Relics

Relics are tattoos on people’s skin given magically.

• Rebellion Relics: These tattoos mark the separatist’s children, or the children of the rebellion against Navarre by the people of Tyrrendor. Although, not all of the marked children descended from Tyrrendor. The relics are described as shimmering marks starting at the top of the wrist that swirl and slash, almost like a warning. According to Violet’s mom, General Melgren’s dragon did it to all of them when he executed their parents. Certain people may discriminate against the “marked ones,” as seen on page 211 of Fourth Wing.
• Dragon Relics: These tattoos are given from dragon to rider after they become bonded during Threshing. They are a symbol of honor and power. The relics are conduits to let magic into riders’ bodies. Generally, they are in the shape of the dragon who gifted them. Violet receives her relic after Threshing. It depicts a glistening black relic of a dragon mid-flight, and in the center the silhouette of a shimmering golden one. It lies across her back from shoulder to shoulder.