Nimblestep

> *"There's beauty in a lot of things, even if they might seem bleak at first."*
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> — Nimblepaw to Trenchpaw
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**Nimblestep** is a fawn ticked she-cat with dark amber eyes. Nimblestep is fairly dainty looking, with solidly built legs that help her with hunting.

She was born as Nimblekit to Tawnyfeather and Shadowclaw, along with her sister Fennelkit. She had three older siblings: Bluecloud, Marshflower, and Raggedstar. Her parents and older brother Bluecloud passed away before Nimblekit was two moons old.

Nimblekit was born into a time of struggle, as despite the warm weather and seemingly lack of a clear cause, the Clans were left hungry from a prey shortage. This gave Nimblepaw, then an apprentice, the motivation to contribute to her Clan whatever she could in order to be helpful. Due to lack of available mentors, she was assigned to her older brother, Raggedstar.

## History

May 31, 2015 9:37 PM

Nimblepaw finishes up a meal, although it did not last long, and relaxes as she she promises to go out and hunt again later. Her sister Fennelpaw approaches her from a hunting trip. Nimblepaw asks if she caught anything, and Fennelpaw seems disappointed as she responds no. Nimblepaw suggests that they go out together, and Fennelpaw agrees, just after she sits down for a short meal.

Nimblepaw shares how the days feel crazy now, with her coming in and out of camp on patrols. Fennelpaw says she works herself too hard, but also admits she has been training on and off with Marshflower. Nimblepaw says the same about Raggedstar, but says that due to the trouble happening within the Clan, it must be a greater obligation now more than other.

Fennelpaw confesses that she is tired of the tension, wondering if their training takes away from more important things, but Nimblepaw is quick to reassure her. Everything will be better when they’re warriors, she tells her.

The two change topic, and Fennelpaw jokes about learning how to go down into the tunnels to hunt rabbits like RavenClan cats. Nimblepaw, inspired, asks if she would like to figure it out for themselves. Fennelpaw agrees, and they head off into the territory and eventually find one of the rabbit burrows. Nimblepaw questions how deep it goes, and decides that she would rather go down first.

Nimblepaw expresses the thought that going down into the tunnels makes her feel responsible somehow, like only they can do this. Fennelpaw disagrees, not wanting to have so much weight put on her. Nimblepaw tells her that eventually they’ll have the attention of the other apprentices.

Nimblepaw decides that because the tunnel is shrinking, it is about time they leave. She tells her sister to be careful while walking, while simply enjoying the time spent with her sister. She tells her that perhaps they could come back and make the tunnel larger and go even farther. Fennelpaw laughs at this, and Nimblepaw jokes around further with her.

After some exploration, Fennelpaw catches the scent of a mouse, and after some scenting, Nimblepaw discovers that there are more than one. The two decide to split up, with Nimblepaw hanging back a bit so that Fennelpaw could drive the mice towards her. At her signal, three mice shoot out from their hiding spot. Fennelpaw catches the first, and Nimblepaw the second, managing to snag a third at the last second.

Nimblepaw is excited about their catch, and Fennelpaw expresses her excitement at Raggedstar seeing it.

June 4,2015 3:17 PM

Nimblepaw wakes up to hear Raggedstar calling her to train. She considers ignoring him, as she wishes more than anything to go back to sleep, but she eventually gets up. She tells Raggedstar that she may have been more inclined to train if he had woken her earlier, and he simply pokes fun back at her while asking what she would like to train in.

She tells him battle training, specifically defense. On the way to the training hollow, she looks around at the beautiful scenery around her, wondering how everything can look so nice while they had barely enough food to get by. Raggedstar questions how awake she is, and without warning, lunges at her. Nimblepaw manages to get away, commenting that he came close, but he comes at her straightaway once more without a response.

He manages to slam into her and send her skidding, and she admits she hadn’t been prepared that time. The two then trade blows with one another as it starts to rain. Raggedstar teaches her a defensive technique in which he is cornered in front of a tree and she makes the mistake of throwing all of her weight towards it. He jumps out of the way in the meantime, and Nimblepaw acknowledges her mistake.

Nimblepaw practices for herself, before agreeing to try it out in a battle setting. She executes it better than before, and Raggedstar brings a close to their training session. Nimblepaw agrees to go hunting with him tomorrow.

