V.L. Lanius 🏺 is writing, again.
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vl-lanius.bsky.social
V.L. Lanius 🏺 is writing, again.
@vl-lanius.bsky.social
1.8K followers 3.7K following 320 posts
📜 Writing epic fantasy. Obsessed with ancient history.
🎲 DM and mini painter.
🏳‍🌈 Genderqueer (Any/All) | Aroace | ND
Projects:
🐲 Royal Magpie series - Dragons, Queer Romance, Rome-flavored
🏛 7 Days of Fire - Historical Fiction, Fall of Carthage
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vl-lanius.bsky.social
Day 2 - Weave
A day late but in my defense I have a migraine.

#inktober2025 #inktober
A woven basket full of yard, spindles and distaffs
October 3, 2025 at 8:02 PM
vl-lanius.bsky.social
If you wish to hunt the monsters, you must first compile the shaders.

#monsterhunterwilds
Stuffed horse plush staring at a loading screen of Monster Hunter Wilds, with a pink backlit keyboard and pink and white mouse next to it
October 3, 2025 at 12:45 AM
vl-lanius.bsky.social
Day 1 - Mustache

#inktober2025
October 1, 2025 at 5:34 PM
vl-lanius.bsky.social
Making this vague enough to prevent spoilers.
From Royal Magpie's Lament

#WIPSnips #amwriting #writingcommunity #writingprompts #queerwriters #transwriters
“Um, this time they almost had a taste. Different tastes. Salty. Bitter. Sour.” “You’re eating them.” “I’m what?” “You’re eating them,” he repeats. “Absorbing them and gaining energy.” “Oh.” She doesn’t like that idea at all. “Are you sure?” “Of course I’m not sure. You’re the magical one; all I can do is form theories based on what information I have.”
September 25, 2025 at 8:05 PM
vl-lanius.bsky.social
Life's been busy! I can't believe it's been almost 3 weeks since RMO, my debut novel, was released into the wild. Slowly selling and distributing my latest batch!

#indiepub #selfpub #fantasy #booksky #queerwriters
Stack of books on a shelf, with one facing the camera. Cover is a six winged feathered dragon mosaic set on a painting of the sea.
September 11, 2025 at 8:53 PM
vl-lanius.bsky.social
📚💙 New release!
Royal Magpie's Oath, an epic fantasy/romance full of all the things you love. Like dragons.

Amazon:
a.co/d/4G3gHM0
Kobo:
tinyurl.com/sbkff4uhz

#fantasy #queerromance #dragon #queerwriters #writingcommunity
August 24, 2025 at 6:26 PM
vl-lanius.bsky.social
📚💙 Royal Magpie's Oath releases TOMORROW!
Available on Amazon and Kobo.

Immerse yourself into a new world inspired by Imperial Rome, full of magic, dragons, meddling deities, vibrant characters, and rich worldbuilding.

#fantasy #queerromance #dragons
August 21, 2025 at 5:23 PM
vl-lanius.bsky.social
I didn't need to search for this one, I knew I had it.
From 7 Days of Fire

#WIPSnips #amwriting #writingcommunity #writingprompts #queerwriters #transwriters
They removed the Samnite’s body with reverence, for he had died well. Slaves ushered Canius from the arena, and he started down the cavernous tunnel. Already, they were raking the Samnite’s blood into the sand, covering it for the next pair of combatants. The funerary games would continue until the feasting the following night. Most of the time, Canius wouldn’t give a single thought to the dead they honored with their bloodletting, but he had known the deceased his entire life. His master—former master—found him in a patch of nettles as a newborn, discarded with the rest of the trash. It was a story the old man loved to tell the other patricians in his dining hall. What would Canius do now that he was dead? His new master, the son of the old, already disapproved of Canius’ gladiatorial dreams. Canius needed to remain quiet and avoid drawing attention to himself during the funerary feasts and sacrifices. The man already didn’t like him.
July 28, 2025 at 6:36 PM
vl-lanius.bsky.social
I have plenty of "sorry" but only one "apologize."
From Royal Magpie's Lament

