The Runes

 

“Escort runes.  They come alight in the presence of a bonded Rider… 

I have not witnessed their light since the late Queen.

Many of the villagers have never witnessed the lights in their lifetimes.”

-Amatheia

The Runes make their first appearance in the Labyrinth outskirts of the Water Nation trenches. The steep, sharp stones that create a maze in the landscape are dappled with carvings that glow an iridescent blue when activated. 

The same markings are seen just past the Water Nation's village, in the tunnel leading up to the main temple. The presence of a human or other entity with the marking of a Rider is required in order to activate the runes.

The Nation's queen had become the first of the nation's kind to form a bond with a two-legged that she would later claim to be her Rider. Ever since this union, the territory shows signs of where the queen had created safe spaces and shortcuts to preserve him in the harsh environment. The Runes are one of those tactics that were meant to light the way. 

Long after the Rider's passing, it appears that the Runes are still active and present.