June 11, 2015 7:55 PM

Nimblepaw is attempting the duck-and-twist technique by herself, but can’t seem to get it down. Another apprentice, Trenchpaw, suddenly interrupts her, stepping in and criticizing her attempts before showing her how to do it. Nimblepaw argues that it wasn’t how she was shown to do it, and that he isn’t the only cat who knows how to fight.

Nimblepaw and Trenchpaw have a back and forth where she insists on learning the basics, where he thinks she should modify her techniques. They calm down slightly, with Trenchpaw concluding that he doesn’t know why she woke him up. Trenchpaw returns to his nest, with Nimblepaw returning to hers soon after. She bids Trenchpaw a good night and falls asleep.

Nimblepaw is then awoken by a prod in her side, and she realizes it is Trenchpaw. He tells her to follow him, as he needs to show her something. She catches up with him, but questions him, as it is late and rain has come. Trenchpaw tells her that they should take cover, and Nimblepaw recalls an overhang in which to take shelter. They do so, and Nimblepaw takes note of Trenchpaw’s discomfort by his silence.

Wanting to be polite, Nimblepaw attempts a conversation with no success. From there, she surprises him by sharing tongues, in which he reciprocates. Feeling cold, Trenchpaw lays so that his back touches her, Nimblepaw—caught off guard by his actions—thanks him. She eventually falls asleep.

She wakes the next morning to feel Trenchpaw moving, and she finds herself worried that Raggedstar would have noticed her absence. Trenchpaw tells her not to worry, as nothing could be done about it now. He catches her a mouse quickly, and after denying it at first, she eventually thanks him and accepts it. Due to the mud puddles around the area, they struggle a bit in getting through it to return to camp, and Nimblepaw is forced to ask Trenchpaw for help.

They eventually make their way to a stream to wash off the mud, and Nimblepaw, wanting to have some fun, decides to pull Trenchpaw into the water after he had already crawled out. Trenchpaw glares at her after, and feeling slightly guilty, Nimblepaw pulls away and apologizes. Trenchpaw questions this, and almost experimentally touches his nose to her head and ear. Nimblepaw, embarassed, is lost for words.

The two walk back to camp, with Trenchpaw stopping before entering. He tells Nimblepaw that he isn’t ready to return yet, and it might be odd for the two of them to walk in together. Quickly catching on to his meaning, Nimblepaw agrees, trying to hide her rush of embarrassment. She watches him go the opposite way, and ponders the idea of building a relationship that is made by her choice, unlike her attachments to her family.

June 17, 2015 3:08 PM

Nimblepaw is woken early by a pain in her tail, which turns out to be Fennelpaw accidentally stepping on it. Because they had the day off, Nimblepaw questions why she is up so early, and Fennelpaw tells her that she feels restless and needs to get out and moving. While Nimblepaw can’t say she feels the same, she decides to go with her sister, vowing that she would help her family with whatever they needed, no matter how big or small.

Fennelpaw questions her on how tired she appears, and Nimblepaw purposely avoids telling her about her previous experience with Trenchpaw. She passes it off as just doing too much, and her sister suggests she slows down to let her body rest. Nimblepaw thinks it may work, but feels like she must keep pushing to help her Clan in their difficult times.

Nimblepaw and Fennelpaw continue talking before they hear the squawk of a bird and see it flying away. They end up spotting Trenchpaw moments later, and he questions what they are doing, with Fennelpaw retorting the question right back to him before offering they hunt together. Trenchpaw agrees, under the agreement that he is in charge, as he has an idea for what he would like to hunt.

He decides that they will hunt birds of prey, and leads them to rocks where such birds perch. He asks the two who would like to climb up to it, and Nimblepaw—assuming that the other two wouldn’t—volunteers. She leaps at the bird and Fennelpaw comes to assist, with the two of them dragging it to the ground where Trenchpaw makes the kill. Nimblepaw is winded by the impact but still moving, and reassures Trenchpaw that she is okay.

They agree to have Trenchpaw support the bird on his back and for Nimblepaw and Fennelpaw to carry the wings. They eventually make it back to camp, and Nimblepaw drops to the ground exhausted, admitting that she could probably sleep for a moon.

