View source for Paldon Taru

{{Character|nation=an|name={{Chinese|塔鲁·帕尔登·阿庆|Tǎlǔ Pàěrdēng Āqìng}}<br>Paldon Aching Taru|position=4th [[Floating Sands|Rift]] [[Air Elder]]|affiliation=[[Air Nation]]<br> [[Floating Sands]]|birth=29 Mǎoyuè 150 AG|age=28 years old <small>(as of 178 AG)</small>)|reign=169 AG—Present|relatives=Jiji Tyk <small>(grandmother)</small>,<br> Osono Taru <small>(father)</small>, Kikiro Aching <small>(mother)</small>, Ce'Nedra Taru and Zuyin Taru<br> <small>(children)</small>|loveinterest=[[Aspen Mully]]|allies=[[Maei Fa]], [[Uma Renehn]], [[Mei Quinn]] <small>(mentors in healing)</small> Uma & Dante<br> <small>(apprentices in healing)</small>}}

'''Paldon Aching Taru''' is the 4th [[Floating Sands]] [[Air Elder]], succeeding [[Kjartan Storm]] in 169 AG. Prior to becoming Air Elder, she served as a Cloud Master and became widely known for her efforts to combat the spread of the dangerous [[Atu]] infestation across the [[Floating Sands]].

In 171 AG, then-Cloud Master Paldon Taru issued an international request for assistance, calling upon plantbenders and healers from across the world to help contain the [[Atu]]. The crisis escalated during the event later known as the '''[[Imploded Sands]]'''. Attempts to restrict the Atu’s spread caused the plant to root itself deep within the sandstone foundations of the Floating Sands. As the infestation expanded, the islands destabilised and eventually collapsed into a massive rift. Entire landmasses, surrounding waters, and sections of atmosphere were consumed during the disaster, resulting in the destruction of the Floating Sands as they had previously existed.

Paldon is recognised as a skilled healer and alchemist, known for creating medicines, potions, and mechanical devices. She also practices tea-leaf fortune reading. As part of her healing education, she resided in the [[Western Air Temple]] under the guidance of her grandmother, Miss Jiji Tyk. Her healing mentors also include [[Maei Fa]], [[Uma Renehn]], [[Mei Quinn]], and her apprentices Mr. Uma, and Mr. Dante.

Paldon is the daughter of Osono Taru and Kikiro Aching. She is in a relationship with [[Aspen Mully]] and has two children, Ce'Nedra and Zuyin Tarus.