He could have charmed an apple off the tree.
As it was, Keith Rampart seemed more elf than man. His nose was too pointed and his eyes too bright. But as soon as he spoke, you believed he meant everything he said.
“Can I get you anything?” he asked me as I set my camera bag on the floor. “Maribeth maybe left some Crystal Light.”
“No, I’m fine.” I started to unpack. “I figure I’ll start with a few head shots.”
“Over here? Or in my office?”
His office, if it was like every other congressman’s office, was going to be dark and dismal. The lighting here was better.
“Here’s good, Just relax. I’ll be doing all the work.”
“Can I talk?”
I started snapping pics. “Action is always good.”
“What made you become a photojournalist?”
“I like talking pictures. Look ahead. You can still talk.”
“How long have you been with the Post?”
“Eight months.”
“Do you like it?”
“Oh, yes.” He turned to me, and that’s when I pressed the plasma button on the camera.
A plasma ray burst out, shattering the lens and burning a neat hole in his skull, right above his left eye.
So ended the presidential candidate who would cause a war that created me.
Prompt (didn’t quite fulfill it):
With his country in ruins, a second-tier baron in a monarchy assumes control of his nation with peaceful rhetoric. He prevents a near civil war by granting rights to the commoners of both sides and within a decade of his rule, the kingdom is flourishing economically after a long period of darkness. It was his father’s steady hand and great sense of compromise that taught him the secrets to governing and he is extremely thankful daily. He does not look like a king, clean-shaven, a large nose and bright green eyes make him appear more like an elf, but as soon as he opens his mouth you realize the power he wields. What goals does a man like this seek for his name in posterity?
Cohen, Bryan (2012-01-31). 1,000 Character Writing Prompts: Villains, Heroes and Hams for Scripts, Stories and More (p. 1). Build Creative Writing Ideas. Kindle Edition.