Kasbis does not feel anything as he holds the very small Zamaruud Emerald.

Hrathen examines the small gem, then begins flipping through the geology book, trying to find information about it. 

Geology note on Zamaruud Emeralds.

Its the epitome of emeralds with its worth varying based on color, clarity, cut, and weight. It is very rare and the last Zamaruud Mine was depleted centuries ago. So far no new source of Zamaruud Emerald has been found to date. Some early writings speak of some unknown mystical quality to the Zamaruud Emeralds.

Emeralds are part of the big 3 of colored gems with sapphires and rubies. They are major part of the export of the Republic of Kisurma.

Shai starts pawing Duncan's leg. It licks it lips as it looks at the Zamaruud Emerald.

"Hey buddy! Sorry, almost forgot about ya since we got here! You must be hungry!" Duncan says pulling out some salt to give to the little guy, adding quietly, "Once we get into the mines I'll sneak you some proper gems."

"Hm... there may be some sort of magical element to these. And your dog is certainly interested in them. Maybe we should try feeding it a slive of the emerald? It might do something. Also, I suggest we move out of here and explore the land some more. We are all well rested, and maybe we can find somthing of import." Hrathen looks at the others to see what they think of his suggestions.

“Agreed.” says Kasbis, storing the emerald in his pocket.  “Let’s get things moving.  I think I see our next steps here, and you do too.  Let’s speak to Willoughby and Ellesia, shall we?”  He turns to the door and says again in abyssal “Menzora tetrehue, zildoflue, seb saphet xerosis.”  And the door opens…

Kas looks for Willoughby and Ellesia, a big smile on his face.  

"What did you find" say Willoughby

"Even if its empty we can still use it as shelter father" says Ellesia

What do you do next?

Kas turns to Ellesia and smiles, saying “Oh no, it was not empty.  We will definitely be in need of your services.  My father was onto something.”  He pulls out the emerald and shows them the sample.  “I believe that a mine for these emeralds is nearby.  I believe it is why he was killed.  We have a great deal to discuss.  Perhaps it would be better to show you. We can sit down and plan our next moves.”  Kas pauses a second, considering all of them.  “Do me a favor.  Just for a moment.  Cover your ears.  Thank you -“  

He waits until Willoughby and Ellesia cover their ears, then he speaks the abyssal words again, and guides them inside.  After bringing them inside, he shows them the materials, the books about mining and gems, and pulls up any seats available so that they can talk over next steps in the mining plan.

Ellesia eyes goes wide when seeing the interior of the structure "All of this was here on this barren land"

Willoughby sits down at the writing desk "Could you explain further on what is going on"

What do you say to them? Anyone can explain the situation.?

"All I know is that I don't need to build us a house!" Duncan says, clearly happy, and starting to think of defenses for his place instead, though pauses and adds to Kas, "By the way... can we change the code word on that door?"

Kas looks at Duncan, saying “I don’t know how.  For now we will have to leave it as it is.”  He sits down opposite of Willoughby and Ellesia and takes a deep breath, then begins.

“I know this is a lot to take in.  I can’t believe it myself!  You see, my father left me this land, this room, and … this information, in these books and in his journal.  And he had hopes that I would find it, after he was gone.”  He goes on to explain the death of his father, the mysterious departure of his mother and how he, Duncan and Hrathen hoped to investigate his death and the sole bit of his inheritance, this stretch of desert.  He relays how his father Kurta was killed, and the evidence pointing to Viscount Marish as the one who had him killed, as well as the one who attempted to kill the three of them in Widoze.  He tells them the legend of Zamaruud emeralds and the magical crown that Viscount Marish was seeking to make.  The Viscount had to eliminate Kurta to get access to this land and find the emerald deposits to move his scheme forward.  “My father charged me with the last entry in his journal to stop Viscount Marish.  And I plan to do exactly that.”

He shows them the information about mining, the research that was going on here and preparations to find this Zamaruud emerald mine.  He holds out the sample emerald and smiles as Shai comes up and sits, looking intently at the emerald, going around in circles, clearly wanting it.  “And this little guy is going to help us find them!  So.  I know, a lot to take in.  What do you say?  Will you continue on with us?  Help me stop those that murdered my father.  Do either of you know Viscount Marish?”  He stops and turns to Willoughby and Ellesia to see what they think of his proposal, and turns to Hrathen and Duncan as well for their support.

"You know you have my blade to protect you and to seek vengeance on what happened to your father," Duncan says, looking serious. Then looking down at his hungry looking sand pup adds, "And if Shai is gonna help us find some emeralds, we really should give him the small shards to munch on..."

"I am simply here to do what is right. Viscount Marish must face the iron will of the law. In the meantime, I am happy to help here. I think this will lead me to aid you with the downfall of Viscount Marish." Hrathen looks at the small dog and says, "Also, I agree with Duncan here. Feeding it a sliver of emerald might accomplish something."

Kasbis hands the emerald to Hrathen and Duncan, to attempt to give it shavings or whatever they think would help.  He says to the creature (and to himself), “Catch the scent, lead us to them…”

Willoughby and Ellesia look to each other with concern. Then Ellesia nods "I get to see the famed Zamaruud Emerald. No miner of worth would give up that chance"

"No I don't know Viscount Marish very well. I believe I met her once during a gala. We will help you as such an artifact in the wrong hands will affect us all. I ask that you protect the both of us as she mines the Zamaruud Emeralds" says Willoughby

Shai happily gobbles up the sliver of the Zamaruud Emerald and the stone spines on his body change into emeralds. Once let out of the shelter he races across the rocky land and sniffs the ground on occasion. Shai eventually stops next to a semi-circle of boulders. He circles and paws the ground as he waits for the others.

"Let me check" says Ellesia. She takes some of her tools out and begins digging. Not long afterwards the ground gives way. The new hole reveals a small mine shaft. Just the beginnings of a mine. Ellesia hops down and gives the mine an appraising eye "Well your father was no miner that is for sure. There are not enough support beams and it looks like he was digging haphazardly. This will take a lot of work. Well better get started." she begins setting up a proper mine.

Willoughby looks to his daughter with pride, but then looks to the party "Can you build some defense for the mine or perhaps some kind of camouflage".

"Defense or camouflage are something I was already planning," Duncan says, adding, "Though I will eventually need some proper carpentry tools later. For now I can use these old swords at least." He's then happy to continue working towards the lookout that he was building on the nearest bluff, as well as camouflaging it, and the entrance to the mine.

He then looks as his little sand pup grows green on his sides and says, "That's my boy! Let's see what we can find!" 

Its now early night. You hear the jangle of bells as an elderly women with a large pack makes her way across the barren land. She carries a massive pack festooned with bells and other odds and ends. She sees the structure and knocks on the door. "Anyone interested in some wares. I've got all kinds of item for sale." says the women in a raspy voice.