Episode 7: Growing Up
One evening in the Lone-lands, as he rested from his day’s journey, Piper reflected on a conversation he had with his father a few weeks before his departure.
‘Piper, you have now come of age. It’s time for you to be serious about your future,’ said Piper’s father.
‘I AM serious, father!’ his son retorted.
‘I don’t consider your usual tomfoolery with your friends to be serious,’ the family patriarch chastened him.
‘But I’ve joined the Bounders. I’ve gotten to know the lay of the land, just as you asked, and I’ve met many important people,’ replied Piper.
‘While drinking beer all day long in the Golden Perch?’ his father rhetorically asked.
‘I’m not at the Perch all day,’ Piper said defensively. ‘Sometimes I’m in the Floating Log, or the Bird and the Baby, or the Ivy Bush, or sometimes even the Green…’
Piper’s father made a disapproving noise in his throat.
‘Piper, I’m making you a small loan so you can purchase a home. It’s just a loan, mind you. I want you to put down roots. Get married. Raise a family.’
Piper squirmed in his chair while listening to his father’s expectations.
His father placed ten gold coins in front of him.
‘Ten gold coins? I’ll never be able to repay this!’ cried Piper.
‘If you apply yourself you will,’ answered his father.
‘I don’t need a house,’ said Piper waving off the coins. ‘I’m fine sleeping in…’
‘The backs of taverns? That won’t do for a son of mine. Especially one whom I expect to eventually assume management of the family trade,’ interjected his disapproving father.
‘The family trade? I’ve told you countless times that I don’t want that responsibility!’ said the dismayed Piper, now nearly coming to tears.
‘At present,’ the older hobbit calmly answered. ‘I suspect that in due course you will change your mind.’
Piper’s cheeks flushed with frustration.
Piper’s dad continued, ‘I’ve found a suitable neighborhood with a few pleasant lots to choose from. You are free to pick whichever you like. Here is a list.’
Piper’s father slid a small piece of parchment towards him.
The reality of the situation began to sink in. Although he looked it, he was no longer a lad: he was an adult. He looked into his father’s eyes and, attempting to put on his bravest smile, nodded resignedly,
‘Good, it’s settled. Once the transaction is complete, bring me a copy of the deed so that I may store it for safekeeping,’ the senior hobbit requested.
‘Yes, father,’ Piper sadly replied.
