#moonshadow markings

[delilahsdrawing]

If you saw my last post, I drew Callum with some new markings, so I thought I’d share the story behind the markings. THEY’RE SO CUTE. UGHHHH (also someone please appreciate the animals I drew, i hate drawing animals. I literally suck at it)

[ask-runaan-anything]

I always thought elves' markings we naturally occurring, but something Ethari said implies you guys choose these markings yourselves? would you be willing to tell us more about it?

I cannot speak for other elven traditions, but among Moonshadow elves, it is traditional to choose face markings very early in life. The adults will help the elflings with their paint until they're old enough to have steady hands.

Markings chosen for our arms are often related to what we choose to do with our time - work or hobbies, or accomplishments related to them.

Any other markings we bear are usually more personal than that, either for aesthetics or vibes or, in my case, duty. *places a hand over the mark on my chest*

One of the aspects of the Moon is its inherent change. Nothing remains the same under the Moon - neithy reality nor meaning itself. So our markings are applied with a temporary paint. If something happens to a Moonshadow elf to change the course of their life strongly enough that they want to reflect that change on their skin, all they need to do is paint their markings differently next time.

Despite that, or perhaps because of it, Moonshadows are tightly knit in community. It is traditional to paint your loved ones' markings for them. To know another's chosen markings is to know what they value most, and to paint their identity on their skin is to see and accept them with your whole heart.

There are a few things in life that feel better than the cool lines of Ethari's paintbrush across my unmarked skin, but not many. My husband sees me for who I am, and he loves me anyway.

[beautifulterriblequeen]

BH: stripes

OG:

next gen:

Runaan's got lil fans I bet

and he has no idea what to do with them

[ask-ethari-anything]

Your markings are very pretty do they indicate anything?

They do! I'm glad you appreciate them - I've my husband's steady hand to thank for their clean lines.

My briery face markings are similar to those you'll find on anything meant to protect and shield people, which can include protective items and clothing, and even things like doors and blankets. It's never just a swirly!

I take great pleasure and pride in keeping those I love safe from harm. And Runaan has been known to call me a big warm blanket, which I took as the high compliment it was. I do my best to be the shield between my loved ones and the danger they face, whether that's through my crafts or my words or my big strong arms. And the markings I wear reflect that to all who can read it.

[hoothalcyon]

Yet Another Moonshadow Markings Theory/Observation to Add to the Pile

I just wanted to share something I noticed while watching a Bloodborne video!

His arm marking (which is frequently theorized to belong exclusively to Moonshadow assassins) looks a lot like the Hunter's Rune from Bloodborne.

Here's the description for the hunter's rune:

A Caryll Rune that transcribes inhuman sounds. This red-smudged rune means "Hunter", and has been adopted by those who have taken the Hunter of Hunters oath. These watchmen admonish those who have become addled with blood. [source]

Possible inspiration for the design, maybe?

[sunstone-nerding]

Moonshadow Markings

Moonshadow elves probably should have their own term for their markings, similar to vallaslin in the Dragon Age universe.

(The Elves of the other primal sources should, too. We just know less about them.)

[ask-runaan-anything]

Did you paint rayla’s markings on her cheeks?

I have done. Ethari's hand is steadier.

[ask-runaan-anything]

Do you know why Lujanne doesn't have markings? Is that an illusionist thing, a protector of the nexus thing, a Lujanne thing, or something else?

Moonshadows paint each others' markings. Lujanne lives alone.

Part of our identity is reflected in the eyes of those we love, and those we trust. We are our fullest selves when we are surrounded by friends and family, and so we trust that paintbrush to the hands of those who care for us the most and want us to be our most authentic selves.

Fewer smudges that way.

also my husband has exceptionally steady hands