You heard Alby bleat, while the nurse and teacher looked thoroughly done with is antics.

"It's on him cause he started it," you sighed, holding an ice pack to your eye, which was starting to bruise over. "He shouldn't have hit me."

"I didn't lay a hand on you!" He protested, but the teachers saw right through him.

"Silence, shevrati," you snapped, using the Suli insult you often heard Inej say. "That's what you are, anyway. A know-nothing."

"Kids, enough," the second teacher intervened. She glared at Alby, "And quit your incessant bleating, you've just got a bruised eye. A well-deserved one at that."

"How can you believe that-that slum rat over me?" He gaped.

"None of that, boy," scowled the male teacher. "Come on now, both of you, to the Principal. Goodness, the things you all do..."

You sat quietly outside the office, waiting, and heard the sound of branded leather boots against the tiles of the floor. You looked up to see Pekka Rollins hurry over to his son, and heard his angrily muttered insults towards you.

"Atleast now I know where he learned it all," you scoffed, looking at the man.

"Y/n?" A serious and familiar voice made you look up, and immediately your heart dropped to your worn-out shoes. Kaz was there with your Aunt Inej, Nina, Jesper and Wylan, and all of them looked beyond pissed.

"Hi..." you awkwardly said, holding up a hand to wave at them. However, it took you a moment to realise that their anger istelf wasn't directed towards you. Kaz was glaring past you and at Pekka, who was comforting his crying child.

"Not this stuff again," you grumbled and flicked Alby on the ear. "I didn't even break anything, so quit your bleating."

"Don't you even--" Pekka began, but was interrupted by the secretary.

"Um...are you Y/n's family?" She asked, peeking out of the office. Kaz and the rest of the crows nodded, and she said, "I need the father to come in, please."

"That would be something you don't want to do," Nina interjected. "Unless you want another fistfight on your hands."

She looked defeated, and replied, "Just- just decide amongst yourselves who is to come in."

They all looked at each other, and you facepalmed. You did regret it immediately, though, as your eye throbbed thanks to the bruise on it.

“Please, honestly, we just really need the fathers here,” said the young woman. Seeing their incredulous glares, she added, “I don’t make the rules.”

You tentatively gave Kaz a quick hug, before running back to the chair you'd sat in. He looked at you in a way that made your skin prickle with unhappiness

“Little crow…” Nina sighed, shaking her head. “You’re just like Kaz. Can’t back down from a fight.”

“Hey, he started it!” You scoffed, glaring at Alby, who stuck his tongue out at you.

You suddenly heard raised voices inside the office and shrank back against your seat, looking a little afraid. You’d never heard Kaz raise his voice like that, atleast not in front of you. To be honest, it terrified you to imagine your normally calm father standing there in front of Rollins, his eyes blazing and gripping his cane hard.

“Little crow, you’ve got a bruised rib!” Gasped Nina. “How did this happen?”

“He kicked me," you mumbled, pointing at Alby. The boy glared at you again, and you heard him scoff something which sounded like 'tattletale'.

Jesper knelt in front of you while Nina attempted to heal your bruised rib, and asked, "Did you win, little crow?"

You grinned and nodded, "Yeah, I did."

Wylan immediately smacked his boyfriend upside the head and scowled, "Jesper Llewellyn Fahey, we will not encourage this behaviour," he looked at you and sighed, "Y/n, I'm really disappointed in your decision today. Why did you hit back?"

"Because he--OW!" You exclaimed as Nina made a sharp turn of her wrists, fixing the rib which you'd bruised. "Auntie Nina, that hurt!" You glared at her.

"Listen to your Uncle, little crow," she frowned. "He's right. You shouldn't have hit back."

"He called me barrel trash. Why am I in the wrong here? Besides, I had apologised for bumping into him, and he just had to insult me." You scoffed at them all. "Papa would've understood."

"My little crow," Jesper spoke after a long time, startling you. "If someone decides to stoop that low, you have to control your own emotions and walk away."

"You guys fight people on a daily basis," you grumbled. "It's quite hypocritical for you to say that."

You were honestly livid with their behaviour, thinking they'd support your decision, but the more they spoke, the more you wanted to throw and break something.