#WIPSnips #amwriting #writingcommunity #writingprompts #queerwriters #transwriters
Davros pours the tea—first Imai’s, then his. He lowers his head. “Otogi Imai, honored guard. I must apologize. I don’t hate you. I was…afraid of you.” Davros’ hands tremble. He clenches them into fists. “I feared your reaction to my true nature and assumed something untrue.” “True nature?” “Yes. I—” His voice catches. Davros glances over at Takuro, who makes a ‘get on with it’ gesture. “I’m the sipu. The one from the myths.” He said it. Surely now, Imai will hate him. Silence stretches for several long breaths before the guardsman says, “And?” Davros’ head jerks. “What do you mean, ‘and’? You don’t care that I’m something out of a horror story?” “No.” Imai sips his tea. “It does not fit. You are too anxious.” Takuro’s laugh splits the air. Davros glares at him. It only makes the fox laugh harder. “[Herald]. You must stop assuming the worst of your new companions.”
July 27, 2025 at 7:01 PM
vl-lanius.bsky.social
Similar to the "jaded" post (same conversation).
From Royal Magpie's Lament

#WIPSnips #amwriting #writingcommunity #writingprompts #queerwriters #transwriters
A small part of her is alarmed at her reaction, but she’s too deep, tethered to this man through the strings of her magic. Every breath, every pulse of his heart, the dull ache in his limbs, the residual pleasure of their conjugation—he’s so alive, so real, a burning torch against the dullness of the room. “My entire life is deception,” he continues. Firelight plays off his aquiline nose, his sharp cheekbones, the hard line of his jaw. His hair, tousled to uncharacteristic messiness, hangs over his forehead, the dark gold of it a pleasing accompaniment to his amber eyes. “To most, I’m the eldest son of a minor branch of gens Minia, walking the path laid out for someone of my station, a scion of Gaius Minius, my father, and his father of the same name, all the way back to old Fresian royalty. And when I get married and have a son, his name will be Gaius Minius, and so the story will drone on and on.” His sardonic words are flavored with a bitterness that burns like vinegar. Julia latches on to one word, the one accompanied by sharp anxiety. “Married?” she asks. “Married. Not my choice, but that hardly matters.”
July 23, 2025 at 7:26 PM
vl-lanius.bsky.social
✨Vibes✨ again.
From Royal Magpie's Lament

#WIPSnips #amwriting #writingcommunity #writingprompts #queerwriters #transwriters
“I’m not making it up,” Davros says. “I know it sounds like it, but…I promise it’s all true.” He searches Romero’s expression. “I wouldn’t lie to you. You know that, gari.” The wizard drops his head at the use of his old nickname. “Shit. I want to believe you, but…” Davros sighs and takes out a small bag, pulled closed with a drawstring. He opens it and dumps a stone into his palm—the amber shimmers with internal radiance, pulsing with magic. “Lucius—I mean, Regillus Pica—didn’t want to believe I’d need proof. Here. Standard two-loop enchantment.” He hands the stone to Romero, who turns it over in his hands. His eyes widen as he taps into the magic, reading the enchantment like a written inscription. “He let me grab a tiny piece of his aura.” Davros continues. “He almost overloaded the stone.” “There were rumors that Pica had left the legion,” Romero says. “There’s all manner of speculation why. Some people think he’s going to overthrow his father. Others think he’s fleeing the empire.” Romero looks up at him. “He came south. Why?”
July 21, 2025 at 5:18 PM
vl-lanius.bsky.social
Yesterday's but that's fine right?
Drip-feeding lore through environmental interactions is my favorite.
From Royal Magpie's Lament

