The Prince of Egypt: Half Breed

Through Heaven's Eyes

Weathering through the storm, Skylar hoped the storm was over as she crawled out of the sand, coughing and trying to knock off some of the sand that had collected in her clothing and hair.

Looking around, she couldn't see anything for miles. Doubt growing in the pit of her stomach, fearing they would be lost and head back in the direction they had just come from. Then, another thought struck her. Where was Moses? Whirling around she couldn't see a trace of him anywhere.

'Was he swept away by the sand storm?' She questioned, her heart beginning to race in fear as looked for her companion. 'Was he buried alive?!'

Before she could do anything to search for Moses further, she was distracted by a camel walking past her of all things. Perplexed by the sight, having seen no other living creature besides herself and Moses, she noticed it wasn't simply wild. Upon it's back was supplies.

'Did it accidently get released by its owner? Or are they nearby? It could mean civilization or at least an oasis.' Skylar thought as she watched it stop and sniff something brown in the sand. 'A plant?'

Watching the creature take a bite of whatever it was, Skylar was both relived and shocked to find out what she had mistaken as a plant was in fact Moses' hair! The camel pulling the man up out of the sand as it tried to eat it.

"Moses!" She cried as she rushed to help him out of the sand, moving the camel as it slobbered off to the side and eventually spat out Moses' hair onto the sand.

As Moses coughed, she offered him some of the water from her water bag which he happily accepted. They didn't have much left.

Handing the bag back to her, Skylar could tell he was thinking along the same lines. Looking back at the camel their eyes locked onto the full water bag attached to it.

"Hey, wait. Please." Moses weakly called out to the animal as he stubbled after it with Skylar on his heels. Latching onto the water bag, the former prince was dragged through the desert as the camel marched on.

Shaking her head at him, Skylar hurried after them as Moses allowed himself to listlessly be dragged on. To her relief, it wasn't long until they reached their destination. An oasis appearing as the camel dragged Moses to a stone trough were a flock of sheep drank from.

Headbutting the stone, Moses shook his head before realizing were he was and dunking his head in, lapping up the water. Parched herself, Skylar helped herself to a drink as well.

Looking up from the water, both caught the eye of a particular ram as it looked at them, almost in disbelief they were there before releasing the water in it's mouth before bleating at them.

Before they could say anything, the two jumped at the sound of a scream.

Standing up, the two saw what appeared to be two men messing around at a well, pushing aside the three little girls that were trying to reach it. Both the men and the girl wearing bright colored clothing.

"What are you doing? Help!" One of the three girls cried out.

"Wait!" The second one cried.

"Leave us alone!" The youngest cried.

"Let our sheep drink!" The eldest ordered.

"Get away!" The second cried.

"Stop it! My father's the high priest of Midian. You're going to be in big trouble." The eldest warned.

Seeing the girls were in trouble, Moses knew something needed to be done. Looking around, Moses and Skylar noticed a few camels tied up not too far. Being the natural prankster he was, Moses quickly got an idea. Moving through the flock, the two of them quickly untied them and pulled them along.

As the two ruffians tossed the girls aside once again, Moses called out to them.

"Hey, you."

Looking towards who called them, they were surprised to see Moses and Skylar with their camels.

"Aren't these your camels?" Moses asked, smirking at them.

"It would be a shame if they were to get loose, wouldn't it? They're carrying all your supplies too." Skylar said mockingly.

Seeing that the two were about to do, the ruffians feared the two's next actions.

"Hut-hut!" Both ordered the animals as they hit their flacks, sending the camels running without anyone holding the reins.

"No, no! No, no!" One of the men called out as he and his companion both run to get the camels. "Wait! Wait, stop!"

Amazed at what happened, the three girls, whom Skylar assumed they were sisters, turned to look at their rescuers. Moses tried to stand tall, but after his journey he was tired. Fatigued, Moses leaned against the brick wall of the well, only for it to collapse under his weight and cause him to fall in with a splash.

"Moses!" Skylar called out as she and the three other girls leaned over the edge to look down at him.

Chuckling and shaking her head, Skylar turned to the three youngsters. "Ok girls, get ready to pull."

Taking the lead, the three girls got behind her as they assisted her pulled a rope.

"What's going on here?" A familiar voice demanded. Looking up but still focused on pulling Moses out, Skylar turned to see if the voice belonged to who she thought it did.

"Tzipporah?" Skylar asked.

"Skylar?" Tzipporah asked back, surprised to see the Egyptian servant here of all places. "What are you doing here?"

