"For what it is worth, which is likely nothing, you may pass along my sincere apologies to Queen Malika for being rude to her earth dad of whatever the hell it is. I thought they were lying to me and you know how that bothers me, but in all likelihood they just pushed all of my bad buttons, it seems like they have a talent for that there," she tells her cousin clearly,
"And that snake charmer thing has such a double entendre meaning, but fitting with me I suppose?"
"Yes, you are much better with the diplomacy and hocus-pocus stuff they seem to value there, I am much more of an abyss girl myself," she tells him with an impish smile to try and calm her cousin's nerves, "I told you I would repay your assistance and the sooner the better. Tell me what you need done and I can leave in 20 minutes time here."
Once he finishes instructing Marita on her assignment and providing anything she needs like trumps, contacts, etc. she will wish him good luck and end the call.
Speaking to Zhi and her daughter she tells them,
"Duty, or at least an obligation calls, and I need to answer. Do you mind if another of Layla's friends comes to sit with her? That way if there is a problem they can contact me or my mother. If I am busy, my mother can contact one of those talented shapeshifters I spoke of to help with Layla's hands if needed."
She thinks for a moment about what the doctor said earlier,
"Your point about Layla not being Chaosian or Amberite is well taken, but her strength and endurance are incredible for a human, otherwise she would not have survived this long, even with the wonderful care you have provided. Layla does not really know much of her parentage, she was abandoned in Khalish as a child, unfortunately as a trading cross roads with a good social services system, it is an all too common occurrence there. I have always thought that she either has a trace of blood from Chaos or Amber, but more likely from one of the Shadows where such strength, endurance and athleticism are more common. Even she does not really know, but we are sure her parents were not from Khalish. I think the shapeshifting idea might work well for her if we can get her that far," she tells them thoughtfully, then excuses herself to go back and visit Layla before she leaves.
Pulling out her mother's trump, and assuming the Windoverians have approved it, she will update Vista on Layla's condition, the possible need for an advanced shapeshifter and will ask to pull Bree through to stay with Layla. Bree is the most pleasant and diplomatic of the women who work with Marita. She is very empathetic, but still strong of will enough to sit the vigil. Bree will not make trouble and is wise beyond her years. Handing Bree her trump after hugging and filling her in on what is going on, Marita heads off to find a room where she can have some privacy to summon an appropriate outfit and any weapons she will need, before she leaves for the assignment Merlin has given her.
