Jewels of Light ©
Log-Line
“As Aeloria descends into chaos, guilt-ridden elven warrior Ilsevel and wary royal Gaelira must join forces to uncover ancient secrets before annihilation strikes.”
It all began as a way to create opportunities for myself as an actor and to dive deeper into the world of producing and filmmaking. But what started as a modest endeavor quickly grew into something bigger, bolder, and far more meaningful. The stories I began to tell felt urgent—reflecting the volatile and often hostile world we live in, where anything unfamiliar is labeled, feared, or attacked. This fear breeds anger, segregation, abuse of power, violence, and destruction. As a species, we seem caught in a relentless cycle of war and repetition, unable to break free from the patterns of our past.
What began out of necessity evolved into a lifelong mission—into a legacy. As I crafted characters and narratives, the urgency to address global crises—ecological imbalance, poverty, gender and racial inequality, hunger, and trauma—became undeniable. The fantasy genre became my vessel for codifying these archetypes and exploring their deeper truths.
I am convinced that kindness and compassion are the true “weapons” we need to heal our fractured planet and reconnect with our shared humanity. We must work toward a future where resources are shared equitably and where every life is recognized, valued, and protected.
Jewels of Light follows the journey of two female elves believed to be the last of their kind navigating a world on the brink of collapse. After eight years immersed in this narrative, I’ve come to start to grasp its profound potential. This story is not merely a tale—it is a beacon of hope and a call to action.
In my character’s search for connection, love, and belonging, I see a reflection of our own challenges and aspirations. Their journey becomes a powerful metaphor for my own pursuit of a more just and compassionate world. Through their adventures, I hope to spark thought, inspire empathy, and encourage societal change—urging us all to consider how we might unite to build a world that is fairer, kinder, and more empowering for everyone.
As an artist, my mission is to provoke, ignite, and inspire. Jewels of Light embodies that purpose. I look forward to sharing its evolution as I’m certain of its potential to resonate deeply with many.
The Jewels of Light proof of concept you’ll see below was created in 2019. I consider it just the tip of the iceberg—only a small glimpse of what this project truly holds. Yet I am deeply honored and grateful for its existence, because it has not only taught me about writing, acting, producing, and editing, but has also profoundly transformed me and reshaped my purpose as a storyteller.
This work in progress explores the complexities of flawed characters whose mistakes offer profound insight into their humanity. Through a fantasy-metaphorical lens, their journey invites us to embrace their imperfections and see their quest as a mirror of our own flaws, growth, transformation and triumphs.
Wildsound Interviews
Aeloria
Our story unfolds in the world of Aeloria, where evil is examined through an existential lens—one that mirrors the urgent issues facing our world today.
I’m drawn to broken and flawed characters—those unsure of their identity or their place in the world, who slowly discover themselves through their journey. As they uncover who they are through experience, pain, transformation, and connection, this narrative reflects that same ongoing process of self-discovery.
Jewels of Light also seeks to amplify the voices of those whose echoes are fading from our world—lost civilizations, tribes, and cultures that once shaped our understanding of humanity yet are too often forgotten. Through this story, I strive to honor their legacy and breathe life back into their relevance.
Characters
Ilsevel (Ill-sevh-elle)
Ilsevel is the sole survivor of the Emerald Realm of Sforath, a land destroyed by fire and plague. To save her, her parents fled to the Sapphire Realm of Guphrin—the last place where she could survive. There, she was raised alongside Princess Meira (future mother of Gaelira), forming a lifelong bond as closest friends.
Though she appears to be in her late 30s or early 40s, Ilsevel carries the weight of 500 years of elven life. Grounded yet often lost, she can ignite into fierce bravery when needed. A natural leader and protector, she is a highly skilled warrior guided by nature and the spirit of the eagle and the wolf.
Gifted with the ancient powers of the Emerald Realm, Ilsevel holds deep forest knowledge, can communicate with the elements, navigate with uncanny precision, and sense approaching danger. She is also adept in healing and mind-altering spells, embodying a legacy of inner strength and profound mystical abilities.
GAELIRA (Géh-lee-rah)
Gaelira, the last surviving Sapphire elf, is the beloved princess and only daughter of Queen Meira—Ilsevel’s closest friend—in the realm of Guphrin. Though she appears to be in her late teens or early twenties, she is actually 100 years old, still considered quite young for an elf.
With fair skin, blue eyes, and hair that may be blonde, silver, or reddish, Gaelira’s innocent features can melt hearts. Her gentle nature shines through her constant, sweet smile. Yet beneath this delicate exterior lies a gifted young being with mysterious premonition abilities she has yet to understand. Highly attuned to the elements and the natural world, she can sense the emotions of animals, communicate with trees, and connect with entities seen and unseen.
Gaelira’s deep empathy often places her in difficult situations, and her naivety is matched by a touch of arrogance. Throughout her journey with Ilsevel, she learns to trust, to grow, and to evolve—transforming from a headstrong bratty princess into a more grounded, responsible, and self-aware sorceress.
© Jewels of Light. All Rights Reserved.
Property of Tessie Herrasti. Registered and approved by the U.S. Copyright Office.
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“Working with Tessie is an uplifting experience for mind, body, and spirit. As a professional with broad expertise and talent, she brings energy, empathy, and ebullience to everything she does. These qualities are only exceeded by her generosity of spirit.”
— PING HO, MA, MPH FOUNDER & DIRECTOR, UCLARTS & HEALING