You slouched in your chair and noticed Alby sticking his tongue out at you, as the crows looked at each other, their telepathic adult conversation going back and forth.

The secretary came in and gestured for you and Alby, saying, "Kids, the Principal wants to see you."

You stood up and glared at the rest of your family, who simply looked back at you the way grown-ups do when they want to make a point. You had no idea why they were against you on this, and felt another surge of anger go through you at their expressions.

Inside the office, you sat quietly next to Kaz, who was seething with anger. His rage wafted off him in waves, which made you scoot your chair as far away from him as you could. His eyes blazed with fury as he looked at Pekka, who held his son's shoulder as the boy sat down.

"Children," the Principal said gently, looking at the two of you. "Could you care to explain exactly what happened? Let's start with you, Y/n, dear."

You tried not to cringe at her tone. She spoke as if you both were in kindergarten.

"Well," you said, thoroughly tired of having to narrate the story over and over. "I was playing tag with my friends and I didn't hear Rollins behind me, so I bumped into him by accident. Naturally, I apologised, but he just had to hit me and call me 'barrel trash' and continued to bully me about my background, and he got physical, so I responded in self-defense."

“See, Mr. Rollins, I suggest you try to control the language you use around your child,” sighed the Principal, looking at the man.

“Yes,” said Kaz, his voice stone cold. “Preferably teach him not to mess with her.”

“Keep that mouth of yours shut, Brekker,” growled Pekka. “My son would never say such things! He doesn’t do it at home, why would he do it outside?”

“I can call one of our students in to confirm, if you’d like, Mr. Rollins,” the principal replied pointedly. She hated it when fathers excused their sons behaviour when they were so obviously in the wrong.

You glared at Alby, “Confess else I’ll do more than just bruise your eye. We both know what you did.”

“I didn’t do anything,” he scoffed. “She pushed me and just began hitting when I asked her to watch where she was going.”

“That’s a lie!” You shouted. Kaz rested the tip of his cane on your shoulder to warn you not to get up, for he noticed you tensing to hit again.

“We are dishing out a week-long suspension to you, Alby Rollins,” said the Principal, writing him a slip. “For starting a fight, greviously injuring another student, and for name-calling as well as bullying on the basis of their background.”

“You can’t do that!” Gasped Pekka.

“I run this school, Rollins,” said the woman, handing him a signed slip. “I do what I want. And I want to ensure your son doesn’t repeat this concerning behaviour again, because if he does, then he certainly will not have any place here.”

“Looks like you’ve lost this fight, Rollins.” Your father smirked at him.

“As for you, Y/n Brekker, I’ll be giving you a two-day suspension for retaliating instead of telling a teacher. Physical fights are not tolerated here. Please go to an adult the next time someone does something like this,” she wrote you a slip as well and handed it to your father, who looked at you angrily. It made you shrink in your seat, and you hastily avoided eye contact.

You exited the office with Kaz, your eyes trained on the floor. You didn't want to meet the furious eyes of your family members, and knew no one would really sympathise with you.

The carriage ride, too, was spent in silence, with Kaz glaring at you, his breath coming out in barely controlled huffs, while Jesper made futile attempts to lighten things up.

Back home, you waited for your father to start yelling. And he did.

"Why would you take a challenge with Pekka's son, when I specifically told you not to?!" Kaz bellowed, livid.

"H-he started it..." you said in a small voice, eyes fixated on the floor, while the other crows settled around the living room. You knew you had messed up, but did it really warrant this reaction?

Your father scoffed, his hands gripping his cane tightly. "Does that mean you will fight back? How many times must I tell you? Never interact with a Rollins!"

"But...but he called me Barrel trash and so many more names..." you replied in the same voice, not wanting to move at all, but at the same time, your whole body trembled as your defense mechanism to run kicked in.

"So you hit him?!" This time it was Wylan who spoke up.

"He hit me first!" You exclaimed, sick of being told that statement.

"And you hit back?!" Nina interjected. You met your aunt's green eyes which held an anger you had never seen before, and it terrified you. "Come on, Y/n!"

"But--but--" You stuttered, however, no one wanted to listen.

"Y/n," said Kaz, his eyes on you. "Why did you have to react? Do you realise how far this has escalated?"