"So it is you, Tzipporah! Glad to see you remembered me and managed to return to your home, I told you I would be fine." Skylar teased as she yanked the rope. "Last time we spoke, I told you my place was back there. Now, my place is here in front of this well."

Baffled by the sudden appearance of the one that helped her escape, Tzipporah looked at what she and the girls were doing.

"What are you girls doing?" Tzipporah asked.

"We're trying to get the funny man out of the well." The youngest girl answered.

"Trying to get the funny man out of the well." Tzipporah repeated. "Well, that's one I've never heard before." She remarked as she leaned on the edge of the well, not yet looking down into it.

Slightly distracted by Tzipporah's appearance, Skylar accidently let the rope slip slightly.

Down below in the well, Moses shouted at the sudden drop. "Oh!"

"No, seriously. We are." Skylar told her between gritted teeth, straining to pull the rope harder. Trying to gain back the rope she allowed to slip from her grasp.

Gasping at the shout and realizing her sisters were telling the truth, Tzipporah rushed to assure the man in the well everything was okay before helping out the girls. "Oh, my. Oh, uh, don't worry down there! Uh, we'll get you out. Hold on!"

Grabbing the rope, Tzipporah stood beside Skylar as they all pulled Moses back up.

Recognizing who it was they were pulling up, Tzipporah received another surprise. "You."

"Huh?" Moses asked as he looked up and saw who was helping him. Upon recognizing her, Moses gave his best smile.

"Look, this isn't what you think it is." Skylar started to say before Tzipporah got a mischievous look in her eyes.

"Tzipporah-!" Skylar tried to protest on behalf of her friend before Tzipporah let the rope go. Causing the girls and Skylar lose their grip and Moses to fall back in with a shout.

"Mm-hmm." Tzipporah hummed satisfied for what Moses did to her back at the palace, sending a smug look at Skylar and her sisters as she adjusted her clothing. To which Skylar shook her head, though she was slightly amused.

"Ok, you got some payback. Now can you please go and get more help?" Skylar asked.

Shrugging, Tzipporah walked off.

The oldest girl just sadly shook her head. "That's why papa says she'll never get married."

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

After getting Moses out of the well and guided by Tzipporah and her sisters, Skylar and Moses were brought back to their village.

Before Skylar knew what was happening, Tzipporah lead her away and into one of their tents while Moses was directed to another one. Without a moment to gather her wits and protests, three elder women gathered around her and proceeded to remove her of her clothing and push her into a tub of water.

"W-Wait! What you doing!?" Skylar yelled as she fell in. Sputtering as she moved her wet hair our of her face.

"Don't worry dearie." One of them chipperly said, before dumping a pot of water over her head to get the parts of her hair they missed.

"We'll get you cleaned up in no time." Another chimed.

"This is totally unnecessary! I can bathe myself! Woah!" Skylar protested as the other women gathered there ignored her and began scrubbing her body.

For Skylar, she was embarrassed by the new experience. Sure, she was use to bathing with her mother and having her help with things like scrubbing each others backs, but being waited on hand and foot was something she was not accustomed to. She was a servant, well former servant, being treated like this was what she thought was reserved for royals.

One scrubbing her hair, arms, and her feet. Causing her laugh and giggle when they accidentally touched a ticklish spot.

"Please stop!" Skylar whined. "You've cleaned nearly every inch of me! I can handle the rest!"

"AH!" She screeched.

"I didn't know that could be cleaned." She muttered.

Entering the tent, Tzipporah carried a bundle of clothing as the ladies attending Skylar helped her dry off.

"Thanks for the clothing and everything else, Tzipporah." Skylar told her.

"Think nothing of it. You helped me escape and I was able to return home. This is the least I can do to return the favor." Tzipporah assured her.

Tugging on the clothing, Skylar noted they were similar to the clothing of the eldest girl that had been at the well.

"They're old hand-me-downs of mine. What do you think?" Tzipporah asked.

"Not exactly what I'm use to, but they're perfect." Skylar answered.

"Mind explaining what you and the royal brat are doing out here?" Tzipporah asked.

Skylar sighed at the question, knowing it would be asked eventually.

"Something happened. Something that can not be undone. Moses and I had to flee. I'd rather not talk about it." Skylar explained.

Before Tzipporah could event attempt to pry for more, both turned at the sound of someone else entering the room.

Seeing it was a man, Skylar screamed at him. "Get out!" Flinging a nearby cushion at him and pulling the towel closer to herself.

