Before The Fall {An Eragon Fanfiction}

Chapter 28- Internal Defences

"Tell me what you know of the mind, or to be more specific, speaking and interacting with the mind" Oromis said, sitting down across the table from me. I shifted slightly, unsure of how to best answer his question.

"I've spoken to Vascar before, and I've spoken to other beings on scarce occasions, but they have always initiated the contact first. The only being I've been able to contact first is Vascar, but that's because we are bonded dragon and rider. Other than that I am not sure."

Oromis clasped his hands in front of him, "And, do you believe it is possible to initiate contact with other entities besides Vascar?"

I paused for a moment. "I guess so. I mean, if they can create a connection with me, then shouldn't I be able to do the same in return?"

Oromis smiled, allowing his feline features to appear fierce yet still regal. "Indeed you should. By proposing that one opinion, Talia, you are farther than most any of my students have been at this point in their training."

I allowed a feeling of immense pride to wash over myself before focusing once more on Oromis. Vascar radiated similar pleasure at my forthcomings.

"Now, I want you to try and initiate a conversation with myself. Reach out to my mind as you would Vascar's."

Unconsciously, I closed my eyes. When trying to connect with Vascar's mind, it always seemed so easy, so natural. We were a bonded pair. But with Oromis, I hadn't a clue how to find his mind. Nonetheless, I strained my thoughts and clenched my muscles to try and extend my being towards his.

I sat like that for a few moments until Oromis interrupted me. Not that I minded, I was not achieving any success with the methods I was using.

"Do not stress your body and consciousness so much," he said in a calm voice. I nodded and tried again, reaching out to where I suspected Oromis to be. I gently stretched my being out, as I would to contact Vascar, but nothing seemed to work.

Finally, my excitement peaked as I felt the brush of a mind against my own. I was overjoyed with success until Oromis spoke to me, saying, 'I have initiated this contact with you Talia, I want you to imitate it with me now.'

All my joy seeped away as I realized I had not succeeded in reaching out to Oromis's mind, but instead that he had reached out to mine. Nonetheless, as Oromis pulled away, I studied intently how his consciousness moved. It was almost as if a probe of thought had propelled its way from his mind, I once more began to push at my mind, focusing on that idea.

Oromis did not interupt this time, for which I was glad. I could feel the limits of my mind pushing against me, but I did not stop. Instead I pushed harder, putting will power into the task instead of brute strength. When I finally broke through, it was as if an invisible barrier had shattered like glass and I was suddenly exposed to the world. I quailed back into my mind for an instant, shock radiating throughout my thoughts, before once more plunging out into the openess and reaching into Oromis's mind.

His pleasure and satisfaction was obvious as I made contact with him. Instead of speaking though, an image of Glaedr flashed through his mind. It took me a moment to decifer what he was trying to say, but I soon realized what he was trying to convey. Pulling away from his mind, I directed my thoughts outside to where I knew the large gold dragon was sitting.

When my mind molded with his, Glaedr's deep voice rumbled through my mind, saying, 'Well done young one. You are sharp of eye in your observations, which is the cause of your success. Being observant to your surroundings is most important in any task. Do well to remember that in all aspects of life.'

'Thank you Ebrithl,' I said before pulling my conscience away from the elder dragon. I kept my mind linked with only Vascar, prefering his familiar touch.