"N-no..." you replied. And you actually didn't. From the time you'd started going to the local school, Kaz always told you to stay away from Alby, but he never told you why. You knew he had a feud with Pekka, so what did that possibly have to do with you?

"What part of stay away from Alby Rollins was unclear?" Kaz seethed, his body tense and taut as a bow string, while his grip on the cane increased drastically.

"He bruised my ribs," you choked out, finally gathering some courage. "He kicked me, insulted me, insulted you, made me look like an idiot in front of my entire school, and you wonder why I hit him back?"

Kaz took a step towards you, but you flinched away, afraid. A look of shock passed over all their faces at your reaction, and Kaz looked hurt.

"Why can't you just understand?" You sniffled and ran up the stairs to your room, slamming the door shut and curling up on your bed to cry softly. Your eye still hurt, as did your ribs, and everything Alby said echoed in your mind.

A soft voice came from outside the door, in a language which was gentle on your ears.

"Little crow?" Inej asked, her voice muffled through the wood of the doorway, speaking in clear Suli. "Can we talk?"

"No," you scowled, replying in Suli. "Go away."

"I'm on your side, my crow," she said gently. "But please, talk to me."

You sighed and opened the door, letting her in.

She came inside and sat on your bed, beckoning you to sit beside her. By force of habit, you did so and laid your head in her lap while her calloused hands stroked your hair comfortingly.

"Why can't any of them just understand?" You said, tears welling up in your eyes again. “I didn’t hit him just because I wanted to, I just was trying to defend myself…”

“I know, my little crow,” she said, “their reaction was way too uncalled for, but you see, your father just wants to protect you. Kaz and Pekka have had this feud going since a while now, and he just doesn’t want things to escalate. It might warrant your involvement, and he definitely doesn’t want that.”

You exhaled deeply and looked up at her. “I shouldn’t have hit him that bad, I know. I just—I felt so disrespected and so…pathetic…I didn’t know what else to do!”

“Look,” she said, “People will say what they want. As a female, and as someone from a slightly less privileged background compared to others, you’re bound to face this. People with closed mindset’s will treat you this way, and you have to develop a thicker skin as much as they have to recalibrate their way of thinking.”

“I think Ill go apologise to Papa, then…and to Auntie Nina. And Uncle Jesper and Wylan…” you trailed off. “I love you, Auntie Nej.”

“And I, you, my little crow.” She grinned and leaned down to press a soft kiss to your head.

You walked downstairs again with her and stood in front of the crows, who were assembled on the couch. You inhaled deeply and said, “I’m sorry for reacting like that. I know it was wrong of me to hit Alby, and Ill work on my temper a lot more from now on.”

“I’m sorry too, little crow,” replied Kaz. “I am aware that you don’t know what goes on amongst the adults and it was definitely wrong of me to assume you could figure it out.”

You nodded and went over to him, giving him a big hug, whispering, “It’s okay, Papa,” in his ear. The rest of the crows fell atop you two in a group hug, with both Nina and Jesper crying.

“So…as a way to shake off the horribleness of today…” Nina suggested when you all collected yourselves, “Why don’t we all go to the Kooperom for tea?”

“I could use a good plate of pie, to be honest,” said Jesper.

“Same,” you grinned, turning around in Kaz’s lap.

“Alright, grab your coats and let’s go,” smiled Inej, doing exactly that.

So, you all let go of your old anger and enjoyed together, laughing over plates of waffles and cups of tea till the sun began to set and the clouds turned grey with the onset of night…

———

I hope you all enjoyed this one <3

[lesser-known-composers]

Sofiya Gubaidúlina (b.1931) : Viola Concerto (1996)

Performers: -Lawrence Power, viola (Antonio Brensi, Bologna, c.1590) -

Ivan Volkov, conductor -

Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya

[ishopeesnews]

India in Focus: Key Developments Shaping June 2025

As India enters June 2025, the nation is witnessing significant developments across various sectors, from politics to infrastructure and international relations. Here’s a roundup of the latest news india making headlines:

