tGB: Baldr

{Beginnings}

Aerrow and Sofia were once loyal Fire-Tribers, strong, intelligent and proud assets to their Tribe. They were a young couple; becoming a mated pair only a few moons before it all began... When the Golden Butterfly began to wage his wars, and the land of Nandryx became soaked with the blood of their Tribe-mates and kin, Aerrow and Sofia stubbornly and resolutely refused to take further part in the fighting. As such, they were banished from their tribe, tattoos fading from orange and green to grey, scarred with claw marks as a symbol of their exile. The two were no longer welcome in the Tribal territories, so they headed North, to the barren lands far from the battles that stole countless lives in the South. Others went with them, and though those who travelled in the North settled into Tribes of their own, Aerrow and Sofia chose to live apart from the groups.

They settled in the area that is now known as Pheasant Woods, making a home for themselves amongst the trees and foliage, hoping for a better life than the one they left behind. Indeed, the two prospered, and it was with great joy that, many, many years after their move, the couple learned they were expecting kits, the the surprise and delight of the relatively old couple. On a cold night in early Spring, Sofia gave birth to three kittens, two young females with tabby fur like their mother, and one white tom who resembled his father. The couple was ecstatic, but their happiness did not last long. The young she-kits died soon after birth, too weak and skinny to survive the night. The tiny remaining tom miraculously lived but remained weak and ill for many days. It was apparent why his sickness persisted when his eyes finally opened, revealing his albinism. Still, Aerrow and Sofia were grateful that he'd made it, and under the watchful eyes and loving care of his parents, the young tom, called Nebu, slowly grew stronger.
Growing up, Nebu was fascinated by the tales his parents told; of cats who could control the shadows, conjure plants from beneath the ground or weave tendrils of flame around their bodies. Both of his parents had been throwers of flame, mastering and using the element as if it were merely an extension of themselves. They could do nothing now of course, what with their grey tattoos, but Nebu was still amazed by the idea. Though he knew his powers would never activate, the young albino eagerly awaited the night when he would receive his own tattoo.
When he finally reached the age of 6 moons, a tattoo appeared on Nebu's forehead and chest. The Spirit of Light had chosen the young tomcat; he was a healer, or at least, he was meant to be one. As a cat born into exile, his powers were dormant, unusable unless he was truly blessed by the spirits. Still, his excitement could not be smothered, and over the next few years of his life, he lived happily near his parents, teaching himself the natural way to heal by use of herbs and remedies.

It was a few weeks before the end of Nebu's third Winter that they came. From the valleys of the South, silhouetted against the clear, crisp sky, the cats of the Tribes made their way into the Northern lands, spreading out across the territory and settling down according to their powers. Nebu's parents had long since decided that they preferred the lives of loners, so when the Tribes came North, they bid their son farewell and moved on from Pheasant Woods. Nebu stayed behind, sad to see his parents go but too curious to leave. He wandered into the center of the lands he called home, where he came across Light-Tribe. Hesitantly, he approached them, and as the Tribe greeted him as one of their own, Nebu had a strange feeling come over him. For the first time in his life, he was home.
In the next few days, his tattoo was finally activated, the dull grey fading into a beautiful, leafy green. And his true name was finally revealed to him by the spirits; Baldr.
He was excited to be amongst all these new faces and was eager to prove himself to his new family. Indeed, he looked forward to surely what would be a bright future.

{A Terrible Truth}

Baldr of Light-Tribe wasn't a quick learner when it came to mastering the healing powers suddenly at his command, nor was he terribly adept at making friends with his new-found family. He struggled with the simplest of skills, but was often too nervous to look to others for help whenever he couldn't get it right. Indeed, it took him nearly half a year to feel comfortable using his healing, and even longer to finally feel comfortable in his new home. Yet home it had become, and he found himself among friends at long last.

Unfortunately, his happiness did not last long. After the caiman invasion, the Light-Spirit blessed her Tribe with a Secondary ability. Only the Toms were affected, their healing powers stripped away and replaced with the polar opposite; poison. Baldr was horrified by this new development, and though he understood that it needed to be done, he couldn't help but wonder what use he would be once the caimans were gone.
For what good could come from this curse?

