The elves believe that all creatures are essential. To allow any animal to become extinct will affect their world’s structural integrity. Thus, they strive to preserve all creatures at a Sanctuary in the middle of the Himalayas. Grady and Edaline rehabilitate animals to ensure that they can be safely moved to the Sanctuary without being a threat to others. This is why the security and development of Silveny, the only known female alicorn in existence, is so essential: Her discovery means that her species may no longer be under threat of extinction.

This motif helps develop the themes relating to the importance of both community and moral choices. Some of the Council members initially want the Hekses to care for Silveny because they’re more prominent within the elvin community than Grady and Edaline and overlook what Silveny herself wants. They seem to care more about what Silveny means for the preservation of their power than for what’s best for her. By contrast, Sophie always prioritizes Silveny’s safety and comfort, even when it risks her own well-being.

While Silveny’s care represents a motif in the story, Silveny herself symbolizes hope. Her discovery means that a precious species can be preserved, which for the elves is important not in the abstract but for their world’s stability.