🇮🇳 Political Landscape: BJP’s New Faces and Delhi’s Election Outcome

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to launch a women-focused campaign celebrating 11 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, known for their leadership during Operation Sindoor, will be the central figures of this initiative, highlighting the government’s emphasis on women’s empowerment .The Times of India

In Delhi, the BJP has returned to power after 27 years, winning 48 out of 70 seats in the 2025 Legislative Assembly elections. Rekha Gupta has been appointed as the new Chief Minister, marking a significant political shift in the capital .Wikipedia

🌧️ Northeast India Faces Monsoon Challenges

The northeastern states of India are grappling with severe monsoon-induced floods and landslides. At least 22 people have lost their lives in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Tripura, and Meghalaya due to continuous heavy rainfall. Authorities have closed schools and colleges in affected areas and are working to restore power and provide relief to the victims .latest news india

🌡️ Ongoing Heatwave in India and Pakistan

An intense heatwave continues to affect large parts of India and Pakistan, with temperatures soaring above 45°C in several regions. The extreme heat has led to health advisories and increased cases of heat-related illnesses. In Bihar, severe thunderstorms associated with the heatwave have resulted in at least 19 fatalities .Wikipedia

🚆 Infrastructure Milestone: Delhi–Meerut RRTS

The Delhi–Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) is set to become operational by June 2025, marking a significant advancement in India’s public transportation infrastructure. The 55 km corridor will connect key areas, including Sarai Kale Khan and Meerut, offering faster and more efficient travel options for commuters .Wikipedia

🌐 International Relations: India–Pakistan Diplomatic Efforts

Following a recent military conflict with Pakistan, India has initiated a global diplomatic campaign to garner international support and redefine the narrative surrounding its actions. While India frames its strikes as counterterrorism measures, the international community, including the U.S., has urged for de-escalation and transparency .The Washington Post

These developments underscore India’s dynamic political, environmental, and international landscape as it navigates challenges and opportunities in June 2025.

[danzer91]

Operation Sindoor: 1 चुटकी सिंदूर का बदला FT. Col Sofiya Quereshi Wing C...

[wqbytop100]

WQBY

Top100 for the week ending February 16, 2025

Believe (Shooting Stars) --R3HAB, Mufasa & Hypeman, Mufasa, RANI -1 ---9weeks-- [3weeks@#1]

Everything Changes (But I Wont) --Rose Gray -2 --3weeks--

Focus --John Summit f/CLOVES -7 --4weeks--

Heaven Knows --KASKADE & PUNCTUAL f/Poppy Baskcomb -5 --10weeks--

Yesterday --Alan Walker, Ali Gatie -14 --4weeks--

Told You So --Martin Garrix & Jex -4 --11weeks-- (#4)

I Only Smoke When I Drink --NIMINO -3 --22weeks-- (#3)

The Door --Teddy Swims -8 --8weeks-- (#7)

TYSM --Cheat Codes, Salem IIese -12 --9weeks--

Without You --Petite Biscuit, Surf Mesa, JP Saxe -17 --8weeks--

Lights On --Marshmello, FAANGS -49 --11weeks--

You --BUNT., Oaks -58 --11weeks--

Someone Else --GT-OFICE -6 --9weeks-- [4weeks@#1]

Push The Tempo --Sub Focus f/Katy B (Odd Mod Remix) -87 --2weeks--

Filthy Richmas --Ella Henderson -15 ---8weeks-- (#4)

Vibe --Bruno Martini, Avi Snow, No/Me -10 --15weeks-- (#10)

Imposture Syndrome --Let Down -19 --5weeks--

Zen Cowboy --Anabel Englund -18 --7weeks--

Slow Motion --Marshmello, Jonas Brothers -22 --4weeks--

SunnyD --Emel, Whethan -9 --6weeks-- (#5)

Chain Reaction ---Ferry Corsten, MERYLL -24 --12weeks--(#19)

Positions --Andy C, Wholsmoli -11 --14weeks-- (#2)

Let It Go --NOTSOBAD, MA:RK -23 --11weeks--

Dancing In The Dark --Noizu, Annaca -29 --3weeks--

Heart First --Lucas & Steve f/Jordan Shaw -13 --11weeks-- (#2)

Maybe It's Over --Morgan Page, Damon Sharpe -16 --15weeks-- [2weeks@#1]

