01x05 - The Woman Who Loved

[bunniefuu]

This is your betrothed.

Isaac, son of Abraham.

Isaac, god spoke to me.

That we're to have two sons.

He said the elder
would serve the younger.

But you cannot usurp
what is esau's by birthright.

So says the second-born heir.

- That is my place.
- Watch where you tread.

Your father intends to bless esau.

We must get to him first.

Then he will pay for
his treachery with his life.

Go to my brother in
harran and stay with him.

This is god's will.

Acar, birham, wake up!

Brothers, wake up! There's wolves!

Not today, wolf.

Morning.

I'm worried about Rachel, father.

She didn't come home last night.

She's with acar and birham.

What harm can come to her?

You worry too much.

Shouldn't you be thinking
about your own future

instead of fussing around the rest of us

like a mother hen?

What would this family
do without a mother hen?

I've been tending to
you all since mother died.

Yes, and don't I know it?

Time marches on, Leah.

And you might be getting a little...

just a little... past it in
years to find a husband.

And you're still very attractive,

and you will fetch a good bride price,

but only if you treat it
with a little more haste.

Well, let me know when
the next eligible bachelor

rides into town.

And until then, I will continue

to fuss over this family
as I always have done.

What?

Goodness! What happened?

I found our brothers
sleeping while our flocks

were surrounded by wolves.

Wolves?

Is that blood?

I'm disappointed we
missed a wolf fight, sister.

You should've tried harder to wake us.

Would've relished a k*ll, too.

A wolf pelt would
make a fine winter coat.

You two were too far in
your cups to be stirred.

Don't chide them,
Rachel. Boys will be boys.

They're just enjoying themselves.

Well, they take after you, father.

Much too busy enjoying their revelries

to be good Shepherds.

How dare you speak to us this way!

I speak truths!

Our flock has not grown in four years.

What? Is this true?

- Yes.
- Of course not.

Count the sheep yourself!

You have failed to
breed the stronger stock.

You've not maximized pasturing time.

And you let predators run wild.

If you're so clever, sister, why
don't you become a Shepherd

and take over the flock?

What a fine idea.

I think I will take over.

You see?

Very good.

I was the sister that took
care of home and hearth.

Rachel was unconventional,
spirited, and clever.

We were as night and day,

yet I loved her and she loved me.

Two sisters, one heart.

Then, one day, a handsome stranger,

a man of god, a man of great destiny...

rode into our town and our lives

and changed everything.

Brothers, is this harran?

You're at the outskirts.

Praise god.

I have been lost and
journeying for many days.

Why is the well closed?

I'm in need of a drink.

We're waiting for Rachel.

Don't usually open the
well until she arrives.

Is it not the usual hour
for watering the sheep?

You would think.

But since Rachel took
over her family's livestock,

she has determined all
our herding schedules.

She says it's more efficient.

She sounds like a most unusual woman.

You should see for yourself.

That's Rachel?

I had thought that
was a lad approaching.

This stranger mistook you for a boy.

I'm sorry. It's the hat.

And, who are you, might I ask?

I'm Jacob.

I'm here looking for my kinsman.

My uncle, lab an.

Laban? He's my father.

Your... cousin!

Why, it seems my luck
has finally changed!

Mwah!

Let me look at you.

My sister's boy!

And how is she?

And the rest of your family?

My mother and father are very well.

Their flocks have been multiplying.

Our encampment is expanding.

Well, do... do sit down. A drink!

A drink for him, please.

And tell me, does she
have many boys, yeah?

- Just two.
- Just two.

My brother esau was
unable to make the trip.

You're the eldest?

My brother and I are twins.

Even in the womb, we
were twisting and turning,

fighting for first position.

But... but I was the ultimate Victor.

My brother was born
clinging to my ankle.

Clinging to your...
what a remarkable story!

You are very welcome here.

It's strange of you to visit in this manner.

Alone with no gifts,
as according to custom.

With nothing but the
clothes on your back.

Well, I was robbed.

- You were robbed?
- Robbed on my way here.

Robbed?

The robbers didn't take your horse?

He's a very fine steed.

Well, my horse was the only
reason I escaped unscathed.

- No, but...
- sister, we must let

our brave guest rest
after such a trying journey.

I shall have zilpah prepare
our best tent for you.

- Zilpah!
- Yes, nephew.

You must rest, and tonight,
we will have a welcome feast.

Zilpah.

Look after our guest.
Make him comfortable.

Ooh-wah!

