Jewels of Light ©
Log-Line
“Aeloria descends into chaos. Guilt-ridden elven warrior Ilsevel and wary royal Gaelira must join forces to uncover ancient secrets before annihilation strikes.”
Jewels of Light or JOL began as a way to write for myself as an actor and dive into the world of producing and filmmaking. What started as a modest endeavor quickly grew into a world building universe: bigger, bolder, and far more meaningful. I have been learning from this project for the last 8 years. The stories and characters I began to develop felt urgent, a reflection of the volatile and hostile world we live in. It’s incredible how relevant this feels right now. We are often caught in fear that breeds anger, segregation, abuse of power, violence, and destruction. As humans, we seem caught in a relentless cycle of war and repetition, unable to break free from the patterns of our past.
What began as a creative outlet soon evolved into a lifelong mission. Into a legacy where the fantasy genre became my vessel. Mystery and archetypes slowly revealing deeper truths to me.
Jewels of Light follows the journey of two flawed female elves, the last of their kind, as they navigating a world on the brink of collapse. After long years immersed in this narrative, I’ve only come to start grasping its profound potential. This world is not merely a fantasy tale, it’s a beacon of hope and a call to action. In my character’s search for connection, love, and belonging, I see the reflection of our own challenges and aspirations as humans today. Through their adventures, I hope to spark thought, inspire empathy, and encourage societal change while urging us all to consider how we might unite to build a world that is fairer, kinder, and equal for everyone.
As an artist, my calling has always been to create connection by provoking, igniting, and inspiring people. As I progress, I’m convinced how 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 short proof of concept you’ll find below was created in 2019. I consider it as the tip of the iceberg, a glimpse of what this project truly holds. Yet, I’m deeply honored and grateful for its existence, for coming to me as a writer. It has also taught me about writing, acting, producing, and editing, but above all else, it has profoundly transformed me and reshaped my purpose as a storyteller. I am convinced that kindness and compassion are the only weapons we need to use to heal our fractured planet and reconnect with our shared humanity. We must work toward a future where resources are shared and where every life is recognized, valued and protected.
This short has gotten over 26 awards including Best Female Empowerment Short and Best Fantasy Short. It’s original soundtrack composed by the talented Omar El-Deeb, with lyrics and vocals by me won Original Theme Song. You can watch the trailer.
Wildsound Interviews
Aeloria
In the world of Aeloria, evil is examined through an existential lens, one that mirrors the urgent complexities of our own reality.
I am drawn to fractured, flawed characters: those adrift, unsure of their identity or their place in the world. As their journeys unfold, they slowly piece themselves together, discovering who they are through the gravity of their mistakes, their choices, and their pain. Their transformations and eventual connections serve as a raw reflection of the human process of self-discovery.
Beyond individual character arcs, I seek to advocate for the necessity of mental health tools while amplifying the voices whose echoes are fading, the lost civilizations, tribes, and cultures that once shaped the very foundation of humanity. These stories are too often forgotten. Through this narrative, I strive to honor their legacy and breathe new life into their enduring relevance.
Characters
Ilsevel (Ill-sevh-elle)
Ilsevel is the sole survivor of the Emerald Realm of Sforath, a land devastated by fire and plague. To save her, her parents fled to the Sapphire Realm of Guphrin, the final sanctuary where she could endure. There, she was raised alongside Princess Meira, the future Queen of Guphrin and mother of Gaelira, forging a lifelong bond of sisterhood.
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 drifting, she is capable of igniting into fierce bravery when the moment demands it. As a natural leader and protector, she is a formidable warrior guided by the rhythms of nature. Archetype: The Warrior. Spirit: Eagle and Wolf.
Gifted with the ancient powers of the Emerald Realm, Ilsevel possesses profound forest lore; she can commune with the elements, navigate with uncanny precision, and sense approaching danger. Adept in both restorative healing and mind-altering spells, she stands as the living embodiment of a legacy defined by inner strength and mystical mastery.
GAELIRA (Ga-éh-lee-rah)
Gaelira, the last surviving Sapphire elf, is the beloved princess and only daughter of Queen Meira, who’s 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 feelings of 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. A headstrong bratty princess.
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“Working with Tessie is an uplifting experience for the 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