Call My Name --AVAION -30 ---5weeks--

Is This Love --LP Globbi, Danielle Ponder -21 --17weeks-- [4weeks@#1]

Swim --Becky Hill -20--11weeks---- (#6)

Alone With You --Josiah Queen, Jervis Campbell -48 --10weeks--

Goodbye's Been Good To You --Teddy Swims -69 --2weeks--

Don't Let Go --NERIAH -32 --20weeks-- (#3)

Falls Down --James Carter, Lucas Estrada -99 --7weeks--

Senorita --Tiago PKZ -93 --2weeks--

Love --Armin Van Buuren, Omnia -75 --4weeks--

Modern Tragedy --Cheat Codes, Julia Church -28 --20weeks-- (#2)

Disease --Lady Gaga -33 --15weeks-- (#14)

Lead The Life --Morgan Page, Bymia -27 --21weeks-- (#2)

Along For The Ride --COIN -26 --19weeks-- (#2)

Bread --Sofi Tukker, Odd Mod (Odd Mod Remix) -25 --12weeks-- (#2)

Keep It Exciting --Mr. Belt & Wezol, Qobra, Alex Hosking -35 --11weeks-- (#13)

Somedays --Sonny Fodera, Jazzy & D.O.D (Dombresky Remx) -36 -- 14weeks-- (#13)

Dead Right --Let Down -38 --11weeks-- (#12)

Before I Let You Go --CYRIL, MarLo -37 --17weeks-- (#4)

This Rhythm --PROSPA f/RAHH -34 --11weeks-- (#34)

Cinema --YouNotUs, Cheat Codes -45 --14weeks-- (#17)

Been There Before --Jorvis Voorn, Pig&Dan, LIVI -46 --15weeks-- (#8)

Walk With Me --Felix Jaehn, Shouse -61 --8weeks--

Turn Off The Lights --Chris Lake, Alexia Roberts -44 --12weeks-- (#16)

Wrong Feels Right --Format:B -43 --12weeks--

Forever --HUGEL, Diplo f/Malou & Yuna -47 --14weeks-- (#5)

His Problem Instead --Alexander Stewart -55 --10weeks--

Beautiful Day --Mike Posner -50 --20weeks-- (#9)

Without You --Phantoms, Mariah Colon -57 --10weeks--

Looking For Love --Alok, Anitta -60 --11weeks-- (#50)

Keep On Movin Up --Qorion -42 --11weeks-- (#42)

Without Ya --BAKERMAT -40 --10weeks-- (#40)

Heaven In My Hands --Matoma -41 --11weeks-- (#41)

Black Friday (Pretty Like The Sun) --Lost Frequencies, Tom Odell -53 --16weeks-- (#20) [OFF]

Rain --PARISI f/Clementine Douglas -62 --9weeks-- (#XX) [OFF]

Save My Soul --BAKERMAT, AMANZI -54 --11weeks-- (#19)

Another World --HUGEL, HAYLA (HUGEL Remix) -65 --4weeks--

Nuraan --Nandu, Tripolism -68 --4weeks--

Apple --Charlie XCX -76 --3weeks-- [OFF]

Someone For Me --Kylie Minogue, YouNotUs -79 --4weeks--

Want U Bad --MKX (Dave Aude Remix) --94 --5weeks-- (#67)

Wacuka --AVAION, Sofiya Nzau -67 --4weeks-- (#67)

Lights Camera Action --Kylie Minogue -64 --13weeks-- (#60) [OFF]

Hurry Up Tomorrow --The Weeknd -90 --2weeks--

After Five --Luke Alessi -56 --11weeks--

Hold On Me --Kygo Sandro Cavezza -39 --10weeks-- (#48) [OFF]

All i Know --TELYKAST -81 --7weeks-- (#65)

***Last Song --Alan Walker, Faouzia -(new) --1week--

Toxic Til The End --Rose -100 --2weeks--

***Is It Just Me --Mike Posner -(new) --1week--

Hypnotized --Anyma, Ellie Goulding -78 --4weeks--

Blue Symphony --KREAM, Jem Cooke -92 --2weeks--

Alibi --SEVDALIZA YSEULT, Paballo Vittar (Tiesto Remix) -77 -5weeks-- [0FF]

