Name the feeling that is equal parts forcefully suppressing the desire to shout with childlike joy and queasy sick with nauseous dread. Whatever the name, Lucan felt it hard. Had that actually just happened? A special assignment offer? Not even his eldest brother, Ervus, had received such an assignment so young. A commission as a military instructor? All because of his beloved's dance gave him the idea of how to outmaneuver opponents.
But was that what he really wanted? Then again, what did he really want? Many longed for the coveted king-given title of Knight of Hallownest. If not a knight, maybe another appointment at the Palace like his brothers. If not the palace, perhaps patrolling across Hallownest with other elite bugs.
The idea of teaching was so new. Then again, showing those steps and skills to the trainees did feel comfortable and right once he got going. The council saw potential in his technique. Enough so to offer him a position to share it on a larger scale. And Lucan hadn't even graduated yet!
The young stag beetle had been so lost in thought he hadn't realized he'd reached the academy gate. But, oh, there were so many more thoughts to be had.
What if this was meant to be the legacy he left behind?
If this worked, it would mean every bug in the academy would eventually learn his techniques. Graduates would protect king and kingdom with skills they learned from him. Some of them may even go on to knights or other great warriors. Success could mean academies across Hallownest, hundreds of future soldiers would learn to be agile fighters through a program he would help build. If over his lifetime or after the course needed refinement, did it matter? Changes for the good of the kingdom had been in made in the name of the king and kingdom. His footprint would have already been left in history. His influence would have effected defenders of Hallownest long after his name was forgotten.
Now, name the feeling when one absolutely has to share good news immediately? The time for deep consideration for the matter after he found Duva!
Duva listened to Lucan's entire story with astonishment. A faculty position right after graduating? How often does that happen? Hardly ever. Naturally Duva was overjoyed her Lucan had received such an honor. If the experiment was a success it would become part of the curriculum permanently. Then other bases across the land! Lucan would have reshaped how soldiers were schooled in combat, or at least part of it.
Again and again Lucan told Duva how none of this would have ever been possible without her. Though she tried, Lucan refused to allow her to downplay her role, even if unintentional.
By the time the sweethearts stopped talking, Lucan had no doubts. The next day Lucan officially accepted the offer.