"I'm honored by your trust. I promise to be worthy of it. Now look into my eyes." It's not necessary for him, but it is the first step when training in the Brotherhood. And it may make Wilhelm feel connected to him while he does it. Istredd's vivid blue eyes are at least something nice to look at.

His touch is so gentle Wilhelm probably would not feel it at all if he wasn't aware Istredd was doing something. Despite that, it feels only slightly strange, like the feeling of when a feather touches your skin, but it's on his mind. Istredd searches through but it's as he suspects, Wilhelm really doesn't have any defenses. In some ways starting from scratch will make it easier though.

"Alright. With Academic Magic, you can cast the spell, but having it hold up is the hard part. Here." Istredd writes down the basic mental ward spell and offers it to him. If Wilhelm's done enough of it at this point he may be able to get it. "You'll know the difference when it works, you'll feel like your head is slightly heavier."