An eligible bachelor.

You asked for one and one arrived!

Boom! From the gods!

And here I thought
he came from can a an.

Father, I'm quite surprised.

I'd never imagined a
future further than tending

to our family, but what a man!

Do you think he's come
in search of a wife?

Yes, yes. I think so.

There is the future

that you have forestalled for all our sake.

Then there is no time to tarry.

We have half a day to prepare a feast.

Bilhah! Bilhah!

Are there any more of the rabbits

that Rachel had trapped?

Yes, yes, the rabbits.

Yeah, the big, fat one!

Yeah.

Our gods of the hearth.

My mother told me
about the household idols

from her childhood.
I've always been curious.

Yes, your mother,

she was always so
fascinated by the divine.

But tell me, you were raised
to worship Abraham's god?

I was.

And my faith has grown
even deeper recently.

Might sound like madness,
but on my way to harran,

I had a profound vision.

I saw the gates of heaven.

Well, was it a dream?

Was as real as everything here.

And undoubtedly a message from god.

There was a ladder.

One that connects heaven to earth

with angels ascending and descending.

And then he spoke to me.

Promising me many great descendants,

as numerous as the stars,

who would, one day,
spread across the earth.

Descendants?

So you must be hoping to have
a family of your own someday.

I had always hoped for 12 sons.

Twelve?

Well, quite the family man over here.

My grandfather Abraham
was always so proud of his son,

ishmael, who had a dozen children,

and it was always a
magical number for me.

A brood of 12 children running around.

That is magical indeed.

Family is the most
important thing in life, is it not?

I'm glad to hear you say so.

And that you don't find
the number too shocking.

My brother always thought
my goal was rather ridiculous.

I think it's perfect.

I'm sorry I'm late.

I was getting the blankets
ready for trade at the market.

I hardly recognized you without your hat

and the dirt on your nose.

You found me out.

Even us shepherdesses
must take baths sometimes.

Sister, this looks delicious, as always.

May I?

Here we go.

Yeah.

He stands to inherit a
great fortune, you know?

Be a wonderful catch for Leah, yes?

We hardly know him, father.

What is there to know?

A man like that can secure
our future for generations.

Hey.

Watch him miss. Here we go.

I'd like to try.

I have money to spare today.

Well, we'll gladly take your coin.

Watch out you don't
poke out your own eye.

I recognize these.

Myrtle berries for treating fever.

- Are they not from can a an?
- Yes, I journey there

- every other month.
- What a stroke of luck.

I need someone to take a
message there for my mother.

Can you do so on your next journey?

Impossible. This can't be.

She must have cheated!

Cheat? How could I possibly?

I don't know. Witchcraft?

Hand over the coins.

Now, now, gentlemen.
I apologize for my wife.

Your...

despite her appearance,
she is not a witch.

I taught her everything
she knows myself.

She was wrong to toy
with you fine gentlemen.

And I'll admit she's of the saucy sort.

I will be sure to discipline her later.

Now, how about a
round of drinks on me?

Good day.

Drinks on you?

These are my earnings.
I would've been fine.

I could've handled those... louts.

You're welcome.

You're as good with a
bow as I am with people.

You're good with people?

What do you call that back there?

How did you learn to sh**t so well?

I watched my father
teaching my brothers.

I've been secretly
practicing since I was a child.

It's a useful skill when
you have a flock to protect.

Sound like my mother.

Thank you, I suppose.

For what? For rescuing you?

No, for the compliment.

I assume it was a compliment.

Most assuredly.

My mother is a strong
and unique woman.

I'm glad to hear it.

To be clear, what happened
back there was not a rescue.

Right. How dare I call it that?

I deserve an arrow to the head.

But I will admit it was a bit clever.

He's been here a month.

And he still hasn't proposed.

My Patience is waning.

So far, all that young man
has done is eaten our finest food

and slept in our best tent.

We must give him more time.

Perhaps there's
something more I can do.

What more can you do,
short of throwing yourself

naked at his feet?

You prance about all day,

you make food for
him, play music for him,

day after day after day.

No, I think he's taking
advantage of our generosity now.

He must stay. Tell him, Rachel.

Jacob seems like a well-intentioned man.

An extra mouth to feed
is hardly so dear to us.

And it can take time to
realize one's affections

and to have the courage
to declare oneself.

Thank you! See?

Rachel likes him too.

Father, we've made a grand discovery.

We've gone through Jacob's things.

What? Why would you do such a thing?