Eventually, with the help of his friends, Baldr came to realize that even though he couldn't use his powers to heal anymore, he still had the knowledge and the drive. He decided, once things had settled down in the Tribes, that he would offer his assistance to the Orange-Lights and become a healer once more, specializing in herbal remedies. It wasn't ideal, but it was the only thing Baldr could think of that might make him useful somehow. Things changed however, when two young tomcats were blessed by the Light-Spirit, and made primary powered. Realizing that he no longer truly belonged, Baldr said farewell to his Tribe-mates, the parting with Basil and Erim particularly painful. He became a Grey-Light and returned to his old home in Pheasant Woods, searching for a place and purpose to call his own.

"I need to f-find my place in this world, and though I will a-always cherish the warm welcome I was given and the home I had with you all, I believe it is time I went elsewhere. Light-Tribe will always be a part of me, but there is a hole in my heart, Basil... And I n-need to fill it again, to find something worthwhile to live for."

{One for Sorrow}

Baldr spent many days and nights wandering Pheasant Woods and other parts of the neutral territories, seeking something he could not give voice to. During this time, he befriended an Orange-Fire by the name of Palette. They'd met back in Light-Tribe, and he tended to her for many days, during which the spark of their friendshop was kindled. After a rather hostile encounter with a badger, Palette took him back to Fire-Tribe, where he stayed and rested for nearly a moon before bidding her a fond farewell and heading back out into the wild. His next stop was Water-Tribe, where he'd intended to visit with Kamili, a close friend of his. But the news she had for him was quite shocking; she was pregnant, with what were apparently his kittens. Despite his intial surprise and anxiety, Baldr was truly delighted, and promised her that he would come to Water-Tribe when the kittens were born, and do his best to be the father they needed. Unfortunately, that day never came. Kamili met her end during the first of the sandstorms that plagued Nandryx that Autumn - her weakened body couldn't cope with the weather conditions, and she passed on to Eden.
Baldr, distraught at the loss of his friend and kittens and overwhelmed with guilt that he could not save her, wondered for a long while if the Spirits were testing him. Not many cats heard from him after that - he retreated deeper into the woods, and chose to spend his time alone, meditating, praying and seeking peace.
After 9 long moons of isolation, a stranger finally came to seek him out. She was young, and called herself Tuft; a new apprentice of Light-Tribe, apparently. She said that Basil wished to see him, and so the albino tom agreed to accompany Tuft back to camp. Basil greeted him there, and got straight to the point - she wanted him to come home, and begin anew. A traditional healer, she branded him, and he was given Tuft as an apprentice, for she too was a secondary powered cat who wished to do more than just destroy.
Hesitant though he was, Baldr could not deny his old friend, and so he agreed to stay. Colour once again flooded his dull tattoo, and the power of the Light-Spirit coursed through his veins. His only condition was that he not be forced to use his poison powers. He would teach Tuft what she needed to know to defend herself, but he made it clear to both Tuft and Basil that he wished for a life of peace. Perhaps it was selfish, to ask his leader so much... But in that moment, it was not a Green-Light making a request of his Silver - it was Baldr, asking his closest friend to show him, and those like him, mercy.
So much had happened since he'd left - Kehri had left the Tribe quite suddenly, or so said the other cats of Light. Basil did not seem eager to speak of it, and so Baldr did not pry, but he imagined that the former Silver had not given much warning before his departure. The thought left a sour taste in his mouth. Damek too, had stepped down, along with Zarya, and a younger cat had taken up the mantle of the single Yellow-Light. It seemed things had returned to the way it had been when he first joined the Tribes.
Baldr was pleasantly surprised to find that his Tribe-mates did not resent him for leaving. On the contrary, they welcomed him back into their ranks willingly. And only a few days after his return, Baldr acquainted himself with one of the newcomers - a large tom by the name of Rookson. Grumbly and prickly though he seemed, Baldr uncovered a softer side to the black pelted healer, and the two decided to share a den, having found friendship in one another. That friendship grew over the next few moons, until they found that their relationship had gone beyond that of simple friendship. They decided to become soulbonds not longer after that realization, but that was not enough for either of them. Romance bloomed between the two toms, and they happily began a courtship with one another.

