I still say this friendship is underrated. I personally like it better than Mildred and Charlie's though I like that too. Idea came about as in next episode Mildred mentions she was the one who convinced Merlin to apply for the apprenticeship. Just that conversation basically. Enjoy.
The Best Candidate
Hearing the knock at the door Mildred muttered a 'come in'. The door opened and Merlin smiled before stepping into Mildred's bedroom.
"Maud and the others said you wanted to talk?" Merlin asked looking a little worried, as if Mildred was thinking of breaking their friendship.
"Yes, did you hear what Algernon and Helliboring were talking about earlier?" Mildred asked stroking Tabby as she spoke.
"How much earlier? You mean their arguing about the potion or something else?" Merlin asked, offering his hand to Tabby as the cat didn't know him. Tabby sniffed him for a few moments, decided he wasn't a threat them pushed his head into the wizard's hand.
"No, the part about Algernon wanting to leave Camelot College, he was saying he was considering taking on an apprentice" Mildred replied, smiling as her friend made friends with her cat.
"So?" Merlin replied confused.
"So? You hate wizard school, why don't you apply?" Mildred suggested knowing her friend well enough to know he would never do it himself, without persuasion. He had to be pushed to take the leap.
"I can't, Algernon is nice enough but...well he has a whole wizard school of wizards to choose from, I am sure he would not want someone like me" Merlin replied.
"Why not? You are gentle and kind and smart" Mildred replied, confused why that was a bad thing.
"And a swot, and a little clumsy" Merlin replied his worries.
"Oh come on, who else would be better? Someone like Baz and Gaz? Plus Algernon knows you, so he will feel better than taking on a stranger" Mildred replied. As soon as she had heard the conversation, she knew Merlin was the perfect candidate.
"I will have a word with him, put in a good word for you, as we are friends" Mildred suggested. Seeing Merlin still looked unsure she sighed.
"Just think no more bullying, or Baz and Gaz, and we will still be friends, you can visit, or I can, you know Algernon would want to see me too" Mildred told him. "Just ask him, if he says no you have lost nothing, but this is your chance to get out of Camelot" Mildred told him.
Merlin shrugged, as if he didn't hold out much hope but nodded "Alright, asking won't hurt" Merlin replied "I will try catch him before we head off" Merlin said, smiling. "Thanks Millie" Merlin replied.
"Anytime, go now before you lose your nerve, he is probably in the staffroom, do you want me to come with you in case HB answers? Mildred suggested.
"No...I think I will be alright, thanks Mildred you are a great friend" Merlin replied stroking Tabby one last time before he left.
When Mildred found out later that afternoon Merlin had been chosen, she was thrilled. She knew he would be much happier as Algernon's apprentice and she was so glad she had suggested it.
"Well done" Mildred said before they left.
"It's thanks to you, I am moving straight away so see you at half-term? Merlin questioned.
"Of course, I look forward to it" Mildred said as Merlin smiled and turned to leave with the other wizards.