Mid-Afternoon
She yawned, seemingly disinterested by the notion.
There was a patter of rain from the outside, a distinct sound that permeated through the panes of the Bear and Boot; a muting sound that bled into the voices of patrons. Within the scent of tobacco and wood smoke mingled with the dampness of the world beyond, the inhabitants at various stages of drying off. They drank their pints quietly, a few others playing with a set of cards - idling away the time before their various work duties began once more. It was far from busy, a dozen or so bodies of the working class were spread across the tables - primarily labourers with a sailor or two. It suited Jenson just fine, it allowed him time to quietly gain a reading of the day and prepare for the evening to come.
It was at the bar that Jenson quietly worked, the current task was shifting the various caskets of alcohol and checking the contents. Beatrice, the kitten, quietly inspected him as he worked - quietly nosing at him from the safety of the bar top. There was a curious look, a small burbling trill escaping from her throat, the tail raised and bushing out when he brought one of the empty casks down from the racking. Squire's Delight was always a popular one with the midday crowd; it provided enough to take the edge off the day, but had a tendency not to inhibit enough to prevent them from working.
Pulling out the tap, he caught the distinct scent of stale ale and the slosh of sediment in its base. An acrid smell, one he was accustomed to. He quickly stuffed a keystone plug into the hole left and shuffled it to one side. The was a small, quick glance to the patrons. It was calm, all clearly subdued by alcohol and the warmth that the hearth embers made. A crack of wood as it splintered and spluttered, the layer of ash ever creeping outwards. A single deep inhale, there was nothing to worry on. His hand gave the kitten a gentle pat upon the head, fingers pushing away the paws that looked to ensnare it. His own voice purred, "Watch the bar."
Releasing himself, he watched the kitten roll and stare at him. A shake of the head, she gave a bound off down the length of the bar before pausing at the end. He left her there, turning his attention to the cellar trap door and the rearranging of stock. It was some minutes after that he resurfaced however, grunting as he shoved the heavy keg up. It landed with a satisfying clunk, the heavy inside slopping as he caught his breath. Easing himself out, he gave a nod to a patron who was hovering patiently for a refill. Cheeks puffed, he gave them a nod and took the tankard from them - he did not pay too much attention to the appearance. A parting of lips a flash of teeth, "What can I get you, boss?"