HISTORY
“The past is never where you think you left it.”
Aar Adesten's amazing logbook
Durin the Elizabethan era, Aar Adesten, was a well-known explorer of Nordic origin whose documented adventures became legendary. In 1554, he set sail from London towards the New World.
Thanks to the recent discovery of his ship's logs we have a detailed account of his incredible voyages. Aar's log accounts of the lands he explored are rich and beautifully illustrated. They depict in great detail the exotic flora and fauna he found. Still today, after more than 500 years, the descriptions are of an almost scientific accuracy and still have the power to leave us amazed.
Thanks to the Book of Shadows we know that it was the Alchemist who coined Aar's motto: “Mein Feld ist die Welt”, “my field is the world”. It is a saying that is said to bring good luck. Aar had it carved onto the stern of his galleon, the famous Lapalisse.
from The Book of Shadows
from Aar Adesten's logbook
detail of a huge map of a mysterious city discovered by Adesten in the new content. (private collection)
from The Book of Shadows
Lumen Alatus Pulcherrimo
Gianduiottus Camelopardis
Standing taller than 14 masts or maybe even more, he weighs as little as a sparrow’s feather. Out of all the creatures we’ve come across, he’s simply the noblest. He doesn’t walk but dances over the forest's green roof unperturbed and tranquil. You never see him run. He’s never scared. He doesn’t utter song or sound. When he walks, you don’t hear his approach. As if he were an ethereal entity he casts no visible shadow. One doubts he is even of matter other than that of which mirages are made. His long and incredibly thin legs anchor him to our earthly dimension because his head is constantly reaching towards the sky, suspended above the pastures of cirrus and cumulus clouds on which it is said he feeds. They say that in ancient times he was so tall that his head would scrape against the sphere of the fixed stars. Then in time, his body began to shrink getting smaller and smaller bringing him closer and closer down to earth. Nowadays, for as wonderful as he may be, he is only but a shadow of his former self. Perhaps it is for this reason his life is so peaceful and happy. He thrives on every instant, knowing that sooner or later the ground is bound to swallow him up.…
From the logbook of HMS Lapalisse, by Her Majesty’s Explorer, Aar Adesten.
One night, while flying in circles around a candle, three moths discussed the nature of love. Yet, no one word seemed to be enough. Meanings were too poor and ended up only belittling the subject itself. The first moth abruptly veered and nosedived towards the flame. She got close enough just to brush against it, but fearing the heat, she was taken aback. She rejoined her mates saying “There! this is what love is!" The other moths didn’t quite agree. The second one in turn made for the candle, getting so close as to only singe her wings. “There!", she said, "I know what love is!” However, the other two insisted in denying. Not even this time could they reach an agreement. Finally, the third moth took courage and plunged directly into the flame and was consumed by it. Yes, she had known what love is. The gods, Nature, or whoever it was invested in those roles, being so moved by such an act of love, decided to breathe life anew into the heart of the moth. Immediately she began flitting about. Since that day, a flicker of that flame has remained glimmering within her like a wee lantern in the night. Her descendants multiplied and today have become known as Lumen alatus pulcherrimum, or beautiful winged light….
From the logbook of HMS Lapalisse, by Her Majesty’s Explorer, Aar Adesten.