Silverwing has a mysterious past. On first glance she appears to be an ostentatious housekeeper, an immortal assigned to the mortal realm to maintain order. But look again, it soon becomes clear that she is no ordinary maid.

Silverwing has a unique relationship with the celestial overseers. Other housekeepers are given a very firm objective by the overseers for their time on earth, whereas Silver was given no objective and instead left to fend for herself. She is friendly with the Knave, taking him seriously where his peers tend to scorn him. She keeps herself out of trouble by running a Curiosity shop that specialises in natural wonders.