On his first trip to Minrathous Nero was mostly ignored, and because he was ignored he was privy to a lot more information about his...formation than he ever was before. It was rather eye-opening.
Nero's makers were three very powerful magister's, Krispen and Macarius were both human but Esperance was Dalish, he knew not how she became a magister, but her Dalish teachings played a large part in the creation of Nero. It was because of her that Krispen and Macarius even knew about the river, although Nero never understood how the mages were able to gather it in the large quantities necessary for my making.
Originally the three came together to create something similar to the golems that were once used to protect the city of Minrathous. What they wanted was not the large rock or metal warriors with no will, they wanted smaller beings made of flesh that they could make and turn into warriors to build an army to restore the Tevinter Imperium to its former glory. However, this research and experimentation was not overly successful and eventually the Archon demanded proof that the magister's could create a life via magic at all.
It started with creating a body; through some sort of blood or Dalish magic an elven body was fused with a humans body and their living essence was extracted. The body continued to breathe through blood magic while energies from the river were pooled and formed into a humanoid essence. Again using blood magic - which demanded the lifeblood of numerous slaves - this humanoid essence and natural energy was infused into the body where it joined with the bodies energies to become Nero.
Despite knowing that magic would be a very powerful tool in a war, one of the goals of Nero's existence was to not be able to use magic. They wanted him to be able to use something similar that a Templar army could not suppress. This explained the time that that he was forced to fight a captured Templar to the death. Nero could still remember the Templar's scream of "what are you?" before his dagger slit his throat. Nero still don't have an answer to that question, and probably never would.
Krispen, Macarius, and Esperance commended each other on creating Nero without the need to mature physically or mentally, which would waste precious time. Nero don't think they were aware that he still had memories of the lives that his body was composed of. The elf they used was Dalish, and the human had been a slave. Nero's 'childhood' memories often overlap and he had fond memories of a father he never met and two mothers. It got confusing sometimes.
...
To get to Minrathous Nero and his makers had to cross the Nocen sea...or go around it, which would take far too long and the magisters were not comfortable traveling with Nero nor keeping the Archon waiting. So they headed from the Arlathan Forest to Carastes, where Nero's makers found they were boarding the ship with another magister whom they hadn't seen in years - stuck out in the forest with me as they were.
Denarius was also a magister who liked to do experiments. Nero sensed jealousy when Krispen explained that they were working under the sponsorship of the Archon, and though Nero was not exactly what they wanted when they began their research, he was surely an impressive byproduct. Denarius congratulated them and mentioned that he was very close to his own success.
This was the first time Nero realized that he was being referred to as an object, and he felt the stirrings of anger, although he did not recognize it for what it was. He maintained his silent vigil in the corner of their rooms on the 'Messy Transporter', where he was to stay silent unless addressed, which rarely happened.
"I have been experimenting with lyrium and its effects when placed in the body." Denarius explained "thus far the results haven't been overly positive. Mages tend to lose their grip on reality, the human body appears to be far too weak to handle it, Templars don't survive for long afterwards, and I can't even get the lyrium in a dwarf. I've had some success with placing some lyrium in the skin of an elf and a human who has either mage parents or mage siblings but is not themselves a mage. However both subjects died a few months afterwards as well."
"Such a shame," Esperance tsked "the next logical step would be to use an elf with mage siblings or parents I presume? I hope that works out well for you."
"You must be putting a lot of money into this expenditure, lyrium is not cheap by any means." Macarius said.
Danarius chuckled, "no it is not, but do not fear, I have not gone broke yet! In fact, I was in Carastes to purchase more lyrium. And I have some of my pupils traveling to the dwarves to purchase it from them. I have a grand idea I would like to see to fruition on my next subject. He is a handsome little elf, almost looks like yours here, although he definitely doesn't have the purple eyes."
Nero's ears twitched when he realized they were talking about him. He had been doing his best to tune out the conversation. Not particularly interested in hearing such a passive discussion of 'failed experiments.'
He was unsure if he was happy he wasn't a failure or not.
Esperance giggled " that was an unexpected side effect, although they are quite pretty aren't they? Nero here is to be a servant for the Archon when his training is finished. We only hope he finds him to be pleasing to the eye if nothing else."
"He certainly has a certain...physical appeal, doesn't he." Nero felt Danarius' eyes roving over my body and stopped himself from squirming in his leathers. He almost felt dirty. Nero did not have the same need to please this magister like he did to please his makers, and he did not enjoy the man's company. "Say," Danarius continued "how long are you three to be staying in Minrathous? I would greatly welcome your company in my estate. With my pupils gone it is very quiet." he chuckled again.
Krispen spoke up for the first time since the beginning of this visit, "Danarius, your hospitality would be greatly appreciated. We are not completely sure how long we are to stay, we will stay as long as the Archon wishes to be in the presence of his pet of course, but I have not looked forward to staying in the castle."
"I agree," said Macarius, "its too...political in there, I find I don't trust anyone or anything in that building while I'm in it."
"It is agreed then!" Danarius smiled, "I will have rooms set up for you, have your things delivered to my estate when we reach land. I look forward to your company. Now, if you'll excuse me," Danarius stood, "I must head back to my rooms to deal with some small business matters. Thank you for the tea."