The main body of the castle was impressively decorated, and light came in from numerous windows.  Rich hangings covered the walls, and servants wandered here and there on various errands.

"Would you like to eat first?" asked Samran.

"I don't know, what kinds of things do you eat here?" Megumi asked.

"On short notice, stew, a porridge of... beans, I think?  And bread and cheese," said Samran.  "Fairly plain fair.  But if you wait, we'll have a roast, and sweetmeats, and more."

"Ah, okay, I was worried it was something weirder," Megumi said.

"So would you like to eat now, or wait until we have a proper feast?" asked Samran.

"I can wait," Megumi said.

"Of course," said Samran.  "What would you like to do in the meantime?  If you have more questions, we'd be happy to try and help; if you just want to rest, that's fine, too."

"So, uh, how did you guys make those mechs? I think you called them Knights?" Megumi asked.

"It's a complex process," said Onyx.   "Elves use wooden frames, but I'd rather use metal, so I did.  We draw on materials from our own elements, and shape them into the components... but for this one, it took all five of us to make it all come together.  I did the actual planning and assembly, however."

"Ah. So, magic, right?" Megumi asked.

"Of course!" said Onyx.  "Good honest forge magic, which I fear is too close to the corrupt power of the invaders."

The others looked a bit guilty, not looking directly at Onyx.

"...you know you were all thinking it," she said with a sigh.  "I was, too."

"There are a bunch of different magic types then?" Megumi asked.

"Oh, yes," said Ella.  "Each of the Peoples has their own magic.  That of the Goblins is associated with the forging and shaping of materials like stone and metal.  Ours is associated with water, with perception, with subtle powers and the nature of magic itself."

"That's just so crazy. I'm in a place where magic is real," Megumi said.

"You indeed are," said Ella, "and I'm sorry that it took so long for you to find it.  Actually, wait..."

She chanted a few words, made a pass with her hands, and her serpentine coils now appeared to be a full, trailing skirt.

"Is this easier?" she asked.  "It's just an illusion, I'm afraid."