June 24, 2015 10:36 AM

Raggedstar wakes up Nimblepaw for another training session and she finds it difficult to get up. Over her time spent with Trenchpaw and her guilt over not talking to Fennelpaw about it, her body had dragged, and her willingness to train has dropped significantly. Raggedstar tells her that she will hunt by herself with him observing, and she goes off on her own.

She heads off to the overhang where she and Trenchpaw spent the night and catches scent of mouse. Without much focus, however, she completely misses when attempting to catch one. Frustrated, she questions why she feels so off. Determined, she manages to eventually find and kill another mouse, and somewhat satisfied, returns to Raggedstar.

He questions her mistake in the beginning, and Nimblepaw cannot be honest with what is on her mind. After it seems Raggedstar is guilt-tripping her, Nimblepaw snaps that she cannot tell him everything. They get into a small argument that ends quite quickly, with Raggedstar telling her that she is still young, and could still learn to share her feelings more. Nimblepaw takes this personally, as she feels it as a personal shot against her esteem.

Eventually, Raggedstar stops and asks her to speak her mind. Nimblepaw resents being called young and lacking experience. She wants to be judged based on her actions and not assumptions. Raggedstar, while acknowledging this, still tells her they all have more to learn. He then tells her abruptly that they will be continuing on training by hunting birds of prey.

Raggedstar instructs Nimblepaw to pounce when the bird lands, but she mistimes her jump and goes for the bird right as it is about to land. Raggedstar soon jumps in to assist, and they both bring it down. Nimblepaw considers herself a mousebrain for not waiting longer, but her brother reassures her. They return back to camp with Nimblepaw carrying her prize.

June 24, 2015 4:42 PM

Nimblepaw is woken by Trenchpaw asking her for help to move some herbs for Mumblepaw. She laughs when he attempts to carry them under his chin, and suggests a specific spot when asked for the best place to bury them are. She feels distinctly uncomfortable around Trenchpaw and tries to remain casual as she soaks her paws in the stream.

Trenchpaw joins her soon enough, and Nimblepaw finds herself becoming more embarrassed for reasons unknown to her, but looks away to hide any sign of it. Without thinking, she moves to lean against him. They stand like this for a while before Trenchpaw quickly steps away and Nimblepaw falls into the stream, landing on the shoulder she injured from the hawk they hunted.

Trenchpaw tells her that he has to return to Mumblepaw to see what herbs to gather, and tells Nimblepaw that she doesn’t have to help him. She insists, suspecting that the task was actually assigned by Raggedstar. Trenchpaw questions why she would want to help, and Nimblepaw simply replies that she likes helping and wants to help him, as they’re friends, although she doesn’t necessarily think that is the correct term for how she feels.

They eventually sit together, and Nimblepaw comments that he’s just doing it to get out of collecting herbs. Eventually they start moving again, and noticing Trenchpaw’s slight discomfort, Nimblepaw jokes that he is cute when he gets flustered.

They return to camp and receive instruction from Mumblepaw, with Nimblepaw accusing Trenchpaw of not really knowing what they’re supposed to be looking for. She wonders if he just doesn’t want to be caught in the rain again like they were last time.

After a bit of searching, Trenchpaw asks Nimblepaw if she has any idea where the herbs grow, and Nimblepaw shoots back that he had doubted her abilities before, laughing at the fact that he was relying on her now. Trenchpaw, in apparent defiance, licks the tip of her nose before going off to search again, shocking her into silence.

She recovers eventually, declaring that with their distractions, they should probably just grab something to make sure they weren’t stuck in the rain. They manage to find something useful, and Mumblepaw thanks them, before she and Trenchpaw run to their nests to escape the rain. Nimblepaw comments that he would make a funny WillowClan cat.

Nimblepaw, overtaken by the urge to stand in the rain, does just that, and returns to the den moments later to Trenchpaw asking why she would do such a thing. Nimblepaw explains that she likes to take time to appreciate the beauty in simple things, even if it might seem odd to others. Trenchpaw doesn’t understand, but she reassures him that that’s okay too, and that it might hit him in unexpected ways.