"Father, get out! Get out!" Tzipporah yelled, pushed him out of the tent. When he was gone, Tzipporah sighed. "Sorry about that. That was Jethro, my father and high priest of Midian."

"He's different from any priest I've ever met before." Skylar remarked as she finished drying off and got dressed.

"Is it safe to come in now?" Jethro called out from outside the tent.

"Yes Father!" Tzipporah responded.

As he entered a second time, Skylar got a better look at Tzipporah's father.

He was an elder man, judging by his long white beard. Large and round around the middle, he was taller than most men she knew. He wore a cover over his head that draped over his shoulder and a blue garb with a red sash around his waist. His face crinkled with smile lines. His eyes twinkling with mirth.

"My apologizes for earlier. I had come to wish to welcome you to our home. You are a blessing, dear child and you are to be treated as a dear friend in this land, for tonight you and your companion are to be the guests of honor at the banquet." Jethro told her and he embraced her in a tight hug before letting her go and walking back out of the tent with a smile and a laugh.

"Is he... always like this?" Skylar asked hesitantly.

Chuckling at Skylar, Tzipporah nodded. "He'll grow on you. I better go, I have chores to do."

Without another word, Tzipporah left the tent before Skylar could protest. Flinging the flaps aside, Skylar tried to locate other woman, unsure of what to do in the new environment. Not use to having nothing to do and worried about Moses. With nothing better to do, Skylar set out find him.

As she wandered about the village, Skylar watched young and old working along side each as they went about their daily task. Though it had a pleasant air about it and lacked the burning sticks of incense. It wasn't as cold as the home of the Pharaoh and wasn't as downtrodden as the slums where the Hebrews lived.

As she walked, not entirely heeding where she was going, Skylar accidentally bumped into and came face with a young man, thought it wasn't the young man she was searching for.

"Oh, ah, I'm so sorry!" Skylar apologized, her face flushing with embarrassment. Getting at better look at the person she bumped into, he was about the same height as Moses and wore the same clothing she had seen on Jethro though the colors were blue and green. In his hand was a staff that had been carved.

Chuckling, the young man smiled. "It's alright." He assured her before taking a closer look at her. "Forgive me, but I don't think I have seen you around before. Are you new here?"

"Ah, yes. I have only arrived today." Skylar answered.

"Well, then." The young man said as he gave her a mock bow. "Hello, my name is Einan."

"I am Skylar." She replied.

"Einan!" Someone called.

"Oh, coming!" Einan shouted to the one that called him, sending a smile Skylar's way he waved her farewell. "Nice meeting you. See you later!"

"Bye." Skylar muttered, chuckling at Einan's behavior before continuing her search for Moses.

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

Later that night. Skylar had gathered together with the rest of the tribe as they prepared the banquet. A large fire in the center to light the night as they gathered in a ring, the food placed in bowls and baskets on rugs over the ground.

Spotting Moses by Tzipporah and her sisters, Skylar made her way around the ring and sat down with him. Giggling at his clothing, the cloth being a bit big on him, Skylar turned to see Jethro addressing everyone as he stood in the center.

"My children, let us give thanks for this bountiful food." Jethro began as he patted a boy on the head. "And let us also give thanks for the presence of this brave, young man and his beautiful companion whom we here tonight." Jethro announced as the tribe clapped their hands for them.

"Please, sir, I wish you wouldn't. I've done nothing in my life worth honoring." Moses told them.

His words drawing the attention of Tzipporah, his actions so different from the first time she met him.

Jethro seemed sadden by this, before drawing closer and listing the things Moses had done. "First, you rescue Tzipporah from Egypt, then you defend my younger daughters from brigands. You think that is nothing? It seems you do not know what is worthy of honor." Jethro explained.

Standing up, Jethro motioned for them to turn to look at the tapestry hung behind them to help make his point, his voice beginning to raise as he sung.

A single thread in a tapestry
Though its color brightly shine
Can never see its purpose
In a pattern of the grand design

Heading to the open ring around the fire, he then pointed to the mountains in the distance.

And the stone that that sits on the very top
Of the mountain's mighty face
Does it think it's more important
Than the stones that form the base?
So how can you see what your life is worth?
Or where your value lies?
You can never see through the eyes of man
You must look at your life

"My life?" Skylar asked.

Nodding, Jethro pointed to the stars.

Look at your life through heaven's eyes

After that, the celebration really got under way. Women gathering their instruments, the sistrum, drums, and a gusle.