#WIPSnips #amwriting #writingcommunity #writingprompts #queerwriters #transwriters
The children sing in Caltavian, their clear voices turning the normally guttural language into something more lyrical, albeit off-key. Anouk recognizes a few words, but most slip past her understanding. “The Day the Moon Flew Away.” The soft voice makes Anouk flinch. When she opens her eyes, the canis is less than five feet away. No, the term isn’t right. Anouk looks over the new arrival with widening eyes—narrow vulpine face, red-furred body, and two tapered tails. Then, with dawning horror, she realizes something else. He addressed her in Soutorian. “Shh. Do not make a scene,” the fox spirit says, holding a slender finger to his lips. “You are not in danger, herald. The queen has foretold your arrival.” “A-ava,” Anouk manages. “This one is sorry to approach you in such a manner.” The fox’s speech is archaic, extremely formal, best for addressing nobility. “It was this one’s assumption you would not want your public face associated with such a servant.”
July 21, 2025 at 5:14 PM
vl-lanius.bsky.social
Congrats, Davros, you're a bird mom now.
From Royal Magpie's Lament

#WIPSnips #amwriting #writingcommunity #writingprompts #queerwriters #transwriters
The bird trembles in his hand, peering up at him with big blue eyes. Big enough to be a crow or even a raven. He settles onto the bed, speaking to the little bird softly, soothingly, flooding its body with magic. Rapid heartbeat, pain, residual terror. There’s intelligence in those eyes, a cautious understanding. It doesn’t struggle or peck, just stares up at him as he heals it. The pain lessens. Broken bones and flesh knit together, whole again. He opens his senses to it further, letting his magic catalog the living flesh and blood, the intricate twitch of muscles, the movement of feathers and limbs. His fingers open, and the little bird cautiously steps out of his palms to balance on his knee. Post-healing fatigue permeates its fragile little body, but it still opens its wings and flaps, testing, trying. “You’re just like me, huh?” he whispers to it. “Just learning to get around. It’s a big world out there, isn’t it?” It cocks its head and regards him quizzically before hop-jumping toward him, stumbling along his leg and up his tunic to settle into a deep fold in the fabric. Well. Now what?
July 18, 2025 at 7:26 PM
vl-lanius.bsky.social
✨Vibes!✨
Gaius Minius has opinions about his noble family.
From Royal Magpie's Lament

#WIPSnips #amwriting #writingcommunity #writingprompts #queerwriters #transwriters
“My only goal in life should be to hoard power and prestige and carve my family name deeper into the stones of history. Never mind that nothing I do will make gens Minia more prestigious.” He pauses, glancing at her as if waiting for her acknowledgment, before chuckling ruefully. “Pica didn’t mention anything about that, I suppose. Of course not.” Julia suppresses a stab of irritation at his flippant comment. “No. He didn’t,” she says, her words clipped. “Should he have?” “Perhaps. Preparing you for what you were going to face by being associated with him would have been a courtesy.” “He had other priorities,” Julia says through her teeth. “Like ensuring thousands of people didn’t die horribly.”
July 17, 2025 at 11:34 PM
vl-lanius.bsky.social
Everything else is a spoiler, naturally, so have the opening paragraph of the shapeshifter's POV in book 2.
From Royal Magpie's Lament

#WIPSnips #amwriting #writingcommunity #writingprompts #queerwriters #transwriters
Davros slams his palms down on the wall and vaults over the side, sailing over the gap between the two buildings. He rolls as he lands, righting himself and running along the clay tiles of Caltava’s rooftops. His split-toed shoes cling to the slick surface, the traction of the leather pads propelling him forward as he sprints across a narrow beam of wood and onto a thick rope. The banners hanging from it sway as he bounds lightly across it in three large steps and settles on the apex of the city’s largest inn. He crouches for a minute, his breath steaming in the morning air as he looks out over his new home. It had taken him a week to be able to balance on the slick tiles and another to make the leap between two buildings. His left arm twinges at the memory of that first break in his forearm, a hard-won trophy of his hubris. Fortunately, his magic had swiftly seen to his injury. Too bad not all of his wounds are so easy to mend.
July 16, 2025 at 5:16 PM
vl-lanius.bsky.social
Immerse yourself into a new world inspired by Imperial Rome, full of magic, dragons, meddling deities, vibrant characters, and rich worldbuilding.

