Shepherd of the Forest

Villagers living near the Blackbloom Forest will often tell their children about the myth of the Shepherd of the Forest. Some say it is a treefolk who cares for its brethren and tends to the lands, others say it is a lost hunter that has been bound to the service of the forest.
Children have often said that when they've been lost the Shepherd of the Forest has lead them home, of course their parents do not believe this.
The Shepherd of the Forest is in fact a real myth, the shepherd is a treefold who tends to his grove. He does in fact help lost travellers and children if their intentions are good natured. The reason most people don't really know who or what he is, is because of his methods for providing the assistance. He may influence their path by using other creatures of the forest or even ancient tree magics.
The most recent story came from a child who told his mom that he was lost, scared, and hungry. He says that a nearby squirrel provided him some nuts to give him energy, and a friendly skunk made him laugh as it lead him back to the edge of the forest. While this tale sounds ridiculous it is indeed true.