La-la-la-la-la-la-la
La-la-la-la-la-la-la-la
La, la-la-la-la-la-la
La-la-la-la-la-la
Lai-lai-lai
Lai-lai-lai-lai
Lai-lai-lai
Lai-lai-la

Men formed a half inner ring around the fire as the women danced outside of it. Together with his youngest daughter, Jethro danced as well. Clapping in time to the music, Skylar and Moses were enjoying themselves. Rushing over to them, Jethro's daughter made her way over and tugged on Moses's robes.

"Dance with me." The girl insisted.

"No, I don't know how." Moses softly explained before another one of Jethro's daughters lead her little sister back to the dancing. Saving Moses from the dancing as the youngest waved at him and hurried back to the party.

Walking around behind them, Einan smirked as he grabbed Skylar and before she knew it, was twirling her around as they joined the dance. Shaking her head at his antics, Skylar wasn't too upset and resigned to just enjoying the dance.

Moses only laughed and clapped along.

After that night, many more happy moments were to follow. Moses and Skylar were happily accepted as full members of the tribe and before they knew it, a month had passed. They worked alongside their fellow tribesmen and women, pitching up the tents whenever the tribe moved and other chores that needed to be done. Moses even took the time to grow a beard.

It was different from the luxurious life Moses once lived, but he assured Skylar that it was rewarding and enjoyed himself. As for Skylar, she was no longer Moses's servant, but old habits were hard to move on from. She was still concerned about him and helped him out when she could. She was quickly learning the customs, traditions, and other skills most of the other women in the tribe knew from Tzipporah. The two becoming close as sisters.

To commemorate, Skylar was given a headband similar to Tzipporah's with a round jewel hanging from it.

Looking up from her own work and watching Moses as tied off the rope keeping the tent up, Skylar had Tzipporah's second sister go offer Moses some water. Watching him accept it, she laughed as he watched him dump the water over on himself instead of drinking it.

"You're always watching him, you know that, right?"

Whirling around, Skylar discovered Einan smiling down at her as he leaned lightly against his staff.

"Really?" Skylar asked, never having thought about it.

"I can't help but feel a little envious of Moses. You look out for him and yet he doesn't even seem to notice." Einan continued, watching Moses with a slightly resentful look as he and Tzipporah headed out to tend to the flocks before gesturing Skylar to follow him, heading out to tent to him own.

"I served Moses and his family since we were both children. It's only natural I still look out for him. There's no need to envy him." Skylar explained. "For me, it's something natural for me to do. I'll get over it eventually. Some habits are just hard to break." She said with a shrug, not really bothered by her relationship with Moses.

Einan glanced at Skylar, looking directly into her eyes, seeking the truth in her words. When Moses and Skylar had first joined the tribe, a part of him wondered what their relationship was. They certainly cared about each other, Skylar seemingly catering to whatever Moses needed, anticipating his needs. At times, he couldn't help but wonder if they were lovers that had run away from their disapproving families to be together.

But, they never brought up their relationship and they hadn't asked Jethro to marry them in the month they had started living in the tribe. So Einan had his doubts about his theory. However, he couldn't completely ignore the possibility. Or the chance Skylar loved Moses and Moses was just too blind to see it. Einan didn't want Skylar to get hurt. She deserved better in Einan's eyes.

"Besides," Skylar started to say, shaking Einan out of his thoughts. "He won't need me around forever. One day he'll have some who will care for him far greater than as a childhood friend or a servant. Between you and me, I think he likes Tzipporah and even though she probably won't admit it to herself, I think she likes him too." She giggled, watching as Tzipporah lightly tossed Moses his own staff before walking off.

This information earned Skylar a raised eyebrow. Her words cutting Einan's fears away. "The thought of them marrying doesn't bother you?" Einan asked.

"Why would it? Moses and Tzipporah are like brother and sister to me. I'd be more than happy to see them together."

"...What about yourself? You worry over others, but never seem to make time for yourself. What about your happiness?"

Skylar considered this for a moment. "Maybe I'll find someone who will make my happiness their greatest concern, until then I will care for all those I deem important to me. You included, Einan." She said with a smile, causing him to blush.

Looking away, Einan couldn't help but start grinning like a fool. Happy Skylar considered him important to her.

"I-I, uh, better go and tend to the herd. I'll be right back!" He called over his shoulder as he ran off check up on a lamb.

Perplexed by this, Skylar merely giggled as she turned to check on Moses and Tzipporah again. Watching as they tended to a mother giving birth to a little lamb, Tzipporah taking a cloth and wiping it down.

