You were cursed as punishment for cluelessly stepping into the sanctuary of the sevage mother. Only worthy mortals can dream of entering such place and you violated it's sanctity by setting your feet in there.

The goddess turned you into a dryad in retaliation, your survival bound to the health of the tree she sealed you into.

Your only comfort thruoght your days of solitude have been the visits of the flower maiden, the high priestess of the Sevage mother. She must pity you.