Jax almost fell into the seat only because his eyes were glued to the shelves of this small cabin. Books? He felt the wind knocked out for just a second and he struggled to keep his jaw from dropping. He hid his shock with a thrust of his hand toward her. She might not see his uncovered awe. Books. Jax traveled very light, He kept almost nothing because he had too often moved from ship to ship so quickly the only things he took was what he could hold. He didn’t need things. But that didn’t stop him from appreciating something as mystical and magical as books. She had books.

Suddenly his wasn't hiding his hand any longer. Let her think her speech about her job convinced him. Fix me, his fingers wiggled. But his eyes stayed on her netted shelves. He longingly looked at each shelf not being close enough to read any titles or even see what language they might be in. After he counted each book he could see on each filled shelf he turned his head just a bit to see the book on her bed. That one he could figure because it was open. Plants. Flowers. Something a witch would read of course and still he leaned toward it.

He looked back to her quick hoping she had missed the emotions that slid over his face. Just the hand, ma’am. Something changed for Jax. He began to realize he might need to amend his approach with this sea witch. 

He held his breath as she worked her magic, her spells, her transformation of all those mysterious words and pictures from parchment of wizardry right to his bone. He made not a sound or a moan no acknowledgement of pain. Instead he let his eyes and thoughts take in the rows and rows of books. 

When he thought she might be near the end, he looked to his hand and then to her. He had no way to judge her work or her job she was so quick to claim. But he had a stich or two. Hers were neater and more exact than any he had seen.

Jax gave her a grin. In a very soft voice with his smile returning he let his breath out and whispered, “This game of cards, this fleecing and booty, I am rethinking.” Still soft as if too loud in this small cabin would be a sin, “I would like to ride more on this game tonight. If I win I will take not one of your coins, not a single gold piece at all. If I do kiss luck and show skill and win.” He stood up and swept his arm. “I want to borrow a book, maybe two.” He watched her face not sure how she would take his request. 

Then he raised his bandaged hand, “And when I return it in the condition I borrowed you might call me Jax” He opened the door of her cabin as wide as his grin. “That is when I win. And what of you? If stars be fair and shine on you, do want more than just my coins?” .