{Two for Joy}

It was not too long after they began their romance that the subject of starting a family was broached - by Rookson, surprsingly. At first, Baldr was taken aback, but following a few ponderings and a meaningful conversation, the couple decided that they would indeed try to start a family of their own. The problem of the two of them being... Physically incapable of carrying the kittens was quickly solved when a friend of Rookson's, a she-cat from Fire-Tribe by the name of Odessa, offered to surrogate for them. And so, it was with great joy that the unconventional little family awaited the birth-date of their kittens. On a lovely Summer's evening, the three cats took a walk, unknowingly stepping into the path of a terrifying rogue; it was one of the Golden Butterflies. She attacked them after they refused to let her take them back to her camp, where she and her fiendish friends would presumably raise the kittens in evil ways. Baldr and Rookson fought her back and sent her careening back the way she'd come. But the stress of the outing had proved to be too much for Odessa, and she went into labour shortly after Naya had fled. There'd been no way to get her back to camp, so Rookson and Baldr had settled her as best they could where they were, and assisted the she-cat in the birthing of their young.
When all was said and done, three little bundles were carried back to Light-Tribe's nursery by the three adults. Their firstborn son was lovingly named Eren, after Baldr's dearest friend Erim. Their second born, a tomcat, Rookson decided to call Ghost, though ironically he resembled "Shadow" much more than Ghost Sr. Their third and final kitten, a lovely young she-cat, Baldr chose to name after his friend Palette. Thus, Ally and her brothers were welcomed into the world by their unconventional little family, and all was well. They grew up surrounded by loved ones, and despite the chaos in Nandryx, they knew only the love of their Fathers and Aunt, and the joys of a real kithood.

When the kits reached their sixth moon, Rookson and Baldr were sad to say goodbye to the newly named Finnegan and Marzipan. Their oldest and youngest went off to Shadow-Tribe and Fire-Tribe respectively. However, they were delighted when their middle child, Ghost, received a star upon his brow and the name Ryuu. Unfortunately, there wasn't much time to celebrate, as there before their eyes, the Spirits of Nandryx sacrificed themselves to defeat the Spirit who'd falsely called himself Alriyel. And with the Spirits went their powers. It was a frightening time, and losing his spiritual link to Rookson only heightened the stress and anxiety Baldr felt. But as had become ritual, the albino trusted their fate to the Spirits - he was certain they had not been abandoned, and his beliefs proved true when the Spirits returned, blessing them with new tattoos, new abilities, and a seventh Tribe in Nandryx. But for him, the greatest blessing of all was the gift given to him by the Light-Spirit. At Rookson's request, Baldr's powers of healing were restored to him.

{Stars May Collide}

An unprecedented era of peace descended upon the land, and Light-Tribe flourished despite the loss of their long-time leader. Baldr was given the new position of Light-Tribe's head healer, and he took on the role with grace and humility, taking his son Ryuu as his apprentice as well in light of Basil's departure; she had gone to live with her mate in Water-Tribe, and though Baldr missed his friend, he was proud of the decision she'd made, and he was happy for Niamh and the newly promoted Sanibel. The young freckled she-cat was close to Rookson, and as such, Baldr found himself growing terribly fond of her, eventually accepting her into their little family as his mate had done. And so when it passed that Niamh left the Tribes, Baldr stood proudly by Rookson as Sanibel took up the role as Silver. When she chose Rookson to be her new Gold-Light, it was a very welcome surprise.

Moons passed, and Baldr and Rookson felt a familiar stirring in their hearts. They were happy, happier than either of them had thought possible. And so it came to pass that they decided to let their family grow. Odessa agreed to surrogate for the pair once more, and during the last days of that Summer, as the leaves above were changing from green to orange, yellow and red, Baldr and his family welcomed four new kittens into the world.

Their kithood was relatively peaceful, and given that they were close to the Silver-Light's kittens, the two families merged. Now, with the kittens grown and off to their own Tribes, Baldr is doing his best to support his mate as tension rises between Light and Earth, and the volcano spews ash over their territory.