A lake of gold in the desert sand
Is less than a cool, fresh spring
And to one lost sheep
A shepherd boy is greater than the richest king
If a man lose everything he owns
Has he truly lost his worth?
Or is it the beginning of a new and brighter birth?

Through out the rest of the day, Skylar enjoyed Einan's company as they talked about their childhood. Einan's stories making her laugh. Everyone once in a while, they would spy on Moses and Tzipporah. The two of them flirting judging their actions. Skylar couldn't help but 'aw' when Moses tied flowers on to the staff for Tzipporah.

"See? I told you." Skylar whispered.

"Yeah, yeah, rub it in." Einan pretended to grumble, happy Skylar was right.

For Moses, nothing was better than the life he had now. Laying on the ground, chewing on a stalk of grass with one of the sheep doing the same as he flipped over and watched the sky. Dreaming of all the possibilities in store for him.

So how do you measure the worth of a man
In wealth or strength or size?
In how much he gained or how much he gave?
The answer will come
The answer will come to him who tries
To look at his life through Heaven's eyes!

From there, a year passed. Moses's beard having grown to mark the passage of time. In that year, Moses grew closer not only to Tzipporah, but the rest of her family. Playing with the youngest daughter, he had taken a bowl of fruit and played keep away with it. When he finally settled it down in his lap, it was empty. As the girl placed her hand in the bowl, searching for the hidden fruit, only for Moses to reveal them from his sleeves. To which she tackled him for.

And that's why we share all we have with you
Though there's little to be found
When all you've got is nothing
There's a lot to go around

Later at the bonfire, the men once again formed an inner ring as the women danced around them. Skylar had long ago learned to join them. Moses, still had yet to join them, preferring to stand on the sidelines and clap along to the music. As Skylar and Tzipporah danced around the fire, Skylar could see her friends attention was on Moses even if her back was turned to him.

No life can escape being blown about
By the winds of change and chance
And though you never know all the steps

"Dance with me." Tzipporah insisted, having left the dancing to sneak up behind him and lightly wrapping the strip of cloth she held in her hands around his neck. Gently tugging him along.

"No, I... No. No!" Moses protested. Despite his words, Moses was lead to the other men as the opened the circle to include him. Jethro on his left and Einan on Moses' right. The latter of which welcoming him like a brother.

You must learn to join the dance
You must learn to join the dance!

Soon, Tzipporah and Einan managed to sneak their preferred partners away from the others so the couples could dance. The strips of cloth connecting them as they danced in a circle. Being bold, Tzipporah wrapped herself around the cloth, bringing herself closer to Moses. Earning a few cheers from the others watching.

La-la-la
Lee-lai-lai-lai
Lai-lai-lai-lai
Lai-lai-lai-lai
Lai-lai-lai-lai
Lee-lai-lai
Lai-lai-lai-lai
Lai-lai-lai
Lai-lai-lai-lai
Lee-lai-lai
Lai-lai-lai-lai
Lai-lai-lai
Lai-lai-lai-lai
Lee-lai-lai
Lai-lai-lai-lai-lai-lai-lai!

It wasn't long before the two along with Jethro talking in the tent as Skylar, Einan, and Tzipporah's sisters watched their shadows from outside. Moses looked like he was bargaining while Tzipporah looking like she was demanding something from her father. Shrugging his shoulders, Jethro gave into whatever the two were wanting and pulled them into on of his giant hugs that he was know for.

Getting an idea what was going on, Einan brought Skylar with him as they entered the tent themselves. Einan asking Moses for his permission to marry Skylar since he was the closest thing Skylar had to family, along with asking Jethro to marry them, if Skylar agreed that is. Shocked but pleased, Skylar agreed in a heartbeat. More than happy to, both Moses and Jethro agreed.

Lai-lai-lai-lai
Lee-lai-lai
Lai-lai-lai-lai
Lai-lai-lai!
Lai-lai-lai-lai
Lee-lai-lai
Lai-lai-lai-lai-lai!

As the village threw white petals into the air, Moses and Tzipporah wore white clothing as Jethro joined their hands together. Beside them, Skylar and Einan wore the same as the two couples were married.

So how do you judge what a man is worth?
By what he builds or buys?
You can never see with your eyes on Earth
Look through Heaven's eyes

Leading their new wives, Moses and Einan pulled them along to start dancing before the fire, embracing the other with love and devotion.

Look at your life
Look at your life
Look at your life through Heaven's eyes!

The party going long into the night.