July 2, 2015 4:45 PM

Nimblepaw attends the monthly Gathering, acknowledging Trenchpaw’s absence possibly due to accidentally trespassing into RavenClan territory and starting a border fight. She wonders out loud to Fennelpaw just what Shimmerstar, the leader of RavenClan, will say. Fennelpaw figures that it probably isn’t anything good, and beckons Nimblepaw to follow her over to a group of apprentices.

She feels weird about the night, noting how she is usually excited for Gatherings, so she can’t decide whether she is concerned about Trenchpaw or the state of AspenClan and RavenClan. When they approach other apprentices, Fennelpaw introduces the two of them. Nimblepaw remains distracted, thinking of Trenchpaw back at home.

When announcements start, Raggedstar suggests a truce that extends beyond the gathering. Fennelpaw mentions that it could be effective, and Nimblepaw agrees, although she wonders just how long it could last.

July 12, 2015 7:17 PM

With a light drizzle, Nimblepaw returns from the Gathering and speaks to Trenchpaw, requesting he take a walk with her so that she can fill him in on what he missed. She admits that while no cat was in the right, he had to learn from an experience and not hold it against himself after being punished for crossing the border.

Nimblepaw also argues that Trenchpaw made a mistake and that he must own up to it, with him arguing that it wasn’t. She insists that he has to acknowledge his actions and the fact that other cats will not dwell on it as much as he has, and that she still likes him despite it.

She brings them to the overhang from their last encounter and teases Trenchpaw by moving closer, getting back at him for his previous actions when they were collecting herbs. She finds his reactions to be amusing, and declares herself the winner of their “game.” They go on with pushing each other by getting closer, catching one another off-guard with their boldness.

They eventually discuss the gathering and the truce suggested by Raggedstar, with Nimblepaw thinking it can work, and Trenchpaw going quiet. Eventually, he mentions having a weird feeling lately, one that makes him feel happy. He asks her about it, and she smiles, replying that she does but says no more about it.

Trenchpaw becomes confused, but Nimblepaw only gives him a lick on the nose in response. She feels comfortable with him, and they spend the night together.

The two awaken the next morning, and Nimblepaw takes to watching the sunrise. They speak a bit before Nimblepaw suggests they get back—she does not want to slack off on her duties or give Raggedstar any reason to hold her back. However, she quickly turns around and suggests they stay. Comfortable in their spots, she and Trenchpaw remain together as the morning passes.

July 31, 2015 2:50 AM

Nimblepaw awakens to find her stomach and head hurting, and urges herself to sleep and then eat something in order to feel better. Trenchpaw invites her to go on a hunt, but not long after Nimblepaw breaks and asks to go and see Mumblefall.

Mumblefall requests she lay down as he gives her herbs for the headache. He stops suddenly, and requests Trenchpaw go fetch more herbs. He asks her quietly if she has been involved with any cats recently, which confuses her. He then points out how kits could result from it, and Nimblepaw suddenly understands—she is expecting kits.

Trenchpaw returns right after, and Nimblepaw leaves the den, assuring him that she is okay while internally debating on whether or not to tell him. She chooses the latter and returns to her nest.

Nimblepaw fades in and out of sleep before she finally gives up. Fennelpaw happens to enter the den at that time after a training session, and Nimblepaw battles with the need to tell her and the urge to keep quiet. She wonders if her sister will judge her, and what she would say. Finally, Nimble tells her bluntly that she is expecting kits.

Fennelpaw is disbelieving at first, asking why she didn’t talk to her sooner about her relationship with Trenchpaw. She says that they have been drifting apart, and is disappointed in her. They both drift off to sleep, refusing to speak further to one another.

Nimblepaw wakes up, confused at first, but then remembers where she is and what has happened. Very quickly she decides to go and speak to Raggedstar, as she knows that if she gets the chance, she may back down. She reveals it to him similarly to how she did with Fennelpaw, and he is also shocked. He wishes to know the father, and seems surprised to learn it is Trenchpaw.

He questions whether or not Trenchpaw is willing and responsible enough to take part in the kits’ lives, and Nimblepaw insists that he is, and that she does have true feelings towards him. Raggedstar says that he is glad, but she is overcome with sudden doubts that Trenchpaw may not even want to be involved. She tells Raggedstar that she is scared, and he comforts her.

