Vincent returns a short while later with a pair of Audhild's pajamas, some hair taken from her brush, and her favorite drinking glass. He orients them with the points for the cardinal directions and elemental materials, exhaling heavily over one point to provide 'air'. He goes over the verbal components, establishing what signals he'll give Kristoff to enact them at what times, and finally gingerly steps into the circle. He takes his wallet from his pocket and produces a small photo of Audhild, holding it in cupped hands as he seats himself.

"I am ready to find m--" he pauses, taking a breath, and altering his choice of words, even as he avoids Kristoff's gaze. "--to find our sister, Dr Vernard."

And yet, he wavers, not yet giving Kristoff the signal, as his earlier concerns about tipping their hand to Loki come back to him.

What if I fail?

A years-old flinch briefly rushes through his muscles.