The Courtly Language

I don't understand it, it was just a bottle of wine. And the good stuff too. My lord dismissed me curtly, and then I was called with a couple others to help tidy his study as something had caused his bookshelf to become emptied and there was a broken vase which needed sweeping...
— Anonymous Steward from House Kodatha
  For certain nobles on Erisdaire, there is simply too much free time for them to remain busy. This is coupled with the sense of superiority, and the need to measure themselves against others. And so, there has been a development of a secret language through carefully-chosen words and phrases, nonverbal cues, or through specific objects. Meaning is given to these objects largely through a closed understanding, or being specific in context to the recipient. To outsiders, some of these symbols and exchanges are incomprehensible - especially in how even a seemingly innocuous message can drive a man to incoherent rage.
 

History

Most attempts to delve into the actual language quickly meet misdirection at best, or a stony wall of silence at worst. However, those who persevere can pick up details through what's not said in conversation. In essence, to learn more about the Courtly Language requires learning how to use it long before understanding what it is. The few scholars who try to write treatises on the subject often have it reported back to them how the nobility has stopped using the described 'codes' - after all, the messages being sent are most intensely personal.

The nation of Kivese has long enjoyed prosperity, and its location and terrain have conspired to make it hard for the 'usual suspects' to truly threaten it. The noble houses of that land grew stronger over the generations, becoming richer and more influential to trade along the western coast, while avoiding many of the checks on their power Imperial nobles had. Over time the competition between them became highly focused and required them to be more circumspect with their plans, and send messages which had their meaning obscured. These are purported to be the origins of the Courtly Language, as it came to the attention of Imperial nobles who had less pressure to maintain an edge.
 

Common Use

While there is an aspect of a 'riddle' to the Courtly Language, there are a few repeating references which only change slightly. For instance, numbers are often used as a reference to a date instead of their usual meaning in context. When the Language is used in reference to a female subject, or addressed to a female recipient, it is almost expected for flowers or jewelry to be employed. In contrast, expect male subjects or recipients to receive messages based on (or consisting of) books, or artistic creations. Colors have equal meaning, but what meaning usually depends on the context of the message. Context is important, as each message is always painstakingly crafted with hidden layers of meaning meant to be exchanged between the sender and the receiver.

As an example: A red rose might symbolize a declaration of intense attachment, as is commonly understood. Delivering a dozen of these to a lady might be an overture for a romantic entanglement, of course. But eight red roses, bound by a black silk ribbon with a particularly lacy trim, might instead reference eight supposed dalliances the lady had in the past, with carnal (not romantic) intent. Now, if there was included one single black rose bud, it could also suggest there may have been some sort of unnatural steps taken to secure these ... events, and the sender was willing to make such accusations. Thus the Courtly Language can be employed in conjunction with simple gossip to ruin one's reputation - or enhance it.

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