The figure's head nods, then tilts at an angle. "That seems a waste. Whyever should they do that? But if you cannot return home, I would call you lost. Are you in pressing danger?"

"Why would he do that? Because he's a power-hungry, unscrupulous bastard, and I'm the former mayor." He pauses. "Right, you're a fair one. Okay. On a more general level, lots of humans tend to value power in and of itself, so even though in practice he's not going to be able to make any significant changes to the way the town is run, he'd still rather be the one running it. I'll be shocked if he manages to get much personal gain from it, although he might expect otherwise, given that the way he tells it, I've consumed the entire town's stockpile of alcohol at least 10 times now."

The man looks down at the river shore. It's really the wrong time of year to expect any especially edible foliage, or a significant quantity of fish. While he does have a knife, it's in no way sufficient for hunting, and he doubts he has the time or knowledge to build something better.

"I am capable of living for multiple days, but I don't have a food supply, nor do I have the capacity to purify water or treat any illnesses, including waterborne ones. So, regarding your second question: I am not in immediate danger, but without assistance I will probably be dead within a week or two."

"It is a shame he speaks and behaves so dishonestly."

The figure follows his gaze at their surroundings. The soil is poor and the air cold, but the water and sunlight are adequate.

"I cannot feed you, nor protect you from illness, but you are lost and your death would be a tragedy. I may be able to preserve your life, if you are willing."

"I do not understand. In what way could I survive without food and with diseases?"

"I could transform you to a tree, preserving your life and soul. Trees need water, sunlight, soil, and air, but they do not eat. They are safe from most diseases that kill animals, and can live much longer than humans."