The smell was, to say the least, delicious. Spices clung to the air and every table in the large tavern was full to capacity.

The Rusty Dragon was split into three main areas. Left of the entrance and towards the back was a sitting area with benches and chairs that could double as an impromptu stage. Currently there was a bard reciting some tale and quite a few ordinary folk were holding plates of food and drink and listening in, especially travelers with small children.

The main area was the bar that had seven stools (all occupied) and three additional large tables. There were just two chairs free among the three tables. Behind the bar, Ameiko was busy filling drink orders. She gave a nod and waved at Zakida when the half-orc entered.

To the right was the main dining area with five tables (all occupied) as well as a "buffet" style table set with fresh baked bread and plates of cured meats. Patrons of the inn could pay a few silvers to eat whatever they wish from the table for the duration of their stay. The main waitress working the tables was an older halfling woman who could barely see above the tables but was expertly setting dishes and clearing away the old ones.

A haggard looking Tien bartender is weaving her way in and out of the crowd with a tray full of food and ale. When she sees newcomers though she looks up and smiles, calling out to them.

"Find a spot where you can and I'll get to you! And if you're looking for a bit of coin..."

She sets down a plate of food at one table full of Ulfen caravan guards and jerks her thumb towards the "HELP WANTED" board over near the sitting area that looked to be picked completely clean.

"Or better yet if you're looking for a sellsword I'd appreciate it if you would hire out a few of the ruffians here."

She grinned and jabbed an elbow playfully at a very un-ruffian looking group of farmers with a table full of empty mugs in front of them and the three men started laughing along with the bartender, elbowing one another and boasting about the number of dragons they each slew on their way to the festival.

As the woman circled her way around the tavern her orbit finally got close enough where she could talk without having to shout over half the crowd.

"The name's Ameiko and this is my tavern. We've got good food, good ale and a very strict "no trouble" policy. I apologize but I think it's going to be standing room only until the festival kicks off."

Talitha reaches the tavern after a few minutes wondering around the area. She approaches the counter and talks to Ameiko.
"Hello, could I have some food and an ale? What do you recommend? I had a long boring trip and I need something to cheer me up." she smiles at her.
"Once my belly is full I'll check those ruffians you talked about. They do really look dangerous."
She winks at the farmers while she waits to get some food and drink.