Rob, I like the overall effect, and realize that you are going to have a lot of work ahead with this scene! So, some helpful suggestions: It is difficult to recognize that is a bow he is holding, unless you know the story. I would angle the hand/arm a bit differently so the curve would show, or something. I would spread out, or reposition, the flames from Smaug's breath so that Bard's face is silhouetted a bit more. This would make the scene more dramatic, provide a clear focal point, AND show us his resolve (firm jaw and pursed lips) when everybody else is fleeing. Relative sizes are tricky. If the thrush was smaller in scale, no one would mistake him for an eagle... but you risk losing him in the turbulence. I agree with the posts above regarding putting some subtle diamond crystals on Smaug's "waistcoated" underbelly: it will identify him and help delineate him (although being part of the murk does make him scarier). Good luck with the scene! Carolly