Episode 17: For Friendship | An Episode Summary for Tears to Tiara

Warning: This episodes contain many short shifting of scenes making it hard to come up with a good narration and summarization of the story lest we miss an important detail that will affect the accuracy of the story. Thus, I chose to include the entire story, sacrificing the flow and narration. Hopefully, it will be as understandable as possible. And now, enjoy! ^_^

Arthur ran as fast as he could, past the forests and deep into steep mountains, heading for an unspecified location.

Meanwhile, the siege on Avalon continues. Though its walls have given way to the catapults and their massive boulders and fiery contents, the Gael defenders held their ground. The misfortune of the Gaels led to the enjoyment of the most respected and influential general of the holy Empire- Gaius. Despite for the considerable damage that they have dealt, the general was angered when the Gaels fought back, and thus called for the battering ram and the second army that escorts it.

Within Avalon, the females- Riannon, Octavia and Morgan surrounded Arawn and wished for his well-being, hoping that they would wake up soon. However, it is of no use as he remained unresponsive and unconscious.

As for Arthur, he had apparently traveled a great distance and obstacles. It appears that he is traveling within a forest, repeating a promise to return to Avalon as he ran.

Episode 17: For Friendship

A sea of blood... Arawn stood in a lake so red... in deep contemplation as his very being doubts and lose his confidence. But as he felt his confidence fade, a figure appear and a voice calling him "My Child" made him rethink his decision as the voice told him a few words of wisdom, including how each age prosper and fade (Golden Age, Silver Age and the Bronze Age) and a vision appears. The voice also introduced itself as "Myrddin" - Arawn's father. (And so the relationship between Arawn and Myrddin is finally revealed!)

Back in the real world, Riannon did not, for a second, left Arawn's side. She kept telling him to wake up and that he is not at fault.

The scene shifted back once more to Arawn's dream, showing Pwyll (It was confirmed in this episode that the Arthur look-alike is actually Pwyll) and Primula (the Riannon look-alike), with Pwyll begging him to wake up. As Arawn expressed his doubts, Pwyll sent visions at him- a vision of how everyone worked hard and fought bravely to protect their honor and to keep their flames of hope burning.

The vision shows the event outside the castle, and there showed Llyr, Octavia and Morgan defending the city as hard as they could, making sure no one passed the gates and march into the city. The other inhabitants helped as well and cooperated to gather enough water and put out the flames that the Imperial catapults has ignited within the walls.

This vision has caused Arawn to realize that it is not that bad after all but he asked about an important person, who has not yet showed himself. But Pwyll once again erased his doubts as he showed Arthur who is struggling to reach the Brigantes' village and ask for their aid.

Pwyll then told him that he believe that this time, Arawn won't have to go to sleep again until he finally finds an answer. Thus Arawn promise that he would wake up. As a parting gift, Primula gave him a necklace made of flowers- an amulet so to say.

Meanwhile, the invading Imperial Army were easily defeated. The catapults were destroyed and the soldiers were massacred one by one while the Gaels only suffered minimal casualties. However, they have no time to rest and celebrate as the second group of Gaius' force arrived, bringing with them a more powerful contraption and a larger amount of soldiers.

"Success is near" This is what Gaius uttered to himself as he and his army pushed forward to the city. His Adjutant and he were inside a tent when his Adjutant asked him if the war they were into is just. However, he replied that "the only ones who are just in a war are those who won" however, that is not what he really meant. He turned to his Adjutant, telling him that to be truly just, they'll have to eliminate the senate and its officials first, then struck near his adjutant. The other man was relieved when he was not the target but an Imperial spy hiding behind the curtains.

As the spy fell, Gaius told his Adjutant of a country he dream of making- a benevolent, flexible country. His adjutant asked him if he could join this new country, Gaius merely smiled at him and told him he could, after all, he's the most reliable he ever had. (yaoi moments here? hehehe, you be the judge)

The scene shifted once more. Arthur, by this time has reached the Forest of the elves. But just like before, his way was blocked by Talieshin.

As the two talked, the scene showed Avalon city defending itself. As the battering ram came into view, they focused their fire on it, to prevent it from attacking the gate. However, their attacks have no effect.

Back in the forest, Talieshin took note of Arthur's new appearance. He was more determined and it seems that he has experience something that is so great that he has changed completely. Then the bard asked him what changed him- what situation or occurrence that he has gone through to spark the change.

Then Arthur told him that he has realized that not everything is all about vows and promises. He told him that the reason why he fought is not for vows and traditions but for his sister, for his companions and for all the Gaels who trusted him. And more importantly, the one that trusted him the most and considered him to be his friend- Arawn.

Arthur then shifted his attention to Talieshin and repeated once more his plea for help and told him that he is willing to sacrifice his life and continue to beg for their elder to have the Brigantes tribe help them in the war.

Back in Avalon, the Gate of life has already weakened as the battering ram attacked it, mercilessly destroying its fortifications without any difficulty.

Meanwhile, Talieshin told him that, after listening to him, he finally found the answer, the similarity of Arthur's words to what Pwyll, the builder of Avalon, has said has caused him to realize one thing.

This led to his confession that like Arthur, he is also bound by prophecies and legends. Then after that, he told Arthur that they'll be heading out and to Arthur's surprise, the destination is Avalon. The bard then introduced himself as the son of the Brigantes' elder, the cursed son of the elder and started the calling.

Once the members have arrived, he told them that he will be leaving the command of the tribe to Arthur- meaning he will be their new elder. With Arthur's signal, they made their way to Avalon.

Meanwhile, the Gaels have retreated into the inner walls and watched heplessly as the battering ram broke down the Gate of Life, and stormed the city. Will Arthur arrive in time?

Next Episode: The Return.

Preview: Arthur has returned in time, Talieshin fought and Arawn AWAKENS! As the battle continues the tides of battle were turned and the flames of hope shines ever so brightly. The confrontation of the Imerial Army and the united tribe of Avalon is about to begin. And the duel between Arthur and Gaius cannot wait! STAY TUNED FOR THE NEXT EPISODE OF TEARS TO TIARA! ^_^

Thoughts: The episode is filled with action. And as such I will definitely expect even more intense action in the next episode. And what would be the other's reaction of Arthur's return? Will they ever forgive his betrayal? Only time will tell. How about you? What are your thoughts in this episode?