Well, ah...why not? By twelve, you're old enough to do the heavy work, and to no longer be coddled as a child...but you're not yet old enough to speak your mind, or go courting, or drink with the men. [...] I...suppose that doesn't matter here, though...

...Huh. [He shrugs and leans back.] You may have the right of it after all. Still, it's better to be full-grown, in height and strength and such things.