Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters except for Mary, and some other characters I made up. Besides them, all the other characters belong to the wonderful Cassandra Clare.

Summary: Clary Lewis never knew her real family, the one that sent her down the Skylack River. From what she knew, Simon, her brother, found her by the river when he was seven years old and brought her home. Now Mary Lewis, Simon and Clary's mother is sick. Clary wants to help her, but by helping her it means Clary has to face danger. She runs away to find help for her mother when she meets a mysterious golden boy. Will she make it through alive? Will she get to Mary in time? Will she learn who her real family is? And will she fall in love?

A/N: So here is the first chapter of the many. I'm going to update as much as I can, probably once every week. To those of you how have already read my first version of this story, I think it is better to actually reread what I wrote, because a lot of new information is brought up, and new things in general are added into my story. It's in the "1860's," though really there is no real date since it is a make – believe land, if you know what I mean. Just so you know, there are no Shadowhunters or New York in this. There are other supernatural creatures, but no Shadowhunters. Most of the main characters in MI are going to come into to play eventually. Just so you know Simon's mom isn't the same one from MI, and has a different name, and he is also not Jewish. Oh, also this is all takes place in the kingdom of Idris. Keep in mined that even though it is called Idris, it is a different place than the one you all know from the books. PLEASE give this story a chance! Enjoy!

**Thank you to my beta lowshie, and my friend Hannah for making my story better! **

The woman looked behind her to check if anyone was following. She saw only the dense forest. A moment later, there was a loud scream. The woman held her baby tighter in her arms, and gently kissed her baby's nose. Nearly sobbing, she dashed in the direction of the river. She felt watched as she ran swiftly through the black forest. When she reached the river she got down on her knees, wrapped her baby in a blanket, and put the baby in a sturdy picnic basket. But before she put the flap of the basket down, she looked into her baby's sleeping face.

"I love you," she whispered to her child. Gently the woman put the basket in the water, and watched it flow down the river. She slowly fell down to her knees, her energy depleted as she watched the basket flow out of her view. Blind from her tears, and deaf from her sobs- she didn't hear them when they came out of the forest. Suddenly, she flew backwards into a tree, her back cried in pain and agony, her eyes fluttered open and she saw the dark ghost-like creatures. Out of nowhere, a man grabbed her neck, and lifted her harshly off the ground until her face was right below his.

"Where is she?" he asked in a venomous voice. She looked at the ground, avoiding his eyes. His grip grew stronger while his other hand held her jaw stiffly, and lifted her chin to make her look at him. Stubborn as she was, she managed not to look into his eyes. His grip around her neck made it hard for her to breath. He roared at her, and pushed her hard back into the tree. "I said, where is she!"

The women finally looked into the man's black eyes, "Away from you."

OoOoOoOoO

Simon Lewis dug up, and tended a patch of dirt to plant carrot seeds he got from his mother. He used his index finger, and made five rows. He grabbed the carrot seeds in one hand, and dropped the seeds row by row through the little hole he made with his hand. Simon's fingernail became dirty, but he not could care less. Once he was done Simon went inside to find his mother, Mary, making dinner by the fire.

"Ma, I'm going by the river!" Simon yelled.

"Don't go too far! Dinner is almost ready," Mary Lewis warned.

"Don't worry, I wouldn't go far this time." Simon replied as he turned around and closed the door behind him. He walked onto the trail that leads to the river, which he had always loved. There were always so many sounds, smells, and things to see. He was more curious than most seven year olds in the village and a lot more helpful. He always fed the sheep, milked the cows, and tended his mother's garden, since Mary's back got sore easily.

The forest was still moist from the storm the other night; Simon could almost feel the moisture through his shoes. When he arrived at the river, he heard the sound of a baby's cry from the other side. He looked in the direction of the sound, but couldn't see anyone. Simon took off his shirt and shoes, and dived into the water. When he got to the other side, he saw an elaborate basket, like the ones he had seen rich people from the city use for picnics. It was hidden by tall clary sages. Simon gently opened the basket and found a beautiful redheaded baby girl with big green eyes. She was crying in a high pitch, soprano voice that was as sweet as an angel's.

"Don't cry," cooed Simon as he wiped the tears off the baby 's face. She stopped wailing and looked up into Simon's warm brown eyes. He smiled, and put a hand on her cheek and she smiled in return. Simon looked around to see if anyone was there.

"Hello?" No answer.

"Is anyone there?" No answer.

Who would leave a baby alone?

Simon suddenly noticed the twilight sky. He gently put the basket with the baby girl in the water, and gently pushed it to the other side of river.

"We better get home before Ma throws a fit," Simon said as they got to the other side. He quickly put on his shirt and shoes, and carried the basket through the dark forest.

OoOoOoOoO

Simon walked back on the trail with the baby in the basket. She was light, smaller than most babies Simon had encountered. She was prettier, too. He never knew someone could have such fiery red hair. He didn't even know it was possible to have such jewel-like green eyes, either. Simon thought only warlocks could possibly possess those traits. But he guessed it wasn't his fault he thought that, since he had never gone outside of his little village with its brown haired and brown-eyed people. The only other hair color Simon had seen was white. Some of which had started to dye his mother's hair.

