He is the only child of Dianna DeMonte-DiSarinno and Virgil Nero from a moment of weakness and passion. Distraught after the death of her father, Chehalis, she sought comfort and consolation in the company of her long-time friend. Together they went on a short trip to an allied pack to pass the news of the Ridge's patriarch's passing. One thing led to another while they were heading back and soon she was carrying Virgil's litter. Because Virgil did not want word to spread of his infidelity, they both agreed to remain mum on the matter, though neither of them really regret their decision. Tael was born alongside a sister who died a few days later from complications. She was never named.

Though Virgil was often away, he visited his offspring often, and spent quality time with both Dianna and his son. Since he was born so late in the season, the other pups were much more grown than he was and he had very few companions his age to play with. As a result of their bullying and the change of season, he matured faster than either of his parents would have liked. He spent a great deal of time in the woods around their den-site, observing the various flora and fauna that thrived in their habitat. He often accompanied his mother on hunting excursions, even as a little boy, and was introduced to the cycle of life and death at a very early age.

As an adult, he thrived in the pack though was often picked on for being too scholarly for the physically inclined Ridge wolves. But they were well-defended, with plenty of guardians, hunters, and scouts, so Tael felt comfortable spending a great deal of time devoted to the natural world.

He is on the hunting trip with his "cousin" (unknowingly his half-sister), and a few others when a freak storm catches them unawares. When they regroup, Eloisa is no where to be found. They search for another two days before returning to the pack with no sign of her. Feeling as if he is the only one capable of finding where she's gone, Tael sets off in search of her and, by coincidence, winds up in the Teekons though over a hundred miles away from her location.