Because I could tell
father was souring on Jacob

with his long, unproductive stay.

And I have never trusted the man.

We discovered a message,

which he's writing to his mother.

He says he loves our sister.

He loves!

This is nothing compared to the rest.

Turns out our dear cousin Jacob is a liar.

He is not the eldest.

He tricked his father and he stole

his brother esau's blessing.

Esau was about to k*ll him,

so Jacob was forced to flee his home

with nothing but his
family's shame and disgrace.

My... gods.

We've been harboring a fraud.

He's a trickster.

We have all been deceived.

I treated you as an honored guest.

As well as any of my own sons.

And yet, I am to be
rewarded with... with what?

With... with deception?

I am sorry about hiding the truth, uncle,

but I needed a place to stay.

I wanted you to look well upon me.

Surely, you can understand.

Jacob lies, but also he loves.

What can be done?

Sister, do you think
he might still propose?

Propose?

I think father will send him away.

- But I still love him.
- He deceived us.

I know my feelings are not
practical, but I don't care.

He is handsome.

He's intelligent.

He's cultured.

A man of great faith.

A family man, is he not?

He is.

Yes, I've... I've rarely met
anyone as charming as he.

But Leah, even if father forgives him,

he won't have anything
to offer as a bride price,

and you know how
much that matters to him.

You may be interested to know
that father went to find Jacob,

and pulled him aside
for a private conversation.

Come, sister! I must
know what they speak of!

My mother is on my side,

and she has promised to send for me

once my brother's anger wanes.

And then I can return home
and take my rightful place

amongst my people.

In the meantime, I will
work for my room and board.

How convenient that you make this offer

now that you've been found out?

You're right, I should've
thought of it sooner.

But just think.

I can help to make you a rich man.

My family's herd and land are amongst

the most expansive in can a an,

due in no small part to me.

There is potentially work around here

for an extra pair of hands.

But just because you are my kinsman,

should you therefore
serve me for nothing?

You mentioned in your
message to my sister

that you're in love with my daughter.

Perhaps you might be convinced
to take her hand in marriage

in return for your work?

I can't deny it.

I have fallen madly in love with her.

This is wonderful!

Wonderful. Well, let me see now.

For bed, for board, and my daughter...

I think... Ten years' work would be fair.

- Five years.
- Five?

I should like to return home sooner.

- Seven and a half.
- Seven.

Seven is a good number.

Agreed.

Very good.

- Quick, they're coming!
- Very good!

Sister, I can't believe it!

Just the ladies I am looking for.

I have the most joyous news for you.

Well, Jacob... Jacob has
the most joyous news for you.

Will you marry me... Rachel?

What?

Well, that's... Not the reaction I expected.

I don't think... Anyone
was expecting that.

But you deserve an answer,

so I will go and talk to my daughter.

I'm sorry. I don't know what happened.

How has he fallen for you?

Have you two even
spent any time together?

We often walk to town
together. We're friends.

Has he given any indication

or have you behaved in a
way that might entice him?

No and no!

In truth, Leah, I can't make sense of it.

It must be a mistake. That's all.

You won't accept him then?

No. No!

I will tell him he's confused

and that I can't marry him.

And once I speak to him,

he'll see that it's you he needs to marry.

- Okay?
- Thank you.

Thank you, sister.

Rachel, Rachel.

Look, Jacob is waiting just up the hill.

And the boy needs an answer.

I will make this right.

I will fix this, I promise.

Here, come here.

- Why me?
- Rachel.

Everyone thought you were
going to propose to Leah.

All the times you've been courting her

with your smiles and your music.

I thought you knew I was courting you.

Our walks to town, my
interest in everything you do?

I thought you were trying to
get to know me because of Leah!

No.

You know, it's strange.

I... I know not what spell
you have cast upon me,

but despite your funny clothes,

your ugly hat, your
unnaturally blunt ways,

your obsession with sheep...

yes, I know I can be peculiar sometimes.

But I have grown so fond of it all.

I hardly knew it had
started until it was too late,

but you have stolen my heart,

and it belongs entirely, wildly,

and irrevocably to you.

Can you not say you feel the same?

At least a little?

I... I don't.

I can't.

How did your talk with Jacob go, sister?

I told him that he was mistaken...

And that we all expected
him to propose to you.

But then the most wonderous,
strange thing happened.

I tried telling him I couldn't marry him,

that he should marry you,
but... I saw you kissing him!

You viper!

You've been in love with him all along,

lying in wait to ensnare
Jacob while I humiliate myself

for scraps of his attention.

