In "Gathering Blue," the guardians are depicted as figures devoid of creativity, leading to a reliance on strength and cunning rather than innovation. They manipulate the abilities of others, particularly the children, to fulfill their own ambitions. This approach highlights a significant imbalance of power, as the guardians exploit the talents of the young to create a future that aligns with their desires rather than embracing a more authentic vision.

The children, in turn, are coerced into articulating their dreams within the confines set by the guardians. This dynamic not only stifles creativity but also suggests a critique of authority that imposes rigid definitions of what the future should look like. The guardians' actions serve as a representation of how those in power can distort individual aspirations for their own ends, ultimately denying the potential for a more genuine and diverse vision of the future.