So, we're done with the prologue part, now let's get to the point. This is the S01E01 plot, the Titanic thing etc, given from the POV of the two main characters, Morgana and Merlin.

A huge chapter for my standards, almost 4K, it took me a week to finish it, as I had to re-watch the episode a number of times so that I have left some lines the same.

Enjoy!

Please review.

Disclaimer : I don't own Downton Abbey (if I did, Matthew would live on…)

"Oh my god" the post lady said as soon as she had seen the telegram sent from America.

"That's impossible"

Life started normal that day at Downton Abbey.

Merlin woke up abruptly by Thomas who knocked on his door.

"Get up, sleepyhead; you don't want Mr. Carson to know you are late."

"Thanks" Merlin replied sarcastically, his eyes still closed.

He slowly stood up, washed the sleep off his eyes and took the blanket off Jimmy's bed, as he had not woken up by Thomas' voice.

He put on his suit-n-tie costume and left the room to check the mailbox.

Empty.

They were late again.

"Are there any letter's Merlin?" Carson asked in his heavy voice.

"No, sir, they are late again."

"Very well."

He continued walking to the kitchen.

"For heaven's sake, Merlin put the shirt inside your trousers." Mrs. Hughes scolded him.

"Good morning, Mrs. Hughes" he smiled at her and did as she told him to.

He reached the kitchen and greeted good morning Mrs. Patmore and William.

Mrs. Patmore handed him a mug with tea and he sat silently drinking it on the servant's table. Thomas came down and served himself after a while. In five minutes time every single one from the staff was getting breakfast.

A bell rang. The board with the bells indicated it was coming from Lady Mary's room.

"And they're off" Thomas said, rather too cheerfully. It was not his duty to attend Lady Mary. He would have his time to enjoy breakfast.

"No rest for the wicked" Mrs. Hughes completed his thought as Anna left for the Lady's chambers.

Another, far less common bell rang.

"The back door" Mrs. Hughes announced.

"Oh, The papers at last. Merlin."

Merlin got off his seat and did as commanded. He opened the back door took the papers the man with the bicycle gave him. He afforded a glance at the yellowish newspaper and his eye caught the headline with the bold black letters. He had only read the word "Titanic". Wasn't this the name of the ship his childhood friend, Freya had taken, to find a life in America? He was rudely disrupted from his thoughts when Carson grabbed the newspaper from his hands and told him

"We didn't buy it for you, boy. You are going to be late. Go and iron it at once."

Merlin had the time to read the newspaper with his own pace as he was ironing it.

And the he read it full.

"The Titanic Sunk" He read it all over, again and again. He slowly realized what it meant. Freya was probably dead or in some godforsaken island in the middle of the ocean. He held back the tears that were threatening to spill.

"Mrs. Carson, I think you ought to see this."

He frowned and seemed to panic as soon as he had read the title.

"Oh, my dear god. Nothing in life is sure, it seems. I will deal with this with the servants."

Uther walked slowly and majestically down the stairs.

"Is it true, what they are saying?" he asked Carson.

"I believe so Milord" he replied, successfully keeping any sentiment out of his voice.

Merlin made sure that Carson didn't need him anymore and excused himself at the library where he had to dust out the shelves and books.

"I'm afraid we'll know some people on it. You don't think there are any lists of survivors yet?" he heard Uther say.

"I understand most of the ladies were taken off in time."

"You mean the ladies first class." Uther's voice was barely audible as Merlin had nearly reached the library. He didn't need to know anything else. Freya, just like him, was the offspring of a poor family in Ireland. She surely wasn't traveling fist class. No one would bother save her he thought as he was taking the books out of the first shelf.

Morgana always got up early. City habits, she thought. Though she stayed in bed long and didn't call for Gwen until late. She was now done with daydreaming and tugged the string connected with her room's bell, summoning this way her maid. Gwen arrived in a minutes' time.

"Good morning, milady" she smiled, finding Morgana already up, sitting on her vanity and combing her hair.

"I'm supposed to be doing that" she teased her Lady. They had formed a relationship closer to friendship than servant-mistress. Morgana laughed and said "Don't bother. I am a far way from becoming a lady, Gwen"

Gwen giggled. "So, let's find you something to wear"

They spent the next ten minutes getting Morgana ready. She left the room for the dining room wearing a beige long gown, with some lace and some pearls on it, a gift from Uther. She had her hair half up, braided in an old fashioned style, which she knew suited her, and it was one of the few things The Dowager Countess approved about her. She knew she was visiting them today so she decided she wouldn't want to risk another telling-off session with her.

She walked down the stairs hurriedly, bumping into a nearly sleeping Jimmy. She survived the fall as she was the one who fell on him but Jimmy fell on the steps.