That's when Simon stopped. What if his mother wouldn't let the baby stay? Please, let the baby stay. Let the baby become part of our family, Ma. Let her become my new baby sister.

Sister, Simon thought. He always wanted a sibling, but he knew Mary couldn't bear any children since his father died. Simon barely remembered his father. He died when Simon was four years old from the stomach sickness that was afflicting many at that time. He remembered his mother crying on his shoulder, and his father telling her everything was going to be all right. He kissed the top of her head, and put his weak finger on her chin to make her look into his brown eyes. They looked at each other eye to eye for what felt like a century to Simon. Simon could still hear his father's voice whispering every few seconds, "I love you, Mary."

He died within hours, and Mary cried profusely for the next week. The whole village seemed depressed that autumn due to the many losses. Ever since then Mary had become over-protective. She acted strong and brave in front of the townspeople. But Simon knew she was still hurting inside. Every once in awhile, Simon would wake up in the middle of the night and hear her sobbing.

As Simon got closer to the cottage, he was scared of having the baby girl rejected by Mary. She hadn't gotten close to anyone, but Simon, since his father's death. He also knew he was late, and that Mary would be angry with him either way. But he didn't care. He just hoped that the baby girl in the basket would become his sister. As he got closer to the cottage, he saw the light of the fireplace through the windows, and he came to a conclusion.

"I'm going to protect her."

OoOoOoOoO

Mary Lewis watched the sky turn dark after she was done cooking. She had gotten a few blisters on her arms from the fire and nearly set her old brown dress aflame. Mary started to worry about Simon. He knew of the mysterious creatures of the night. The ones called vampires, werewolves, and warlocks.

She felt relieved when she saw a shadow of a person coming through the woods, but then she noticed that Simon was carrying a basket. Mary frowned when she saw that it wasn't one of her own. There were serious punishments to those who stole, and she knew Simon was aware of them.

Simon opened the door, and entered. Mary Lewis stood there looking at him in disappointment. Her hands were on her hips; her lips were set in a stern frown.

"What in the world is in your hand, Simon Lewis? You know it is against the King's wishes to have one of his subjects' steal. Why didn't you leave the basket where you found it! And where were you, young man? You said you weren't going to come home late, but look at you coming home at this hour all dirty with someone else's basket," Mary raised an eyebrow, "and wet."

"What did you do? Go swimming in that freezing river," Mary yelled. "Answer me." She glared at him.

"Ma, would you stop screaming? You're going to wake her up," Simon said calmly. Mary looked confused.

"Wake who up?" she asked. Simon opened the basket and held it out to Mary. He pointed at the baby girl inside.

"Her, Ma," he replied.

Mary crouched down to look at the sleeping girl, and then noticed the fancy lace of her blanket. Mary looked at Simon, worried.

"Simon, do you know what they will do to us if someone thinks we kidnapped this-"

"Ma, she was alone by the Skylack River when I found her. She was crying and screaming. She was alone, Ma, honest."

Mary looked into Simon's eyes to tell if he was being honest. The earnestness in his eyes was hard to miss. Just like his father, Mary thought. She sighed in longing. She looked at the basket with the sleeping child. The child seemed only a few weeks old. Who wouldn't want her?, Mary thought.

"Can we keep her?" Simon asked, breaking Mary from her thoughts. There was a light in his eyes.

"I can't promise you anything, Simon. I have to see if this baby has parents who are searching for her." Mary replied. The light faded in his eyes.

"What if no one is looking for her? Could we keep her?" Simon asked. Mary looked back at the baby in the basket.

"We'll see, love." Mary stood up straight. "Come eat your dinner, it's getting cold."

OoOoOoOoO

The next morning while Simon was doing his daily chores, Mary went walked to the village center with the baby in the basket. As she walked to the bakery, the villagers gave Mary curious looks as they saw the fancy looking basket in her hand. No one in the village ever had the money to buy a fancy basket, unless they could do without food for a month. Even the wealthiest in the village didn't spend their money on things like the basket.

Mary ignored the stares, and continued on until she opened the door to the bakery and entered.

"Good morning, Mary," said Gavin. "How can I help you?"

Gavin, being the village baker, always knew all the gossip around the village and beyond. He used to be her husband Henry's best friend before he died. Gavin often looked after Mary when times got hard; giving her pieces of bread, and some water. He even proposed to her once Henry died, in order to help her raise Simon. Mary refused of course, but sometimes she wondered what would have happened if she accepted. Gavin was the only villager she trusted, aside from her son.

"I was wondering if you heard of a missing child," Mary said. Gavin's light brown eyes filled with confusion.

"Is Simon lost?" Gavin asked. Mary laughed, making him smile. He hadn't heard her laugh in a long time.

