I was sleeping and missing all the race and DAO and Alistair talk this morning! (well, morning for me). The first girl I played in DAO was a Cousland, so she has a special place in my heart. I didn't know anything about the game at that point, so I went merrily on my way with Alistair all the way to ruling beside him. It just seemed the natural ending, and I had no idea it was different for others... until I started reading the old BSN forum, then wow!
While Cousland has a special place (my first!), I loved Alistair with every race. Similiar to Blackwall. love them both, and each race works perfectly to me, for different reasons and stories.
After the first, I played just about every race & story, several times (dalish was the only one that never left lothering, and my guy only made it to redcliffe). I'd be hard pressed to pick my favorite because I just love them allll. I ended up with two Couslands, a city elf (who is a top fav, I played her twice, once with Alistair and once with Zevran), a human mage, elf mage, a Brosca that I love to bits and pieces and an Aeducan. Nearly all of them ended up with Alistair, though Zevran is a close second, especially after the ZDF fix and all the extra mods around now.
I really love this thread, because it's so open for anyone and no judgment. Like Blackwall himself! Everyone is my lady to us!
So far I've only played a Trev with Blackwall, but I intend to play a dwarf next, after I finish up my Sera & Dorian romances. My Adaar is with Sera, for reasons.
edit: Also, go West Coast! I love Washington, lived there for a few years when i was little. I'm down in California, myself.