Drops August 22nd, 2025!

ARC available NOW:
forms.gle/FZsd5NLrrfUn...

#booksky #arcsignup #arcreaders #arcreaderswanted #queerwriters #LGBTQ+
Book cover: Royal Magpie's Oath by V.L. Lanius. Mosaic of a two-headed, six-winged feathered dragon over a painting of a sunrise over open water Content: Epic Fantasy Roman-inspired Setting Chosen Bloodline Clash of Deities Dragon POV Shapeshifter POV Queer Romance Polyamory Themes Power of Friendship Found Family Healing Divine Destiny Coming: Late August Join the ARC Team! Link in Description Book Cover: V.L. Lanius, Character Art: Moustawott Image of three characters: A young blonde woman wearing a red dress with a lute over her shoulder, using light blue magic A tall, dark-skinned man with curly black hair, golden eyes, and a magpie on his head, wearing a light blue tunic and sandals A woman with bronze and turquoise hair, wearing a turquoise wrap over a cream tunic, holding a goblet
July 15, 2025 at 5:27 PM
vl-lanius.bsky.social
One of the rare moments I have the word in both WIPs.
From 7 Days of Fire

#WIPSnips #amwriting #writingcommunity #writingprompts #queerwriters #transwriters
Aemilia smiled, that nostalgic tooth-filled grin. She and Canius were milk sisters as infants and as good of friends as a slave and a patrician girl could be. Since he became a gladiator, Canius had only caught glimpses of her across the villa’s expanse. She’s grown, he thought. Though she still wore a girl’s long tunic, her hair was styled like a woman’s. The neat plaits contrasted Canius’ unruly mop of curls. “Well, come on!” Aemilia’s voice snapped his thread of thought. Canius groaned when he stood, but his legs held steady. Aemilia smiled up at him, then turned on a heel and departed through the thick wooden door. Instead of passing through the main corridors of the villa, she led them through the rabbit warren of servant hallways and storage rooms. Canius’ feet knew the way already—he’d been the one to show her these passages.
July 15, 2025 at 5:11 PM
vl-lanius.bsky.social
I had the perfect example in book 1, but that's not a WIP anymore. Oh well...have "performance" and a conversation that isn't actually about music (though one of them is a bard).
From Royal Magpie's Lament

#WIPSnips #amwriting #writingcommunity #writingprompts #queerwriters #transwriters
“Different? You’re a cat.” “A felina, thank you.” “Are you telling me you’re—uh, Davros—is famous?” Romero’s lips twitch. “Some know him from the performances. Many nobles saw him with Lucius and Levnys when they were here. He also, uh, fought a public duel to the death a few weeks ago. Removed a thorn from more than one side. The popularis faction loves him right now.” “How does it feel?” “Good,” Anouk admits. “I want to be a hero, gari.” “You’ve always been a hero. Remember when you saved that old man from the mountain cat?” “You helped.” “You’re the one who faced the thing with a dagger and a sour expression. I just stood back and tried not to get bit.” “You tied it up with an off-the-cuff enchantment. I could never do that.”
July 10, 2025 at 5:14 PM
vl-lanius.bsky.social
A bit of lonely pining for your Wednesday.
From Royal Magpie's Lament

