When James was just 50 years old, a mere child by elven standards, he became the youngest Martial Hunter in the history of Elfrond, the Lost City of Elves. His feat was unprecedented—singlehandedly hunting and killing a Shadowmane, the apex predator of the Living Dead Forest.
The Shadowmane was a beast of legend; its stealth and lethality made it a terror even for seasoned hunters. For James to have succeeded where many older and more experienced hunters had failed thrust his relatively unknown family into the spotlight.
The Chief of Elfrond, recognizing James's potential and wishing to capitalize on his newfound fame, betrothed him to his shamaness daughter, Elara. The union was seen as a symbol of hope for the elves, who, despite their long lives, suffered from a dire birthrate.