Quinn opened her eyes, blinking in the warm sunlight that was filtering in from the window. She moved to sit up, struggling against the weight of the comforter, and jumped when she heard paper rustling to her right.

"The last known relics of Sapient Pearwood found by noted explorer, Santana Lopez," Lady Regina read, smoothing the newspaper again. "With the help of Doctor Quinn Fabray, linguistics professor at Aelux University, the chest was recovered and a long forgotten language rediscovered. Currently, Fabray is recovering in a private suite at the King's Hospital, after a run in with pirates who tried to steal the wonderful discovery. Well, well," Regina said, finally looking over at Quinn. "You managed to impress me even further. Not only did my niece and her friends come back with only minor injuries, you've helped clean up her image. Not once does the article mention her rumored pirate behavior. That's quite a feat. How are you feeling, love?"

"Uh...tired."

"I kept you in a magical sleep for a couple of days. The reporters were being a nuisance. You'll feel better after a hot meal," she added, standing to pull the bell rope by the door. "I shall leave you now. I'm sure we'll be seeing each other again very soon."

Before Quinn could ask what she'd meant by that, the lady had swept from the room. A moment later, a nurse came in with a breakfast tray, followed by Santana.

"Morning," Quinn said, smiling.

"Morning," Santana said, and you could hear the relief in her voice.

"I see you've made a friend." Quinn nodded to the chest and nibbled her pastry.

"It won't stop following me. I mean, it's dead useful, and it's friendly enough. But it goes everywhere with me."

"You can tell it to stay put. It will come when you call."

"But what -"

"Anything made of Sapient Pearwood will follow its master anywhere. I linked it to you because...well, it's your treasure. I just flipped the switch, so to speak. Anything you put it will be perfectly safe, and it's impervious to magic."

"Meaning?"

Quinn conjured a small fireball and chucked it at the chest.

It swallowed it, and then sat there looking smug.

"Er...right." Santana sat down on the bed next to Quinn. "I'm glad you're okay. Matt and Blaine say hi."

"Hi to them. I met your aunt again."

"Yes...she insisted."

"Why did she think she'd be seeing me again soon?'

Santana smiled, and it was her knowing, self-satisfied smirk again. "Because King Brad just legitimized the four of us as the kingdom's first Royal Expedition Team. And we have another map." She pulled it out of her cloak pocket and passed it to Quinn. "So, Professor...feeling up to another trip?"

Fin

LbN: Hope you guys liked it! Thanks for all of your reviews and input.