Edge Of Saturday Night --The Blessed Madonna, Kylie Minogue -95 --16weeks--[OFF]

By Your Side (In My Mind) --Leony -85 --4weeks--

Good Lie --Sonny Wern, Felix Samual -66 --3weeks--

Heal My Heart --Imanbek, YouNotUs -52 --24weeks-- [1week@#1)

Another Life --NOTD, Oaks -91 --2weeks--

***Feel Again --TELYKAST, Moe Lisa -(new) --1week--

Autopilot --NIIKO & SWAE, Twin Diplomacy -86 --4weeks--

***She's The Last One --ARTBAT, Vintage Culture -(new) --1week-

Do You Really Love Him --Good Life, Elderbrook --51 --20weeks-- (#17) [OFF]

***Superhuman --Lyrical Mar, Dave Aude -(new) 1-week--

***Gimme --Riordan -(new) --1week--

***Confessions --Flo Rida, ENHYPEN, Paul Russell -(new) --1week-

****Meet Me --Ownboss, EME -(new) --1week--

***Loving You --Kideko, A-Trak -(new) --1week--

***With You --Sigala, Ely Oaks -(new) --1week--

Please Don't Go --Gioli & Assia -80 --5weeks--

Angel In The Dark --Anyma, Massano, Nathan Nicholson -96 --4weeks--

Right On Time --Felix Cartal, Tegan & Sara -97 --9weeks--

Dancing On My Own --Flight Facilities, DRAMA -98 --11weeks-- [OFF]

***Jazz Club --Goldfish, Dubdogs -(new) --1week--

***Act Of God --Layton Gioridani, Linney, Sarah de Warren -(new) 1week--

***Angel Of Mine --Tobiahs -(new) --1week--

13 new this week 2/16/2025 #73 Last Song #75 Is It Just Me #84 Feel Again #86 She's The Last One #88 Superhuman #89 Gimme #90 Confessions #91 Meet Me #92 Loving You #93 With You #98 Jazz Club #99 Act Of God #100 Angel Of Mine

[linguistlist-blog]

FYI: Call for Participants: Research on Study Processes and Digital Games

I am Sofiya Shahiwala, a doctoral fellow at the Indian Institute of Technology (ISM) Dhanbad. I am working on a study examining the intersection of study processes and learning through digital games. If you are a student currently enrolled in a college/university, please fill out the following survey, it'd be a great help! https://www.psytoolkit.org/c/3.4.6/survey?s=HNa4u Thank you very much! http://dlvr.it/TG1grl

[advance-emmeline]

Seeing Henry had helped more than she thought. Maybe it was just seeing him alive and in one piece. So many people had died and she couldn’t help but worry for the dwindling list of people she had left to her. Especially those who weren’t Order members, who may not know how to protect themselves. People like Sofiya, who already had enough trauma to deal without her adding to it all.

She stepped into Sofiya’s shop, fiddling with the lunches she had packed for the both of them and entirely unsure whether not she had overstepped with all of this. 

“Thought you might like some company and a bit of lunch.” She said, attempting to smile.

@nottsofiya​

[kingmeshacklebolt]

He hadn’t spent much with Sofiya lately. Though, he’d not spent much time with Valka lately either. If he broke rules while looking for Anson he didn’t want to risk her going back to that horrid place. She’d done enough for this job and this war. 

Now he sat in his empty apartment without Anson, feeling too small in this place by himself. Cloud and Nimbus sat curled up on Anson’s side of the bed. Elrond had flopped down on his feet. When he’d Floo’ed Sofiya in a desperate attempt at company, he hadn’t even been sure whether or not she would show. Now she stumbled out of his fireplace and he could almost cry in relief at a familiar face still unharmed.

“Sofs, hey.” He said, voice cracking. “Long time no see.”