#WIPSnips #amwriting #writingcommunity #writingprompts #queerwriters #transwriters
It was easier to deny himself when desire was dangerous, and sex was risky. It was so simple to believe it wasn’t worth it. He could block it off, hide it away, because getting close to anyone was too much to bear. Then his prince came along, and together they tore down those walls. And when Levnys took him to her bed, the foundations were shattered beyond repair. They’d shown him what it was like to make love without fear and revel in that shared pleasure. It was something good, something beautiful, that connection. They’d talked about it on that last night before Raven’s Flight sailed west, that freedom to seek comfort outside of their little group. Davros swore he wouldn’t need it. That first meeting with Minius, the warmth of his hands, the sweet scent of him, formed cracks in that idea. Davros found himself idly wondering what was under that thick toga. Then tonight he’d seen more, and now Davros can’t get the thought of his sly smile out of his head, or the brush of soft skin. He didn’t imagine how close Minius stood to him, and didn’t miss the peek of a bicep under the tunica sleeve, or the muscular thigh pressed against his leg. His eyes—honey-brown, alert, clever—held him transfixed.
July 9, 2025 at 5:52 PM
vl-lanius.bsky.social
How about shout? (the only "yell" I have is "yellow")
From Royal Magpie's Lament

#WIPSnips #amwriting #writingcommunity #writingprompts #queerwriters #transwriters
He emerges into the plaza, dodging the milling knots of people to slip through the crowd. To his left, more merchants crowd every stone of the open space, their colorful tents a chaotic mosaic under the midday sun. Alexei shades his eyes with his hand and squints at the building to his right. The Forum looms above all, perched on its opulent marble stairs. Senators mill about in the atrium, their togas conspicuous even in the shade. Angry shouts rise above the din as armored guards push people from the path of slave-borne palanquins, each more gaudy than the last. White-crowned heads disappear into them, patricians all, too good to use their feet or brave the crowd like everyone else. Tiberia emerges from behind a gilded column, her braid draped over one shoulder. Imai is half a step behind her, his royal guard armor a smear of blue and gold against the white and orange tapestry of togas. Minius walks beside her, a head taller than everyone around him, sleek blonde hair like gold when he steps into the sun. Alexei jerks his head away as he nearly collides with the person in front of him. When he looks back, the royal entourage is gone.
July 8, 2025 at 5:12 PM
vl-lanius.bsky.social
Don't tell your lover's sister things she doesn't want to know, Davros.
From Royal Magpie's Lament

#WIPSnips #amwriting #writingcommunity #writingprompts #queerwriters #transwriters
Takuro lands with barely a sound and nods once. Davros sets aside his sword, dries the sweat from his bare chest, and pulls on his exomis. They enter through the curtain. Davros blinks as his eyes adjust to the firelight. He blinks again when he sees the three figures standing in the entryway—three men, the middle one the shortest. No. The middle figure, wearing a pristine toga striped with orange, royal blue, and gold, is a woman. When she turns her head and her eyes fix on his, he stops dead in his tracks. She has the same chestnut-brown skin as Lucius, the same raven hair, and the same golden eyes. Davros drops to one knee, bowing his head. “Regilla Tiberia,” he says. “To what do I owe the honor of this visit?” Tiberia laughs, rich and low. “Come now, stand up. Did you ever go to your knees for my brother?” He had, but under completely different circumstances. Davros quickly stuffs the thought away, then rises back to his feet. “In that case, let me at least offer some tea. Takuro?”
July 7, 2025 at 5:41 PM
vl-lanius.bsky.social
No "somebody," but definitely "someone."
From 7 Days of Fire