"God, I'm so sorry, James" She said, offering him his hand.

Jimmy looked astounded. He hastily got to his feet, brushing some dust out of his suit.

"Have you just snubbed my help James?" she smiled cheekily at him. He grinned back. "No, milady. Of course not. I just didn't want to bother you."

"Come on" she murmured and continued her way.

The hall was surprisingly silent, according to Downton's standards. The servants were not making any noise, and so did their master's too.

"Good morning" Morgana greeted. No one replied. "What's wrong?" she asked, curious about this strange reaction to her words.

Sybil handed her the newspaper.

"The Titanic has sunk. Both our heirs have most possibly died. Our life has been complicated as much as possible."

"You mean Patrick and James? It can't be true. " She reached for the page in the newspaper. "Oh, no" she said, as soon as she had read the article. "They probably are"

Mary came down. Uther looked at her disapprovingly. "Mary, you must have heard the news."

"I have"

"Patrick, your fiancé and his father are almost certainly dead"

"Does this mean that now I am considered a widow?" she asked, obviously not excited at the prospect.

"That's up to you" Uther said.

"That's a relief"

Morgana glared at her. So did Uther. She could never understand the utilitarianism that characterized her every thought and move.

"We will have to arrange something for new heirs. I will call Murray at once."

"If you will excuse me" Morgana excused herself and left for the library. Perhaps she could find something interesting to pass her time.

Once she had opened the door she heard some faint sobbing. She tried to find the source of the sound. She went to the end of the room and looked behind the carpet. And there, looking devastated was the footman that had caught her attention as soon as she had come to Downton.

"Excuse me?" she said quietly, not to frighten him, lightly touching the top of his head.

"Milady" he stood up looking terrified at her reaction" I'm so sorry"

"It's fine… Oh, I don't know your name yet."

"It's Merlin" he told her.

She smiled reassuringly at him. "I guess you know you can tell me what this is about" she suggested. "If you want to, that is" she added hastily.

Merlin said nothing and blushed deeply. Morgana wondered if it was her making him feel bad so she took a few steps back.

"It's the Titanic, isn't it?" she said sadly. Merlin nodded. "Yes, it is. My best friend, Freya, was in there." His voice cracked at that point. "She wasn't traveling first class. They got out only the noblewomen, I gather."

Morgana turned to look at him. There were tears in his eyes. There was something different about this servant boy with the sharp cheekbones and the deep blue eyes that intrigued her. She could feel his sorrow. She took a step closer and hugged him. He nearly started sobbing.

"Shh, it's alright. No one said there are no survivors. We can look it up. Perhaps she's alive" She whispered to him encouraging words. Reluctantly, she let go some time later. He seemed confused.

"You are, different" he told her.

"Yes" she agreed with a smile. "I am definitely not fit for a lady"

He bowed slightly and left the room.

Morgana sighed and took a book from the shelf. She dipped on the huge armchair and was drifted into the fictional world.

Merlin went downstairs and entered the kitchen. A new man was there, surrounded by his friends. He had cunning brown eyes and was holding a walking stick.

He looked questioningly at Anna but the new man replied in her place.

"I am John Bates, the new valet" he extended his hand.

"Pleased to meet you. I'm Merlin" he introduced himself.

"Were on earth is Morgana?" Aunt Violet asked Cora as she entered the living room. She had just arrived at Downton and just been informed of the bad news.

Merlin happened to be hearing and he butted in "I think the Lady Morgana is in the library, reading"

The two ladies turned to look at him and Carson coughed.

"I'm so sorry for his behavior, milady. Merlin, have you not understood it yet. No talking during service"

"Sorry Mr. Carson" he said hastily. He had momentarily completely forgotten everything about his position.

They went to see Morgana, who was indeed in the library.

"Morgana, my child, what are you doing here all morning?"

"Hello, Aunt Violet. I'm just reading, Mama."

"Good morning" The Dowager said. "I still haven't got used to seeing you here"

Morgana chuckled. "Believe me, I have not either"

The memorial was held the following afternoon after the luncheon. The servants were allowed to come too.

Merlin hastily opened the chest he had under his bed and took a black suit and a black shirt. He was going to honor Freya as he should. The Lady Morgana had been only too kind with him, though he was pretty convinced that Freya hadn't been rescued. He felt embarrassed. She had found his when he was at his worst. He however had to admit that she had made him feel so much better. No other noble would have done that for a servant, he was sure about that. The Lady Morgana probably had to learn much about being a lady; she was perfect in his eyes though.

Morgana, too, knew there was little hope that Freya would been alive. Damn, she didn't want her first talk with Merlin to be like this. She chose a simple black gown with a matching shawl and went to join the others.