@nottsofiya​

[nott-amused-archive]

@nottsofiya

pray for me if you still believe

          sometimes i just feel like nobody’s listening 

or moves in a way that i cannot see

           save the music now ringing in my ears

[edith-clearwater]

Edith was out shopping for a wedding present for James and Lily, considering that their wedding was only days away and she wanted to find the absolute perfect gift. Having known the two during their years at Hogwarts, she had often seen the dynamics of their relationship close enough from their presence in the Gryffindor common room, and some days it still seemed so odd to think that at one point they had ever disliked one another. Or rather, that Lily had ever disliked him. Anyone who hadn’t known them back then might not think that now, as the two seemed like a very loving couple. 

This was why, unfortunately, that Edith was having a difficult time deciding what the perfect gift would be. She wanted to make sure that it was perfect, before settling on one thing. Window shopping was never usually her forte, considering Edith always felt that she had to go into a store to truly get a sense of what they had to offer, so it wasn’t all that surprising that she found herself roaming several stores before wandering into one that seemed rather promising. While admiring a delicate little trinket on one of the shelves that she wasn’t quite sure what it was, Edith took a step back, wanting a better look, and accidentally stepped on someone’s foot. 

“Oh! I’m so sorry, are you alright? Sorry, I’ve been so clumsy lately.”

@nottsofiya

[ronanvludolf]

( &&. @xsofiya )

“I’ve got one for you: why did the Ukrainian break his arm raking leaves?” Ronan began, his feet resting on top of the table before him and his legs crossed at the ankles. He was aimlessly flipping through a magazine the cleaners had left on the coffee table, featuring articles on highlights and hot spots of Oslo, when he’d decided that goading Sofiya would likely prove to be more entertaining. Arguing with Alphonse might have been “poking the bear”, but getting on Sofiya’s bad side was like terrorizing a dragon. “He fell out of the tree.”

Unable to help himself, he laughed, tossing the magazine down on the table and taking a swig of the beer he’d gotten for himself.

[vanja-novak]

Vanja snickered, shaking their head. “Well thats sort of the hard part. I cant exactly explain tjat bit.” Truthfully, Vanja had the slightest clue why they kept trying to impress this person, yet for whatever reason felt the need to. “I just feel like I made a terrible first impression, and I want to take it back. They’re very... well... serious, and literal.”

vanja-novak‌:

“Haha. I know, it’s unthinkable, right? But yes, the day has come where unfortunately I need help in that department.” Vanja really hadn’t assumed he would ever need to resort to asking others, but clearly what they were doing wasn’t working, and perhaps they needed that reality check. “The sort of impressive that is simplified but also interesting. Also, something that won’t compromise who I am as a person”

“Hmm… Okay. Tell me about them, maybe we can come up with something special. And you can bring me up to speed, because I am very intrigued. Why them?” 

[earlgraytay]

ok but can we talk about how RoseMary is an obvious allusion to Katya/Sofiya, but they're a version of KatSoph that get to walk away from everything and live

like everyone compares Snowman to Katya but I think that's a pretty facile comparison, it's literally just the Mafia vibes of the Midnight Crew intermission and the hat that Katya wears in that one scene, tbh I think Snowman is mostly there to get us primed to think about Katya so that when Rose goes grimdark the allusion isn't lost on us

because like, look at everything about drunk!Rose! the orange cocktail dress! the poetic rambling where she's slurring her words so badly you can barely understand her! the obvious spiral into self-destruction that seemingly can't be stopped that's paralleled by her mother's alcoholism. like, it fucking screams Katya Goncharov the entire way through

and then of course time in Homestuck is a flat circle, the only way to get out of your doom is to scratch the timeline, and Dave (who I don't think is a Goncharov reference, don't @ me about Davesprite) helps Rose escape her doom in like three different ways

and then of course Kanaya is the codependent lesbian in the red skirt who's stabbed through the stomach in a confrontation with her mostly-platonic bestie who's gone mad with power! I mean for fuck's sake "Eridan" is an anagram of Andrey with the 'y' swapped for an 'i', Homestuck ain't subtle

but she comes back from the dead and she gets to kill both Andrey (Eridan) and the goat (Gamzee, at least until that got retconned). she gets to woo her girl. and she gets to escape time itself- at least symbolically by leaving the game and fleeing to Universe C

instead of being doomed by the narrative Rose and Kanaya get to abscond from it, in ways that their narrative inspirations never could. and I think that's beautiful