#WIPSnips #amwriting #writingcommunity #writingprompts #queerwriters #transwriters
“Aren’t you happy for me?” “Only if it’s what you want.” “It is! I mean…” Her voice trailed off, and she stopped. Cainus walked two more steps, then turned to face her. She studied the rough stone walls of the narrow passage and gripped the fabric of her long tunic. “Father told me it’s a good match. He wouldn’t give me to someone bad, would he?” Canius leaned against the wall, wincing at the twinge in his ribs. What was he supposed to say? She watched him carefully, trying to read his expression. “I think he’d give you to whoever gave him the best price,” he said truthfully. Aemilia’s face fell. Fabric creaked between her tightening fingers. At the welling of tears in her eyes, Canius bit his lip. Shit. He opened his mouth to apologize but stopped when she chuckled bitterly. “You’re right,” she said. She raised her chin. “Everyone else lies, tells me it’s a woman’s dream, that the gods will ensure it’s a good match. I knew you’d be honest with me.” She strode forward, pushing past him. “Come. We shouldn’t keep Father waiting.”
July 6, 2025 at 4:04 PM
vl-lanius.bsky.social
The region they're in is called the "Sparkling Coast."
I often describe my shapeshifter's magic as "sparkling."
But who can pass up a chance to show off some dragon worldbuilding?
From Royal Magpie's Lament

#WIPSnips #amwriting #writingcommunity #writingprompts #queerwriters #transwriters
The next day’s sun burns hot above the courtyard before Levnys is able to rest. Humans work industriously, clearing the last charred debris from the bloodstained cobblestones. Two water mages methodically clean away the stains, shadowed by Pewter. Both mages are soaked to the skin by the dragonette’s enthusiastic attempts to assist. Even the young hotbloods help after a thorough scolding by Levnys earlier that morning. A mix of metal and gem hides sparkle in the late spring sun as they help right overturned carts and haul the rest of the dead livestock away. One, a dark green lesser dragon of a type Levnys does not recognize, impatiently scoops up an elderly human lagging behind. Levnys tenses, but the old woman is unharmed, settling in the upturned hand with a long sigh.
July 5, 2025 at 10:41 PM
vl-lanius.bsky.social
A two-fer for my (triumphant) return. Shapeshifting ain't easy.
From Royal Magpie's Lament

#WIPSnips #amwriting #writingcommunity #writingprompts #queerwriters #transwriters
Until now, he’s been afraid to experiment with his shapeshifting. There was always that danger of being discovered, the shame of what he is. But the last few months sparked a new feeling within him—of acceptance, of a freedom to express himself. As in magic and music, the only way to improve is to practice, and now he finally can. He holds up his hand and pictures the delicate bones of the sparrow. They warp and stretch, lengthening, digits twisting and contorting. His heart thuds in his ears as he tries to contain his anxiety—his fingers, his livelihood, fuse into a pointed spur. It feels wrong. What if it’s stuck like this? What if I can never play music again? The thoughts nearly send him into a panic. He clings to the memories of lute strings thrumming, of Lucius’ fingers entwined with his. Oh gods. What is he doing? Skin, bone, and flesh twist again, and he stares at his restored hand, panting.
July 4, 2025 at 10:44 PM
vl-lanius.bsky.social
Royal Magpie's Oath
Immerse yourself into a new world inspired by Imperial Rome, full of magic, dragons, meddling deities, vibrant characters, and rich worldbuilding.

Digital ARCs drop by July 14th:
forms.gle/TkdodjcXK4Bb...

#booksky #arcsignup #arcreaders #arcreaderswanted #queerwriters #LGBTQ+
Book cover: Royal Magpie's Oath by V.L. Lanius. Mosaic of a two-headed, six-winged feathered dragon over a painting of a sunrise over open water Content: Epic Fantasy Roman-inspired Setting Chosen Bloodline Clash of Deities Dragon POV Shapeshifter POV Queer Romance Polyamory Themes Power of Friendship Found Family Healing Divine Destiny Coming: Late August Join the ARC Team! Link in Description Book Cover: V.L. Lanius, Character Art: Moustawott Image of three characters: A young blonde woman wearing a red dress with a lute over her shoulder, using light blue magic A tall, dark-skinned man with curly black hair, golden eyes, and a magpie on his head, wearing a light blue tunic and sandals A woman with bronze and turquoise hair, wearing a turquoise wrap over a cream tunic, holding a goblet
July 4, 2025 at 10:36 PM