Alright so u know the scene where Smaug opens an eye under the treasure and it’s all the party can see of him bc he’s sleeping under there.
This is what sand boas look like. And they burrow under the sand and are ambush predators. And they are reptiles. Like Smaug. Do you see where I am going with this
One of the weirdly specific things I adore about Ray is the way he sits when he's with Sand. (The little crossed-legged, crossed-armed perch is my personal favourite). He is able to look precious and tiny next to Sand and yet still maintain this quiet but powerful, alluring assuredness.