Maybe some collector of exotic creatures hired O’Keefe to capture something really special. Maybe O’Keefe began by targeting Tikki, but then, discovering her cub, opted for the easier target. That seems logical, but most likely it’s all part of some scheme that no one but an elf could understand. A conspiracy that ultimately has nothing to do with Tikki or anything she cares about. She and the cub are simply being used. That’s what elves do.