Elm Dryads of the Everwild

Summary

Many Gwendorian veterans describe an encounter with a group of mystical beings who spoke in a foreign tongue and came upon them when the soldiers made camp in a glade somewhere in the western reaches of the forest. The group made clear that the soldiers were not welcome, and they started to meld with the surrounding trees and grow in size. This made it clear the soldiers should leave, and leave they did: packing up and leaving in minutes. Since then, similar stories have been recounted by those who have served in Fellthorn and The Everwild forests: a group of fey-like beings protecting glades and clearings from outsiders by donning the form of a tree.

Historical Basis

There is some basis for these claims: the accounts of the soldiers were confirmed by all those present. However, many call into doubt their sanity at the time as another common superstition is that the Everwild has an adverse effect on your mind. In addition, the sightings after the original incident are much more strenuous in grounding. Many of them are made with only two or three people present, and the glades are empty when a large group of people visits.

Spread

The story of the Dryads has embedded itself in the physique of most Gwendorians who live in the north east of the kingdom, as well as those living near Fellthorn. Beyond these small towns and farmsteads, all accounts are dismissed as an old women's tale. The city-goers have bigger problems than the distant doings of mystical trees.

Variations & Mutation

The original account was made by a group from 16th Lord's Foresters after the First Scouting of the Everwild. From this, certain aspects were added, and, depending on where you go, you will hear different variations. The common Fellthorn embellishment is that the Dryads were Entresses protecting the tablet of the Pact of Oak and Stone, while those closer to the Everwild would say that the Dryads killed the whole company.

Cultural Reception

This folktale is an ideal example of the growing split between the city dwelling south western Gwendorians, and the more rural east reaches. Outside of the hamlets near large forests, no one cares about the goings on in forests. As a result, many of the rural population would more readily say they believe in ghosts and ghouls compared to those who live in cites. 
It is commonly used as a way for parents to scare their children into staying at home. It holds an integral- but jovial- place in country lore.