Most of the ladies were crying at the memorial. Cora and Sybil had already got wet their handkerchiefs. Morgana tried to remain serious. She had had her fair share of difficulties while in London and this type of things didn't affect her so much. She had lost a close friend of her in a car accident and it had taken its toll on her. She handed her handkerchief to Cora who had already used up hers.

Eternal rest, grant unto them, o lord,

And let perpetual light shine upon them

May they rest in peace.

Amen

One by one, the people started to leave.

"To the victims of the Titanic" Uther bade the toast at the beginning of dinner. They all raised their glasses honoring the fallen.

"I have something to announce to all of you" Uther started. "You have probably realized that with the Titanic tragedy, the estate has been left without an heir."

"I'm here to tell you that there is a living heir of the Pendragon family. He is a lawyer in Manchester. The son of a third cousin of mine"

"A lawyer?" Aunt Violet asked in disbelief.

"Rules are rules, mother" he said. "His name is Matthew Crawley. We shall invite him to leave with us from now on."

"Oh" Cora approved with a nod, while all the other obviously were disturbed by the fact, Morgana noticed. It was rational, though. The entire family heritage to pass down to a forgotten fourth cousin, it would not be a welcoming prospect for Uther.

"Mary, I think you can understand for yourself that you are going to replace Mr. Patrick with Matthew Crawley in every way."

"Father" Mary looked horrorstruck. "You can't mean that I have to…"

Uther nodded. "Unless we have found you someone more suitable by the time, which I doubt…"

"By the way" Cora announced "the Duke of Crowborough will be here in the evening. Carson, make sure he is suitable treated."

"Of course, milady"

Later on, everyone was ready at the entrance, just like they had been waiting for Morgana. A car came from the corner and the Duke came out. A pleasant man, Morgana thought. He seamed to take in every detail of the Abbey with awe.

"Welcome to Downton" Uther greeted and he and Cora helped him out of his car.

"You have met Mary, Edith and Sybil. But I don't think that in your last visit you made the acquaintance with Lady Morgana."

"Oh not I haven't" he looked at Morgana and took her hand. He brought his lips to I and slightly kissed it. Then he let go and smiled at her.

"I'm enchanted by the acquaintance"

"Me too, Sir" Morgana's response earned her a glare from Aunt Violet and she realized it probably was not appropriate for a Duke. She tried not to blush but the Duke seemed to understand what was going on so he chuckled and said

"No worries, dear. I trust you are the wise one in the family? The one who left everything behind and went for a degree in London? You will get used to the habits of nobility, don't worry."

"Lady Grantham" he said "I have a confession to make. My personal valet has been taken ill so I have come without one. I wonder if you could…"

"Of course" she smiled at him. "That won't be a problem, will it Carson?"

"Certainly not. I shall look after His Grace myself" he offered.

"Oh, no. I wouldn't dream of being a nuisance. A simple footman would do."

His eyes fell on Thomas. "I remember this man. We should do well together, won't we?"

"Sure, sir."

They entered the Abbey and the left the Duke to go to his chambers, get changed and relax. Morgana went to her chambers as well, where she found Gwen waiting.

"So, how is the Duke?"

"He's fine. Mary will be lucky to have him. I think father has set them two up together."

"Oh"

"Oh, what?"

"You like him, don't you?"

"Oh, no, not really in that way. He is, much less…manly…that I'd like the right one to be"

"Right." She went to get her Lady a dress for the dinner. "Oh my god" she turned suddenly.

"What?"

"You have found the right one"

"No, I haven't" Morgana quickly said. It was truth; she didn't really have anyone in mind. Merlin was good to look at, but she didn't really know him and most surely she didn't love him.

"Yes, you have" Gwen insisted but Morgana nodded no.

"Okay, as you say. I'll get it out of you, though" Gwen said and Morgana smirked to herself. She was quite good at concealing her feelings.

Morgana put on another gown and went to join the others. She didn't really have much to do here at the Abbey. She hadn't yet started working as they were waiting for the other architects she was going to cooperate with to come. Changing clothes and trying to look her best were her main distractions.

"Morgana, you do look quite breathtaking" Lord Merton complimented. He was a friend of the family who they had invited to dine with them. The Duke agreed wholeheartedly. So did the rest of the family. They sat down again. It was an important savoir-vivre rule to stand up when a lady appeared.

If Merlin wasn't holding the bottle with the wine and was sitting with them as an equal at the table, he would have said that breathtaking was a complete underestimation for what was before him.

Morgana was wearing a long dark blue dress with a golden necklace. It was quite simple and it made her natural beauty stand out. She had her hair loose on her shoulders, coming down to her waist and she was the most wonderful sight Merlin had ever seen.

