I think the dried out ground he is standing it gives it a better setting then water, if you ask me.
Always love to see an illustration in your style, I can come up with so many interpretations.
Like: Who is the guardian?The big guy or the little female with the birds on her horns? Or is that like a child of the big one? Are they changing guardian duty? Are they a danger to one another?
Short version: I just like your drawings