Dream seemingly had a father figure to.
but the tree of life aint the only one There are magic and feelings to, each one has a Gaurdian.
and yes, dream remained in his child body, but i do believe he was skilled in combat, unlike Nightmare,even after corruption, used his tendrils to do his dirty job.
the thing is, Yes, dream remained in his Child like body, but i do believe his mind worked, Like being stuck in a void.
Nights body is lrobably wayyy to damaged to even- i mena, Mare can shapeshift, hes just all goop no bones. but, Night can be A fragment of Dreams Regret ( and still keep living?). idk-