Morgana thanked them and sat between Lady Mary and Lord Merton. Mary seemed distracted.

"What's wrong?" she asked her curiously.

"It's the Duke" she said.

"What about him?"

"We were walking and talking around the Abbey and at some time, he told me that he found more fascinating than the garden and the library the servant's rooms and the attics and the secret passages. He took me there…"

"Please don't tell me he…"

"No, of course not. We just entered the room of a footman and he seemed intrigues by it. Mr. Bates found us there and we had to leave." Mary reassured, having understood what she was referring to. "It just seemed curious enough."

Morgana looked at him. He seemed normal, apart from the fact that he was giving all the time glances at Thomas place. Thomas seemed tense too. What was going on, she wondered.

"I'm afraid we're rather a female party tonight, Duke, but you know what it's like trying to balance numbers in the country. A single man outranks the Holy Grail. And Lord Merton of course."

"No, I'm terribly flattered to be dining en famille."

"What were you and Mary doing in the attics this afternoon?"

"Mary was just telling me she was showing the Duke the house" Morgana butted in to save her sister.

After the whole four-course meal prepared for the Duke, Morgana excused herself and left for her room. The servant boy, Merlin had been staring at her all evening and she had to be left alone, to think again about him. She was used to men looking at her like that. Most did. But this was not just lust and want, it was some sort of curiosity blended with awe and she couldn't help but like the attention. She was feeling something for the boy, that was for sure. Angry with herself but tired to think at the same time, she rang for Gwen.

Merlin came downstairs a lot later, after everyone from the family had finished and they had tidied up the dining room again.

He found Jimmy ready and under the blankets.

"How on earth did you finish so early?" he asked jealous.

Jimmy laughed "I'm the best"

They went to bed in a cheerful mood.

Next morning, Morgana got up very early and went herself to check the mailbox. She found the new newspaper waiting for her there. She took it hastily and searched for any survivor list. And there it was, in page 9 a huge list with names. She went downstairs, to the servants corridors, to give it to Merlin. She didn't have much time, they would wake up in a an hour or so and Uther would want his newspaper ironed and ready to read.

She knocked on his door. After a few moments they door opened slowly. Morgana drew a sharp breath. Merlin was at the door. He was wearing only his sleeping trousers and his body was much more "shapely" than he looked with the layers of cloth on. His hair was messy from sleeping and his eyes were a bit unfocused.

"Milady" he seemed as surprised as he could be and tried to find a shirt to put on. "I'm so sorry I'm like this. If you could wait a moment…"

"No, it's fine" she said hastily, aware of the lack of spare time to talk more than fine, in fact she thought, but then mentally kicked herself for the thought. "Listen, I found this." She gave him the paper.

"Oh" he started looking the names from the beginning.

"I didn't have the time to read through it, I don't know if the name is in there."

Merlin was already reading it. After five minutes he was at the end of the page.

"You read fast" Morgana complimented. "So…"

"Nothing" Merlin said.

"Don't panic, Merlin. There will be more, with tomorrow's paper. We'll keep looking. Now, I must be off"

"Okay"

Morgana turned to leave.

"Milady?"

She turned to face Merlin.

"Thank you" he said simply.

She didn't reply. Instead she found herself gazing for what was like forever into his deep blue eyes. They were so beautiful, she thought, he was so handsome. The way he smiled lopsidedly, the gleam in his eyes when he was happy, his furrowed brows when he was focused or angry, his sharp enough to cut glass cheekbones, his scent…

She hadn't realised she had moved so close.

"So, I should be off, too" Merlin said awkwardly and the moment was over.

Morgana simply smiled to him and left.

When she had turned round the corner, she leaned on the wall to relax herself. That servant, he made her feel like he was the one with power and she wanted to do whatever it took to please him. The feeling was strange. She, Morgana Pendragon, who had every day men on her knees, to have fallen so hard for that strange servant boy.

"You've been so kind, Lady Grantham, thank you"

"Goodbye, Duke."

"You will make my farewells to your delightful daughters? Apart from the Lady Morgana", he kissed her hand "who made me the honour of coming to see me off."

Uther joined in.

"Well, Uther , this has been a highly enjoyable interlude."

"Have a nice trip back, my dear friend"

Matthew Crawley was dining with his mother when the first post came. He put down his mug with flavoured tea as their housemaid made entrance to the dining room.

"First post, ma'am." She said with a distinctive Manchester accent.

"Thank you, Emma." Isobel Crawley looked at the letter, then her son" This one's for you."

He took it and opened it in silence.

"It's from Lord Pendragon" he said eventually.

"Really? What on earth does he want?" she said.

"He wants to change our lives" he said simply and put the letter down to the table.