Window 4's 'Giant Plains': For the First Time, the Settlement's Figures Follow the Herd North
The northward movement of a herd of giants at Stable Window 4 on the Oji hill, first observed on the 7th, entered its seventh day on the 13th. During this morning's opening, at least four figures from the settlement below — which had always simply watched the herd pass — were seen following it north for the first time.
At Stable Window 4 on the Oji hill in the city's north, the northward movement of a herd of eleven giants — including two young — first observed on the 7th, entered its seventh day on the 13th, according to Dimensional Survey Division records. Since the window entered service, herd movements have mostly trended south; this is, as previously reported, the first time a herd has been seen moving north. "Whether it's strictly the same herd, we can't say for certain, since individual identification isn't possible," the Division said. "But given the matching size and direction, we're keeping the record as though it is."
During this morning's opening, from 5:58 to 6:36 a.m., the Division recorded a sight it says is unprecedented across all five stable windows: at least four figures from the settlement of low huts on the plain — which had always simply watched the herd pass, as previously reported — were seen setting off north as if to follow it. The keeper on duty, 33, the same one who logged the 7th's opening, wrote: "The figures that only ever watched from a distance started walking today, carrying what looked like bundles. Whether the whole settlement is moving or just a few of them, the view is too narrow to tell." Two of the four appeared to be carrying wrapped loads, the other two moving lighter.
The Division has previously confirmed that the settlement's figures show no fear of the giants, and that the giants avoid the settlement itself, but this is the first time both have been recorded moving in the same direction. "We can't say, in terms of sequence, whether the giants moved first or the figures had their own reason to move first," an official said, holding to a careful, noncommittal phrasing. "All we saw during the opening was the result: both heading north." Whether this reflects a seasonal movement, or one driven by a search for water, remains, as before, at the stage of "we haven't even confirmed whether there are seasons over there."
Unlike the 7th's opening, when the tremor of the herd's steps moved the teacups in the window room three centimeters, previously reported, today's opening recorded almost no such vibration, since the herd stayed far within view. "A morning when the teacups don't move still gets recorded properly," the keeper said. "Not moving is part of the record too."
The Division said it will keep watching whether the herd's movement continues north, adding only, "Not deciding what's happening over there in our own terms — that's the most important job of this desk." Window 4 remained under observation as of the morning of the 13th, with no indication of when it will open again. This reporter noted: "The figures that only ever watched have started walking. That alone made this morning look a little different from here."
