One thing I love when writing is to use songs that represent the character’s inner emotional state—the parts of themselves they don’t even fully realize. For Azula, the song “Dog” by Allan Rayman really resonated with me for her tenacious devotion, her desire to be loved, her desire to feel useful.
Put me on a leash Take me in your house Pet me when you're low I swear I'll never leave the couch Love me 'til the end Like I'm your best friend Your #1, I'm everything you want me to be Tell me what you need and I'll lead I’ll run out and take to the streets
This is clearly not the Azula that she would let anyone see, but throughout the story, I try and use a lot of symbolism around WOLVES and DOGS. While wolves represent the worst, most sharp-fanged versions of these characters, dogs represent that desire to be loved and to be wanted. Leashes come up a lot too, the things that tie and bind us. Sometimes we beg for a leash, sometimes we thrash against them.
And man, this song is just so heartbreaking. It's beautiful, it's codependent, it's an impossible ask of anyone. Dog imagery for Azula feels very apt to me, I'm curious if you all have any other recommendations for songs that resonate with you for her! Please share!
I’m clearly getting sad that we’re nearing the end of the June/Azula Howling fic cuz I just want to talk about it and share some of what I’ve been inspired by while writing… 😭
