For a new reader, this is such a strange concept: the juxtaposition of mechanical and fantasy is very intriguing and different. The chemical name of Xenon adds another level of complexity - what kind of world are we in? It is very unusual to have a goblin character interposed with such realism, and yet she is using a quill and a lantern indicating that this is a universe unlike our own. However, for being thrust into the middle of a scene, it is written so that the reader can follow without much prior knowledge. Great job and great cliffhanger - I can't wait to read more!