Thank you very much for the feedback @tbrk, @Oceane_Roh, @veesketch! Good point on the 5th one Oceane, haven't thought about that but I do see what you mean. Keeping the clothing simple is what I aim for indeed since the body is already a more complex thing on its own.

A bit more about her: she is a powerful defender, a hostile guardian. Her one and only duty is to endlessly roam the shores and the shallow seas while hunting whatever may disturb the water's peace – and this duty she fulfills at any cost. The waters lend her aid and bend to her very will. They keep her alive while she belongs to the waters – she needs water and water needs her.

Thank you a lot @rgdraw, I'm glad you think so!

I decided to go with a more open version of the 1st one in the end, so the body design wouldn't be too hidden.

I started to sketch the illustration, then I couldn't stop and cleared things up a little bit. I imagined her standing near the shore of the sea where she would wander around, leaning on her staff while casting her very first warning spell as she would see something slowly approaching. Strong dynamism was not my goal here as Esme would be a calm and slow fellow – most of the time. If she would spot someone or something threatening the waters, her attacks would be swift and deadly if it is required. She could charge towards her target in a heartbeat.

@nesokaiyoh, thank you! There will be a dark sea, some sinister storm clouds on the sky with the sun shining through them just a bit.

@rgdraw, thank you very much, I hope I'll be able to do so!

I'm glad you think so @Oceane_Roh, this was my goal! To make her look powerful yet weak, and then – surprise –, she's charging at you in a blink of an eye.

Hey @tianlei! Oh, I really appreciate that you decided to stick around since the stream, it makes me very glad! Wishing you the best, your entry looks insane!

Long time no uptade from my end, but I'm finally back on track and continued working on my illustration.

I decided to redraw the character with a rather "proper" lineart and this is how it looks like currently. There's still a lot of polishing to do, but I hope I'll be able to finish it in time.

Thank you a lot @tianlei & @rgdraw! I'll try my best.

Update! There's still some stuff to do and to fix but I'll wrap it up tomorrow as soon as I can.