Eric fell asleep with Carna’s wrapped around him. He slept soundly comforted by the contact with his wife. He woke in the morning with his wife’s arm draped over his shoulder. He turned to face her beautiful face when it dawned on him that he no longer dwarfed her. He softly removed Carna’s arm trying not to disturb her as he made his way out of the bed. Looking at himself in the mirror he looked like a teenager. He still had his muscular features but they lacked the bulkiness he once had. His battle scars gone only the smooth skin of youth. He flexed in appreciation of his new appearance. Carna might be pleased to have a young man like him to please her.
It stuck him as he smiled at himself in the mirror that he no longer felt a simmering anger. The wolverine spirit plagued him no more. Flexing his muscles, he grinned pleased by Carna’s potion. He decided to surprise Carna with breakfast in bed.
Carna woke to the smell of bacon wafting in the air. Startled when she rolled over to see a teenager walk in with a plate of food. Then she realized that she it was her husband with his youth restored. She said, “Did the potion at least remove the curse from you?
Handing her the plate he responded, “I believe it did. I am not even angry with the side effects. I have new start at life with you and our family. I just have to do a mission for King Emeril.”
“Do you think it is wise while the potion does its work? We don’t know if there will be any further side effects.”
"I wish that I could linger with you but I am called away to settle the northern tribes. If I don't go now they begin to pillage then war will be unavoidable. So I must hasten away." He spoke as he packed provisions for the trip. With Carna fixing some food while watching Eric with worry. She feared the potions work wasn't done.
Carna asked Eric as finished packing, "Couldn't you take someone with you? What if you continue changing?"
Eric responded unconcerned, "I will take what steps I need if I need to. I haven't changed for some time I will be fine." He hefted his pack with the enthusiasm of restored youth. A passionate kiss for Carna as he headed out the door unconcerned of the dangers he journeyed towards.
Eric made good time out of his village. A few odd looks came from the villagers who didn't recognize him at first in his younger body. He wondered how best to settle the other tribes. While respected across the tribes for his battle prowess he might be identified with his new appearance. Still he had his skill and going around challenging the best fighters for the various tribes sounded like a fun way to prove himself.
Where to head first? The Coyote were friends and allies to his own tribe so that might be an easy place to start. The wolf tribe were his long time enemies but they respected challenges. And it would certainly send a statement throughout the tribes if went there. Maybe another tribe.
