A/N: This fic was first posted to AO3 on 27th September, as part of the Merlin Bingo fandom challenge.


2412.

The starlight glitters faintly.

Merlin turns slowly, weightless, until Neptune's satellite is behind him.

From here, the Earth is a pebble hanging in the black sky, more distant than Merlin has ever known it, yet still so achingly familiar. Something in him, centuries old, clamours at the sight of it, heart swelling with its well-worn combination of joy and homesick longing.

His earpiece crackles. "You really never get bored of this one, huh?"

Merlin chuckles. His eyes burn. "It's home," he replies, simply. The words are truer than anyone here would understand. Across the centuries and lightyears, Earth is more relic than home for the human race, a dusty old antique to be kept watch over. Few bother with it anymore, with that old rock – with this old system, quaint against the endless breadth of the wider universe.

Another crackle. "I suppose it has its charms."

In its tiny blur of blue and green, Merlin sees a lake. A castle. A king.

How long has it been since he last breathed Earth's air? Merlin's lost count of the years. If he closes his eyes, he can taste it again. Feel the sun's warmth, winter's frost. There's nowhere else like it.

One day. Merlin smiles against the bitter tang of heartache. At this distance, Albion is unknowable, unreachable – but still home. One day, Merlin will trade the expanse of space for those old paths and still waters, the friends long since buried.

Until that day, he'll be Earth's faithful orbiter.

For now, though, back to repairs. The satellite gleams like the finest swords, a familiar shine to Merlin's eyes. He tightens the screws, secures the rivets and plates.

Behind him, the Earth turns to another day. And beneath its blue waters, another ancient spirit sleeps, waiting to call Merlin home.