"No, Gavin." Mary put the basket on the counter, and opened the top. "Simon found her by the Skylack last night. I can't image who would leave a child like that. My assumption is that someone put her in the river, and she ended up on land after that big storm we had two nights ago. The poor thing was so hungry when she woke up in the middle of the night. I had nothing but a little goat milk." Mary looked at the sleeping baby in the basket. It had been awhile since she took care of a baby. She had always wanted a daughter, but knew she would never have one after Henry died. She almost thought the baby was a gift from him. Mary was already getting attached to the sleeping beauty.

Gavin saw the softness in Mary's expression, and looked at the baby on the counter. She was tiny, with red plump cheeks. Her hair was a bright orange, and it curling perfectly around her forehead. Her skin pearly white, and her eyelashes were long and full. "No, I haven't heard of any missing child. But I'll tell you if I do."

They both stayed silent, staring at the baby.

"She sure is going to be a looker when she grows up," Gavin said, breaking the silence. Mary nodded in agreement.

"Well, I have to go. Thank you, Gavin." Mary said. She grabbed the basket, and headed toward the door.

"I think she is going to be good for you, Mary. It's been a long time since I've seen you look like that."

OoOoOoOoO

Mary slowly walked back onto the main road. She was consumed with thoughts and hopes. Ever since her husband died a part of her broke, and hadn't healed. She tried to become twice as cautious, and twice as strong, or at least she tried to appear so. She had closed herself off completely from others except for Simon, and Gavin. She didn't want to get hurt, again.

"Maryrose, love, please speak to me. You know I don't want you to cry," Henry said in a soothing voice. His hands were on her head, his fingers tangled into her silky brown hair. Mary laid next him, her head buried into his shirt. "Mary, look at me."

Mary turned her face to look into Henry's brown eyes. Her own brown eyes were red from crying. Her long hair was arranged wildly around her shoulder. It broke Henry's heart to see her in such distress.

"Mary, my love, I want you to remember that I love you and Simon very much. I would give anything to have this illness taken away from me, but I have no choice. Just be the strong women I fell in love with, and you'll be fine without me. You will still be my Maryrose, no matter where I am. My beautiful Maryrose, who wakes up looking like perfection. My stubborn Maryrose, who always makes herself heard. My Maryrose, who gave me a family and more love than any man would receive in a lifetime. My Maryrose, who I can never get bored of watching, and hope to watch wherever I go. And my Maryrose, who I fell in love with twenty years ago after you pushed me into a puddle."

Henry tried to sit up from his bed, but was too weak from speaking. His head felt dizzy, yet he was determined to kiss his Mary one last time. Mary saw the determination in his posture; she leaned forward to kiss Henry on his lips. Mary couldn't care less at the moment of the possibility of becoming sick. She just wanted to feel that tingly feeling that spread from her lips to her entire body whenever she kissed Henry. An electric current passed through their lips as they touched. The kiss was slow and soft, but had more love and passion than a hundred kisses. Finally, Mary pulled back and looked into Henry's eyes whose was looking at her.

Henry slowly placed her hand in his shaking one, and kissed her knuckle. He massaged the inside of her hand, and traced the lines in it, telling her every few minutes how much he loved her.

The gate tapped Mary's foot and she realized she was back home. Her cheeks felt moist, and she realized she had been crying. She quickly wiped them away, and opened the gate with one hand. She walked through their small garden to the steps that lead to their cottage. Simon immediately saw his mother with the baby in the basket, his smile grew wider.

"Ma! Ma!" Simon placed the bucket of chicken feed on the ground, and ran up to where his mother was. "Are we going to keep her? Are we?"

"I don't know yet, Simon," Simon's smile fell. "But there has been no report of a missing baby, either." His eyes shone with hope as he looked at the baby on the step.

"So is that a yes?" Simon's eyes looked at Mary, pleadingly. Mary couldn't help but laugh at how desperately he wanted to keep the baby girl.

"How about if no one comes to claim her, we keep her." Simon encircled his arms around his mother's waist with excitement.

"Yes! That is a perfect idea." Mary laughed at her son's enthusiasm. Simon looked at the baby and then at her. "Can we name her?"

Mary hadn't even thought of naming her, but she guessed that she couldn't call the baby, 'the girl in the basket' forever.

"I suppose we can. Do you have a name for her?" Simon knelt on the steps and hovered over the basket with the sleeping baby. He stared at her with an intense look on his face. Mary smiled at her son's expression as he thought of a name for the little girl.

"Clary!" Mary's eyebrows creased in confusion.

"Clary?" Mary asked.

"Yes, Clary! That's what I'm going to call her. She was hidden in tall clary sages when I found her. It's the perfect name!" Simon explained. His eyes burned with excitement as he stared into the baby girl's sleeping face, Clary.

"Yes, I guess it is the perfect name."

A/N: So that was the first chapter! I hope you all enjoyed it!

If you guys are wondering when Jace is going to show up. Please just be patient, he is going to show up eventually. Maybe even in the next chapter, maybe.

I'm going to start doing this thing where I wouldn't update at all until I get at least 6 reviews. So please review! Reviews are like chocolate; I just can't get enough of it!