They speak a bit from there, with Nimblepaw asking him questions in order to feel better. He tells her that Fennelpaw will eventually get over the “betrayal” and forgive her. They speak about their older siblings, and Nimblepaw asks about Bluecloud, who died when she and her sister were kits. Raggedstar admits to missing him, and Nimblepaw voices her hopes that things will be better tomorrow.

She thanks Raggedstar for listening and for being there for her.

August 12, 2015 6:19 PM

Nimblepaw, feeling exhaustion pulling at her paws, is annoyed that she is no longer allowed to leave the camp, and busies herself with a sparrow as she hangs out around the fresh-kill pile. Trenchpaw enters the den, and she purposely avoids looking at him until he approaches her, feeling grateful that she did not have to tell him she was expecting kits.

Trenchpaw request they talk, and Nimblepaw agrees hesitantly, telling him they can speak in the apprentices’ den. He apologizes to her, and she tells him that they both made choices they can’t turn away from. Trenchpaw tells her that he isn’t sticking around out of obligation, and actually wants to be with her. Nimblepaw, feeling the same way, admits that she wants to be with him, too.

They feel more comfortable with one another, and Trenchpaw approaches to feel her belly, with the kits moving in response. Nimblepaw suggests that they like him, and while surprised, he seems glad.

August 11, 2015 4:39 PM

Nimblepaw hears Raggedstar calling for a meeting, and she feels excitement as it is most likely her warrior ceremony. She notices Trenchpaw hanging back, though, and flicks her tail for him to join her. Once he does, Raggedstar begins the meeting by making Bramblekit an apprentice. Nimblepaw cheers for her, noting that Trenchpaw doesn’t do the same.

Right after, Raggedstar calls her, Fennelpaw, and Trenchpaw forward. The three are given their warrior names: Nimblestep, Fennelbrook, and Trenchflame.

August 16, 2015 11:57 PM

Nimblestep cries out to Fennelbrook and Trenchflame, knowing that her kits are on the way. Unprepared for the pain, however, she tells her mate that she can’t do it. Trenchflame reassures her that Mumblefall knows what he is doing, and she gives birth to four healthy kits.

Trenchflame points out one of kit’s twitchy tendencies, and Nimblestep and her siblings decide the name Twitchkit fits, despite his protests. He also suggests the name Pebblekit, and Nimblestep picks out Wrenkit and Ryekit.

One moon after their birth, Pebblekit dies due to weak constitution. Nimblestep, while devastated, is relieved she is not suffering any longer.

September 15, 2015 9:00 PM

Nimblestep overhears Ryekit playing outside of the den before the sound fades away. She takes note of Trenchflame standing outside and approaches him, wondering why he looks so cross. He responds that he is just cautious about who his kits play with, indicating Smokekit with Ryekit. Nimblestep tells him that Smokekit is only two moons older, and Trenchflame only acknowledges her response.

He asks about the other kits, and she only says that she wished they came out more, despite the cooler weather. She admits that this wasn’t all that she expected, but that she should learn to be open-minded and not expect so much. He asks what she is looking forward to the most out of being a true warrior for the first time, and she simply laughs, saying that she’ll let him know when she gets there.

Trenchflame mentions having to pick out a nest, and Nimblestep jokingly asks if it is an invitation. Trenchflame seems to struggle with a reply, but she says that she might have to take him up on the offer.

October 16, 2015 9:43 AM

Nimblestep goes to support her two foster sons, Smokekit and Sootkit, during their apprentice ceremony. She sits beside her mate Trenchflame, giving little thought as to whether her own kits would or wouldn’t come to watch. Trenchflame comments that it will be their turn soon.

November 17, 2015 10:01 PM

The day has come for Nimblestep’s kits to become apprentices. She tells them that she expects them to be well-behaved, remembering her own apprentice ceremony and her efforts to be “proper.” She calls out their names enthusiastically when they become apprentices, somewhat relieved that she can be a proper warrior for the first time.

December 12, 2015 10:08 PM

Nimblestep takes over Sootpaw’s training soon after he becomes an apprentice. She tells him that they’re going to push hard and that she wants to know what he can do. She takes off quickly, expecting Sootpaw to keep up as she weaves through the trees. She tells him that they can test his hunting skills in the clearing up ahead.

