When I got the emerald quest, I did the same thing. Once I had the phenomena In the correct room (and it doesn't seem to matter really if it's mist or native idol or willo wisp), I first went to the fortune telling room because the clue mentioned speaking to Magda. Then I went to the bedroom with the idol in it (that is the target room.) and again, first thing, the emerald dropped!
Judging from people's experiences, this may also work in reverse....I'm not sure.
So read carefully because the quests often seem to suggest you must go to one room and then to the target room with the phenomenon. Good luck!
Last edited by Patty1 on Wed May 02, 2012 10:08 am; edited 1 time in total