Are your markings natural or tattoos? Did it hurt to get them?
Yes.
Ah, allow me to clarify.
The use of nightmagick requires both the light and dark side of the force. This creates markings. Nightsisters use the gift from a young age, and these develop on their skin over the years. They are often added to. Edges are neatened, color added, patterns expanded. Each set is unique.
Nightbrothers, on the other hand, are marked as infants from head to toe in a ritual using mushling pods. It is art and magick combined. Yes, it hurts. As a nightbrother grows, his markings grow and evolve with him. They heal over if cut, the pattern restoring itself. Mine have done this, many times.
Supposedly, the darker the markings, the stronger the force connection. Though that may be considered hearsay.