The Viscount rose from her throne, her striking golden curls bounced to her shoulders; the light emphasised the beautiful shine, as it beamed vividly through the windows. As Astoria Hawke ascended from her seat, the room grew silent. "Good morning, Kirkwall," she said warmly, whilst raising an arm and waving sweetly. "I thank you for coming today to become informed as to what my new declaration pertains," she exclaimed, whilst turning to face an odd young man next to her. He was elven, with vallasin etched across his skin; it was a striking deep white, which somehow portrayed an essence of both beauty and pain. His silky white hair held beautifully; he had once used it to hide the pain depicted by his eyes but now, one could see naught but euphoria. The couple smiled at each other, her alluring blue eyes met his and Astoria faced the crowd once more.
"Elven equality is unheard of in Thedas, but I – as Viscount – am here to change this." The crowd looked shocked. "Elves are now given the same rights as humans in Kirkwall, and are deemed equal beings. Anyone against my law will be arrested for racism and neglect of human rights." The crowd sat and stared at their Viscount, awe and confusion etched on their faces: the humans of Kirkwall had always deemed elves and second class citizens.
"Do not look at me with those alarmed visages," Astoria demanded. "Look at the elves around you, what differences do you see, excluding their ears? They are made from the same flesh, the same heart. Their internal organs do not differ from yours. They have learned, laughed, grew and worked just like you have. They are the same as you. It is time for Kirkwall to realise this."
The elf adjacent to the Viscount shuffled nervously, he was awaiting the reaction from the masses. His life had been nothing but pain and misery; until Astoria walked into his life. She was the light, in the life where he felt cold, alone and in the gloom. Her radiance stunned him; her kisses felt humble and meaningful. He did not need for her to decree the equality of elves and humans, he just needed her. Although, he was growing tired of hiding from prejudice under her shield; she was the only one to truly accept who he is.
The crowd was taken aback, yet understanding. They looked around at the elven folk around them, dressed in simple garments, with their head held low. They did not see differences. A human noblewoman looked at a female elf whom was cradling her child, smiling – eyes watering. The noblewoman knew that whoever could love with that much emotion could not be deemed as a lower citizen. A human blacksmith looked at his own coal-dirtied hands and looked round to the elf to his right: a young boy who had been taken on as an apprentice to make daggers. The blacksmith was reminded of a younger self, who had been through the same toils as the elf. "You're all starting to realise – the people have Kirkwall should unite," Astoria declared.
The audience gave a standing ovation, and cheered with jubilance. Astoria had succeeded in her endeavours; she had finally managed to stop hatred amongst humans and elven folk. The elves flocked towards her in gratitude, showering her with gifts of food and wine. "Oh, no! Please! You keep them," Astoria exclaimed, but the elves wouldn't listen. "You have done so much for us, serah. Please, keep them," one elf retorted, whilst the others looked up in approval. She replied with a thank you and sweet smile. "I hope you all have a wonderful day."