[Video]

[silvering]

[Jem appears on the network at sunset. He's in his room with his face turned towards the window. There is a smile on his face. He had originally been going to ask a question. What comes out instead is song and it's sung in Chinese, rather than English.]

At the end of the sky, at the corner of the earth, my friends are half scattered there.
A ladle of unstrained wine ends the rest of my merriment, after tonight parting I wait for a chilly dream.
Beside the ancient path by the farewell pavillion, the bluish green of beautiful grasses stretches far into the sky.
Evening breezes sweep willow branches, broken tunes from bambo flute, sunset behind the silhouette of mountains.

[He bites his lip as it ends. With an effort he switches back to English.]

I am sorry, that was unintended. I was thinking of my friends at home. It sounds better played.

[Jem picks up his violin and with ease plays out the simple, sad melody.]

Comments

[Video]

[standing_alone]

I can't say I know much about music, but that was beautiful. [And because he knows what's going on...in part:] Are you alright?

[silvering]

Thank you, the violin is my pride and joy.

[Jem nods his head slowly.]

I do like this place, I dwelled too long on my friends at home.

( v i d e o )

[yourbestguysgun]

You okay there, kid?

[ Because that was a bit mournful. ]

[silvering]

[Jem half smiles at being called a 'kid'. It is friendly, unlike the Lightwoods who meant it as an insult.]

I am, thank you. I did not mean to worry anyone with the music.

[yourbestguysgun]

Nah, you're fine. Just y'know, checking in. You're new?

[silvering]

I am, I have only been here a month. The time has flown by while I grow accustomed to the more modern aspects of life.

[He smiles.]

I had my first doughnut yesterday.

[yourbestguysgun]

Doughnuts are swell.

[ He offers up a grin. ] So, you're not like the modern masses, huh? Hang in there, it gets easier.

[silvering]

[Jem smiles back.] I am enjoying being surprised by modern items every day.

When are you from?

[yourbestguysgun]

Don't do what I did kid. [ A huff of a laugh. ] Ended up putting a bullet in the coffee machine my first week here 'cause it startled me.

1943.

[ Video ]

[stelecharm]

If we were anywhere else, I'd probably judge you, but we're not, so I won't. [ He needs coffee, and earplugs, it's making him lose a few braincells. ] What was that, Chinese?

Re: [ Video ]

[silvering]

It was Chinese. [Jem sets the violin down with a soft smile.]

I understand the violin is not played so much in these modern times, which is a pity.

[ Video ]

[stelecharm]

[ He might not play, but he's definitely admiring the violin quietly. ]

It's a shame, but it did lose popularity. I'm a piano man myself.

Re: [ Video ]

[silvering]

Clary mentioned that to me, perhaps we could play together some time?

[ Video ]

[stelecharm]

I have to warn you that I've never really played with anyone before, but it's something to pass the time. [ And they should probably find things to bond over beyond fighting and violence. ]

Re: [ Video ]

[silvering]

I have not had a chance to play with anyone in a long time. Will and Tessa bury their heads in books rather than music.

[ Video ]

[stelecharm]

[ He frowns, briefly, the urge to get defensive there, because as much as he does other things, he loves devouring books, even if it was something he did because of Valentine.

Instead, he opts to walk another path. ] Tessa? I've heard that name here before.

Re: [ Video ]

[silvering]

Tessa is who I intend to marry.

[If he gets the chance. Jem knows the odds are not in his favour.]

[ Video ]

[stelecharm]

[ There was a time when he wouldn't think twice about mocking someone close to his age talking about something as serious as marriage, but not everyone's got the issues he does, and these days he lets himself wonder what it might be like. ]

Does she know that? [ It's light, teasing, and not even remotely cruel. ] But good for you, it must be serious.

Re: [ Video ]

[silvering]

Fortunately for me, she is fully aware of my intentions. [Jem smiles brightly for a moment.]

She is incredible even though she isn't a Shadowhunter.

[ Video ]

[stelecharm]

I find it's always better when they know. [ Because he can't help himself.

But that makes him stop and wonder. ] You plan to marry a Mundane? I'm sure your parents will love that.