The Language of Flowers: High Rock Edition

In the Summerset Isles, the tradition of using flowers to communicate in a subtle and socially conscious manner is a long-standing one. Especially in matters of the heart - where the Altmer aren't known for being terribly effusive - this method of address allows for nuanced meaning that doesn't require words be spoken outright as well as the clever and almost-intriguing space for interpretation into meaning much like with polite conversation.

While many cultures do not embrace such convoluted practices for conveying their feelings, it is a practice that has become fashionable in other provinces of Tamriel, and expanded to incorporate local flowers with their own local meanings. The people of one province may see bugloss in a very different fashion to the people of another region. And so from one place and people to another, the methods of communication changes as much as any language.

Inspired by the similarly named manuscript popular in the Isles, I have sought to capture the local meanings of flowers in the Glenumbra, Stormhaven, Rivenspire, and upper Bangkorai regions of High Rock. The entries also incorporate some herbs that might accompany flowers in arrangements and bouquets.

I hope that this book not only enlightens and entertains the dear reader, but also opens up further channels of communication.

* Anemone - forsaken
* Apple Blossom - preference
* Aster - variety
* Azalea - temperance
* Belladonna (Nightshade) - silence
* Bellflower, Violet - faithfulness
* Betony - surprise
* Blessed Thistle - resilience
* Bluebell - constancy
* Blue Yarrow - you soothe me
* Brandelion - rustic oracle
* Buckthorn flower - useful
* Bugloss - falsehood
* Cardinal Flowers - distinction
* Chicory - frugality
* Cinquefoil - maternal affection
* Clickweed - rendezvous
* Columbine - anxious and trembling
* Cornflower - celibacy
* Crabapple blossom - ill nature
* Clover, Yellow - think of me
* Clover, Red - industry
* Daisy - innocence
* Daisy, Crimson - beauty
* Daisy, Starlight - pleasant farewell
* Dragonthorn - snare
* Ebonthread Flower - scandal
* Flax - domestic industry, fate, kindness
* Foxglove - insincerity
* Hawthorn shrub - I hope
* Healer's Purse - I offer you my all
* Hummingbird Mint - virtue
* Ironweed Flower - strength
* Ivy, Flowering - friendship, fidelity, marriage
* Kreshweed Flower - constancy
* Lady's Smock - paternal error
* Midnight Glory - I share your sentiments
* Midnight Sage - esteem
* Milk Thistle - retaliation
* Moonflower Blossoms - sanguine, foolish optimism
* Moth Nettle - conceit
* Mountain Flower - pretension
* Nirnroot - austerity
* Pennyroyal - flee
* Prairie Flowers, Golden - patience
* Prairie Flowers, Violet - faithfulness
* Ranunculus - radiant with charms
* Rhododendron - danger, beware
* Rose - love
* Rose, Burgundy - unknowing love
* Rose, Thornless - early attachment
* Rose, White - worthiness
* Rose, Yellow - friendship
* Rosebud, Red - pure and lovely
* Silverweave Flower - brightness, cheer
* Skygazer Peony - bashfulness
* Snowlilies - hope
* Springwheeze - precaution
* Tulip - declaration of love
* Valendula - prediction
* Vervain - enchantment
* Violet - modesty
* Void Bloom - selfishness
* Water Hyacinth - sorrowful
* Wolf's Woe - misanthorpy
* Woodbine - generous and devoted affection
* Wormwood - absence
* Wyrdbloom - mystery, intrigue

**Modifications of the Flower Language**

If a flower is given wrapped in a black ribbon, its original symbolism is understood to be contradicted, and the opposite meaning is implied.

When worn, the expression of flowers is also varied by changing their positions. A flower worn on the head may indicate thought, on the chest may indicate feeling, and on the shoulder or around the wrist may indicate a shared sentiment.

When a flower is given, the pronoun 'I' is understood by giving it with the right hand and 'you' by giving with the left. For example, giving a rose with the right hand is a statement the giver loves the recipient, where if it is given with the left, the giver is asking if the recipient loves them.

When given a flower or a bouquet, 'Yes' is implied by touching the flower given with the lips, and 'no' by pinching off a petal and casting it away.

'I am' is expressed by a white oak leaf twisted around the bouquet; 'I have' by an ivy tendril curled around the stems; 'I offer you' by the leaves of a fruit tree tucked around the base of the bouquet.