In Chronological Order:

- Fragments: Kenieen, Algernon, Otter & Coral
- Don't You Worry Child: Kooken
- Courage: Erim
- Heaven's got a Plan for you: Erim
- Good Luck: Erim
- Miss My Memory: Palette
- Ghost and Shadow: Rookson
- If it's not too much trouble...: Rookson
- Meeting Dad: Rookson & Irastus
- Yours to Keep: Rookson
- WIP: Rookson & Palette
- Discovery RP | Fire Boar: Rookson
- The Thought of You: Rookson
- WIP: Palette
- Destruction Is His Game: Ryoji, Damek & Palette
- Ubuntu: Rookson & Odessa
- WIP: Rookson & Irastus
- Come what may: Rookson

Loving | Calm | Kind | Loyal | Clumsy | Honest

Baldr is a gentle tom, fond of all things bright and beautiful. He treasures life, which reflects in his healing and the way he treats the world around him and the cats of the Tribes. He will devote all that he is to ensure the happiness of others, even at the cost of his own contentment. He has a soft spot for the young, and will often visit the nursery to play with the kits or chat quietly with the current or expecting Queens. For a very long time, he yearned for a family of his own. And, trusting in the Spirits whole-heartedly, his wish was granted, though perhaps not in a way he expected. Regardless, he has a proper family of his own, cats whom he holds very close to his heart.
Growing up as a loner, Baldr was never accustomed to interaction beyond his own family unit. When he first moved to live amongst the Tribes, he was very quiet and withdrawn, only opening up to those he became very close to. These days however, you'll find this old cat to be a very open and agreeable tomcat. Soft spoken and level-headed, he acts as a leader when called upon, guiding younger cats with the years of wisdom he has garnered over the many seasons he's spent with the Tribes.
Baldr is a kind-hearted soul, friendly and polite to all cats he meets. He would not abandon someone in need, and is always one who can be turned to for helpful advice, or a shoulder to cry on. Baldr tries to find the good in everything, believing that all cats are born equal, and only their life paths and choices turn them to noble or wicked ways.
Baldr's loyalty is unshakable; he would not betray a friend unless completely necessary, and this trait makes him a very trustworthy cat. He is a tom one can rely on, someone who would never share a secret or spread a rumour, no matter his personal feelings. He is dependable and secure in his beliefs.
Due to his vision problems, Baldr can be quite clumsy, often bumping into trees and other cats without intending to or tripping over his own paws. His hunting skills suffered for a long time because of this, though he has improved greatly since first joining the Tribes. Still, in most aspects of his life, he relies heavily on his hearing. As the years have gone by, his eye-sight has progressively grown worse.
Baldr does not like lying, though sometimes it is necessary for the good of others. Still, he strives to be sincere in all aspects of his life, especially in his interactions with others.

Relationship Tracker: link here
Relationship Status: In a loving relationship with Gold-Light Rookson
Orientation: Pansexual
Attractions: Soren, Orion, Kamili?, Rookson
Preference Traits: Loyalty, leadership, well-spoken and intelligent

Physical Health: 80%
• After the healing of his scars, Baldr found his mobility and health in gerneral had improved greatly. Now, it is only his near-sightedness and the aches and pains that accompany old age that trouble him.

Emotional Health: 90%
• Baldr has moved on from the struggles he had in the past. He lives quite comfortably in Light-Tribe with his mate and kittens, and though each trial faced by all the Tribes wears on him, he has seen the resolute spirit of his fellow cats triumph time and time again. As such, his faith in himself, in his friends and family, and in the Spirits has never been stronger.

Likes:
• Summer
• Fire-Tribe
• Birds
• Singing
• The smell of herbs and the milk scent of the nursery

Dislikes:
• Swimming
• Badgers
• Cold weather

Fears:
• With all that he has been through, there is not much that scares this old tomcat anymore. A slight fear of loss and the unknown perhaps, but nothing so crippling as the fear he had in his youth.

Strengths:
• His calm, compromising nature and wisdom
• His knowledge of herbs and natural medicine
• His affinity for healing

Weaknesses:
• His slighted vision and clumsiness
• His forgiving nature

• Baldr's voice actor is Martin Freeman, accent and all.
• Baldr is not fond of cold weather. His thin coat does not allow him to retain warmth easily, and he often wishes he was a Fire-Triber when the first snows come.
• Summer is definitely his preferred season (though due to his sensitive skin, he tries not to spend too much time in the sun)
• Because of his poorly dealt hand in genetics, Baldr is much more susceptible to sickness than your average cat.
• Although he loves to look at it, and occasionally splash about in puddles if the mood hits, Baldr tends to avoid water as he is not a strong swimmer.
• Due to his slight social anxieties, Baldr has a bit of a stutter. However, over time it has faded, and it usually only makes its presence known in high stress situations.
Theme songs:

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