Waves lapped heavy on the shore. Above, storm clouds slowly edged the horizons. It was going to be a short time before they'd need to evacuate, the scent of salt and rain in the air. Novruil was double checking their materials, weighing their picks with careful thought. Kahawai nudged Leema to the side, whispering worries and concerns. Lungric raised the spyglass to her eye, looking at the upcoming storm. "We have a few hours at most." She turned her head, glancing at her team. "Supposedly two meters down past the furthest cliff is the rumored Pearlstones." She sighed, padding over to the other tsab. Novruil patted her shoulder, handing over her bronze-tinted pick. "We need to be quick."

"Then let's get started," confirmed Novruil. Kahawai responded with a nod, while Leema looked at the storm. Worry bubbled in her belly, but she knew to keep quiet. The older miners knew better, and fretting would only make them take even longer. The journey up the beachfront was quick, paws thudding on rocky sand. They slid along the grey-black cliff face, the volcanic stone abrasive on their paws. Upon hitting the furthest point, they looked down into the black frothing waters. "Take a deep breath," Novruil inhaled deeply. He took the leap first, splashing into the dark water.

"Wish me luck," Leema laughed, leaping in after the tsab. Kahawai watched Lungric's hesitation, giving her a soft, understanding smile- Before shoving her. Lungric flailed as she fell, cursing out loud and flipping Kahawai off. Kahawai barked laughter, and leapt into the waters.

Although dark, it was still decently easy for the four to see. Novruil led the way, slipping deeper into the water. Kahawai gave a gesture to Leema, and they both followed. Lungric took a moment to breech, taking a heavy breath and slipped deeper.

Novruil swung the bronze pick with skill, utilizing all of his strength to swing it with force. It chipped into the volcanic stone, breaking off chunks and exposing deeper into the submerged cliff face. Kahawai utilized his claws, gripping the stone. He braced his back legs, utilizing leverage to pry large boulders out of the way. Leema followed suit, but instead focusing on the smaller sparkles of ore veins. She pried pieces free, stuffing the small shards into her well-lined pouch. Lungric worked as a look-out, ensuring there were no poachers nor predators approaching.

It was several minutes before their oxygen ran thin. They took turns breaking the surface, gulping lungfuls of fresh air. Leema and Novruil were quick and efficient, sucking in air and diving down once again. Kahawai and Lungric paused at the surface together. "I can't believe you pushed me!" Lungric was still fuming despite the cold water sapping away body heat. Above, the sky was creeping deeper greys, clouds threatening their progress. In the distance, sheets of rain pelted the water's surface, churning saltwater into froth.

"Okay okay, I'm sorry, but I know you. You wouldn't have jumped."

"That's not an excuse!" Lungric shouted, shoving the belemoid with force and frustration.

"I don't care! We have a job to do!" Kahawai shouted back, spinning and slapping his tail on the surface and splashing Lungric with the frigid water. He glared back at her, and dove down.

"Bastard…." Lungric bared her teeth, punching the water a few times before following suit. They had a job to do, with an incredibly limited timeframe. She'd chew a hole in him once they're back in the desert…

Novruil pried the stones away with his pick, exposing more ore and more goodies. Leema was quick to fill her pouch, shoveling hefty stones. Kahawai soon took over the snagging of the stones. They'd sort them out better at the surface, toss useless metals and such when they could make more intentional decisions. Lungric flagged them quickly, pointing silently at the rough surface rapidly approaching. The storm was upon them, and they'd be smart to get out of the water quickly. Currents began tugging at their bodies, threatening to suck them further out to sea. Kahawai gave a nudge to Leema, and they quickly evened out their pouches for better movement. Novruil gripped each pick with care, tying them to his back in prep for hauling. It was time to go, and time to go fast.