No, that's not what happened.

How long have you been
harboring feelings for him?

How you two must have
mocked me in private.

No, never, Leah!

I-I knew I was fond of him as a friend,

as a potential brother, but it wasn't until

he admitted how deep his feelings were

that I could no longer deny
how deep mine were for him.

I'm sorry that things did not
work out how you had hoped.

And I don't want to hurt you, Leah.

You have.

You've broken my heart.

My own sister taking the only thing

that I ever wanted,

my only chance at future happiness,

after all I have given you.

I'm sorry that he doesn't love you

and that I love him back.

Stop!

I cannot hear another word of your love.

You cannot possibly love him like I do.

I know not what to say,
except I hope and believe

that your feelings for him will fade,

and you'll find another
man and you'll forgive me,

because I do love you, sister.

Get out! Get out!

You make me sick!

Time passed.

My pain did not lessen.

My love did not fade.

But my dreams did.

Jacob only had eyes for Rachel.

And I was losing him... And her.

How goes it with your sister?

Well, she's no longer
enraged at the sight of my face.

An improvement.

Yes, but she still won't speak to me,

and it's been a month.

It's hard to see her in this state.

You know, she's been like
a mother to me all my life.

You must have faith

that she'll find it in
her heart to forgive you.

As I hope my father and
brother can forgive me.

What if she doesn't?

Well, then she'll be relieved
when I fulfill your bride price

and we leave for can a an.

I don't think this cow likes me.

Why would she when you've
been milking her so awkwardly?

Haven't you done this before?

A few times... As a boy.

And you told my father
that you were an expert

with livestock and at herding.

Well, I wanted him to think
he was getting a good bargain.

In truth, my strengths lie in other places.

Tell me of these strengths.

Music.

Stories, wit.

You're very lucky, you know, to
be marrying a man of the tents.

Am I?

Though I am looking forward
to seven years of learning

from the best shepherdess in harran.

It's going to be a long seven years.

My love for you

will make the years
pass over a single day.

You have to eat, take care of yourself.

Thank you.

You're... You're speaking to me?

Over the last month, I've come to see

that you and Jacob
love each other deeply.

What choice do I have
but to face the painful truth?

I tried apologizing so many times...

For going back on my word,

for taking what you had
thought was already yours.

I'd do anything for you to love me again.

Save give up Jacob.

For that I can't.

I know you couldn't help but love him.

I couldn't either.

What a cruel twist of fate.

But I love you too, Rachel.

I can't help that either.

And though we grew up
different in temperament,

we were always united in spirit.

Two sisters, one heart.

And the thought of you,

my younger sister
getting... getting married

and leaving for distant lands
with the man that you love...

- please don't cry.
- It's happy tears.

I am resolved to be content for you,

as our mother would've wanted me to be.

Rachel?

Where are you? Rachel!

We take a walk up
the hillside every night.

But I'll be back.

You don't know how
much this means to me.

The entire place shall
be aglow with lanterns

and there'll be a feast
and there'll be musicians.

- And dancing?
- Of course!

And the most important thing.

The marital tent in
which you'll lie with Jacob,

and in turn, become his wife.

Would you like to see
what I've done with it inside?

No, no, let it be a surprise.

It will be.

I have planned everything
down to the smallest detail.

Sister, it will be such a celebration.

You have worked yourself
to the bone planning this.

I want it to be perfect.

Well, knowing you... It will be.

Though, I must say, as happy as it is

for a father to see a child married off,

I am loathed to see her leave.

Well, you and I both
know that acar nor birham

have anything like the talent or
the skills of Rachel and Jacob.

Our flocks have increased tenfold

in the last seven years under their care.

Tenfold?

I don't know how I'm
gonna bear to part with her.

I have been thinking, father.

Perhaps there's a way
to keep them both here

for another seven years.

And you look beautiful, radiant.

How can I not when you've
made me the most glorious dress?

It is a joyous day, Jacob.

And I have called upon
our gods to bless this union

with bliss and children
and everlasting bounty.

Thank you, sir.

I shall be so proud to call you my son.

My love, the candles
are nearly burnt out.

- Shall we?
- Go, sister.

Be a wife.

Blessings be upon you.

Rachel, the ewe is in breech.

The Shepherds need you, please.

Well, can't someone else help?

If she doesn't come now, we
may lose the lamb and the ewe.

We need your help.

No one else around these parts
has my knowledge or experience.