Nimblestep then challenges Sootpaw to catch a mouse in order for her to observe his hunting ability. While still slightly flawed, she does encourage him when he manages to catch one.

## Extended Family

**Mate:**

* Trenchflame (deceased, confirmed StarClan member)

**Daughters:**

* Pebblekit (deceased, confirmed StarClan member)
* Ryethorn (deceased, confirmed StarClan member)
* Tansyglow (living, confirmed)
* Thistlemoon (living, confirmed)
* Wrenfall (status unknown)

**Sons:**

* Tumblefoot (living, confirmed)
* Twitchstep (deceased, confirmed StarClan member)

**Mother:**

* Tawnyfeather (deceased, confirmed StarClan member)

**Father:**

* Shadowclaw (deceased, confirmed StarClan member)

**Sisters:**

* Fennelbrook (deceased, confirmed StarClan member)
* Marshflower (deceased, confirmed StarClan member)

**Brothers:**

* Bluecloud (deceased, confirmed StarClan member)
* Raggedtooth (deceased, confirmed StarClan member)

**Granddaughter:**

* Cyanpaw (living, confirmed)

**Grandsons:**

* Adderdash (living, confirmed)
* Beetlepaw (living, confirmed)
* Rumblecloud (living, confirmed)

**Grandkits:**

* Unnamed kits (status unknown)

**Niece:**

* Fenflower (status unknown)

**Nephews:**

* Alpineridge (living, confirmed)
* Darkhollow (living, confirmed)
* Mistybog (living, confirmed)

## Quotes

**Nimblepaw**: No other warrior can get to where we are now. Doesn't that make you feel... I don't know... responsible? Like our Clan's fate is in our paws.

**Fennelpaw**: No, not really. It makes me feel worried that I could mess something up big time! No way do I want the Clan's fate in my paws—or at least that much responsibility. But I do kind of like that we are the only ones who can do this. It gives us a little bit of spotlight—something special.

**Nimblepaw**: Yeah, but I doubt we'll be able to fit in here much longer. Besides, we don't need just this to be special. If we train really hard, I bet we can catch the eye of the other apprentices. Just wait.

— Nimblepaw and Fennelpaw when exploring the tunnels

**Nimblepaw**: I don't have to prove anything to you. You look like you're trying to make everyone believe that you're superior to them. You're not.

**Trenchpaw**: Then which way were you taught? Because I don't see much variation in our Clan. I was never taught my way either. I simply *improved* what I learned.

— Nimblepaw arguing with Trenchpaw over battle techniques

**Nimblepaw**: I think maybe... I've been running around a bit too much. Doing too many things at once doesn't really leave a cat room to breathe. You know what I mean?

**Fennelpaw**: Yeah. You should get some rest for a few days. Just go on one patrol a day maybe, and if you have to train one morning, come back to camp after and relax instead of jumping at the next patrol opportunity. It might help you clear your head.

**Nimblepaw**: It's not as simple as that. I don't want to make things harder on other cats. It's why I try to help as often as possible—so they don't have to take on as much weight. I can deal with it.

— Nimblepaw defending her choices to push herself

**Nimblepaw**: We're all different. What might work for me won't work for everyone else. [...] You can't really *predict* it. A special feeling won't just hit you. Most of the time it's something you won't even notice until you think about it.

**Trenchpaw**: Okay, fine. So how do you suppose I could find these special feelings, for me?

**Nimblepaw**: Like I said, you can't predict them. You can't really force them, either. Just don't go looking for it—it'll find you.

— Nimblepaw explaining how to find the positives in their surroundings

**Nimblepaw**: I couldn't put blame on you, Trenchpaw... It's not only one cat that makes a decision like this. I knew what I was doing and I knew the consequences. Please don't hold it over yourself... please. I'm not holding you to this... it'll feel even worse if you're only sticking around because you feel obligated to. I know that you... care... But that does not mean you have to care for these kits.

**Trenchpaw**: We did make the choice, and now we both have to pay for it. Which means, if kits are the result, then we both have to care for them. It's... not just obligation. I've found recently that I do want to be with you... while kits were not on my mind... just yet, I will also bear responsibility and care for them, because I want to do that too. I want to support you like you've done to me. I owe you that much and more. You're not alone in this.

— Nimblepaw and Trenchpaw about their kits