[the phantom]

Mardil's attitudes towards various characters....

Alli- Mardil's time spent with her was rocky, but he doesn't dislike her. He believes that she is an overall decent human being and wants her to be around Roggie as much as possible because of the settling influence she exerts on him.

Roggie- Mardil no longer believes Roggie is pure evil (like he did when they first met). Mardil thinks Roggie might be destined to end the evil of the two Blue Istari and thus redeem himself. At the same time, Mardil believes Roggie thinks too little and doesn't govern his emotions well, and so doesn't think he is able to rule a realm very effectively without a bit of help (from Alli and others). In other words, Mardil doesn't extend to Roggie the kind of respect you would give a fellow King. But that doesn't mean Mardil wishes him ill, or seeks to dethrone him.

Dracomir Malfoidacil- If you remember from the last ATM, Mardil II met J K Rowling and learned the plot of her next book, in which Dracomir Malfoidacil can be found (it's a complicated anachronism thing). So, it can be assumed that Mardil knows the way Dracomir's heart will choose in the end, and that his trust is based somewhat on this. Also, Dracomir has a few wizarding skills, and Mardil has encouraged him to develop these further, believing that they might be useful if the Blue Wizards try anything funny. Mardil also enjoys Dracomir's company, and finds his arrogance and extreme political incorrectness amusing.

Hyarmenwë son of Hyarmendil- Mardil II chose Hyarmenwe as one of his ambassadors primarily because of Hyarmenwe's love for Gondor. Mardil, above all else, does not want anything to happen at the negotiations that would harm Gondor in any way, and Mardil trusts Hyarmenwe to enforce this. Mardil also thinks Hyarmenwe's noble look and military bearing will command respect at the negotiating table.

Angawen Tupsë- Before they met, Mardil had heard that Angawen Tupse was cold and selfish, but upon meeting her at a meeting of minds in his father's house, Mardil was impressed with Angawen's intelligence and ability to cut through needless details to the necessities. Mardil is fully aware of Angawen's hunger for promotion, but he doesn't care so long as she does whatever job she is asked to do well. In his mind, that makes her worthy of promotion.

Bearugard II- Mardil doesn't care for Bearugard too much. He's seen enough of him to recognize that he doesn't have deep convictions (or at least doesn't stick to them), and that he isn't very brave. So why was he included? Mardil is betting that Roggie, Alli, or some of the Mordorian ambassadors may try to "buy" Bearugard, or bully him on some issues. Mardil is also betting that between the serious, militaristic Hyarmenwe and the shrewd, controlling Angawen, that Bearugard will be forced to tell all, and thus Mardil and his ambassadors will instantly be aware of Roggie & Co's intentions through Bearugard. Also, Mardil thinks that a short stay in a not-so-comfortable place will do the pansy Bearugard some good.