All right, I will go with you.

- Well, I'll go too.
- No, stay.

Enjoy the last of the merriment.

I won't be gone longer than an hour.

All right, well, what's another hour?

We've already waited seven years.

Where's the ewe?

We've gone quite far.

They said it was just around
the large olive tree over there.

Wolves.

Go, fetch my father, brothers,

and any able-bodied
man who could help.

Someone must watch
over the flock until dawn.

Go, quickly!

A toast to a joyful night.

Yes, although it's almost morning.

Shall we join them for their final dance

as brother and sister?

Is that a tradition here?

No, but we can make it one.

After everything that has happened,

I'm so glad all is well
between the three of us now.

I love you both dearly.

And I love you too, dear sister-to-be.

Though perhaps I think,
tonight, I might love everyone.

Well, then, I hope you
remember this moment

and your love for me no matter what.

Well, what news?

It's all as you planned, sir.

Good lad.

Quiet, or she'll find us.

You try getting shot with an arrow.

Now, go on, then. Howl.

Well?

The most anticipated
moment in a young man's life.

Is Rachel here?

You're eager then, are you?

Yes?

Well, go.

Go to your marital bed.

Make her your wife.

Go, go, she's waiting.

Steady, steady.

Good boy.

Rachel?

Rachel?

Come here.

My love!

I'm back!

I'm sorry I was gone
longer than expected.

She did this to trap me!

In the eyes of the world,
Leah and I are married.

What have you done?

Yes, Jacob is my husband.

Our union has been consummated.

Are you mad?

He will never truly love you!

How could you, Leah?

You took what was mine!

The only man that I've ever loved.

All of this you knew, and you
said that you'd do right by me.

He will never be yours!

Don't you understand?

And now I hate you!

And Jacob hates you too!

What's this? What's this?

Come, come.

Everything must be settled with peace

between my lovely daughters.

I suspect, Rachel, that your entire family

was in on the trick.

What are these? Eyes?

You two were the wolves!

Fitting, as Jacob and I
are the innocent lambs!

You are such a victim.

You cannot hold me to this marriage!

I did not know it was her!

Well, you know, the
circumstances matter not.

You... you bedded Leah.

You are married to her.

How can you be part
of such an awful deceit

against your own daughter?

It is not customary for the younger

to be married before the older.

I weighed the choices and I
saw there was a chance for...

for both my daughters to be happy.

What can you possibly mean?

A man can have two wives.

I have no objection to you
marrying my Rachel as well.

As long as you agree to
the... to the same terms

and provide a bride price of
another seven years' labor.

You expect me to wait
another seven years?

No, no, no, no, no.

You can marry her now, and then after,

you can complete your service.

There must be another way.

There isn't.

You know I would do anything for you.

It is as I expected.

His love for Rachel is so strong

that he would remain in
harran for another seven years.

Indeed.

I now have the benefit of Jacob's talents,

and we will not have to
rely on your feckless brothers

for our prosperity, and you, my daughter,

are Jacob's wife.

I just hope that one day
he will learn to love me

as much as he loves Rachel.

What happened with
Leah was a terrible mistake!

It means nothing to
me, our night together.

Don't speak of it! I
can't bear the thought!

What she did was for naught.

She'll be my wife in name only.

I won't touch her.

My feelings for you remain true.

Please believe me!

You swear you won't
treat her as your real wife?

Never!

Never.

And when we're married,
we won't think of her at all.

It'll just be you and me.

We'll make the best of our time here.

We'll use it to secure our future.

I grew my family's flocks, our livestock,

built all that we have,
and I'll do the same for us,

so that we have more to
take with us when we lave.

You do think of everything, my love.

I'm determined not to despair.

It's been a month.

He's barely spoken to me.

They are newlyweds.

As am I.

But they pretend as if I don't exist.

My heart is broken.

How long can this go on?

Will Jacob ever care for me again

or have I completely failed?

I fear that...

When they depart for
can a an in seven years,

that they'll leave me behind.

No...

My daughter.

Come, come now.

Yet... The irony is I...

I love him even more
for his fealty to Rachel.

Father, i-i... I know in
the depths of my heart

that I have wronged them.

But at the time it seemed my only hope.

Still, I... I did not think
I would be so alone.

I feel sick with it sometimes.

I wake up every morning dizzy.

Even the sight of food makes me sick.

Every morning, you say?

Your mother...

Complained of the same ailments
when she was pregnant with you.

Jacob, I am with child.

We're going to have a son.