Tattoo of the Week: “Seb” — A Story of Friendship, Fantasy, and Ink That Doesn’t Fade

Sometimes a tattoo isn’t just about style — it’s about never letting go. Even if that means getting your best friend’s name inked in Elvish script.

Goodbye, but Stay With Us

This week’s tattoo story comes from three U.S. college students who decided to turn their grief into ink. Their friend Sebastian Sheehy wasn’t just a familiar face on campus — he was the kind of person who made life feel like an epic campaign. A fantasy nerd, a loyal friend, and, by all accounts, a genuine soul.

Why Elvish?

Erin, Phil, and Emerson chose something unique to remember Sebastian by: the name “Seb,” tattooed in Tengwar — the elegant Elvish alphabet from The Lord of the Rings. Because Sebastian didn’t just like Tolkien — he lived in Middle-earth. Start talking elves or ring lore with him, and you’d better clear your schedule.

“He noticed my Lord of the Rings tattoo the first time we met,” Erin says. “That’s how we clicked.”

DnD, Dice, and a Whole Lot of Heart

Sebastian was the kind of guy who made it easy to talk and impossible to forget. He patiently taught his friends how to play Dungeons & Dragons — no ego, no sighing, just help.

“He explained things better than anyone,” Erin recalls. “He’d literally get up, come over, and walk me through it — every single time.”

And when friends needed a ride? He’d never ask for gas money. He’d say, “Just buy me a bottle of Fireside.” Classic Seb. Wholesome and a little chaotic, in the best way.

From Memory to Ink

For Emerson, the tattoo was about more than remembering — it was about keeping something of Seb close.

“It still feels like he’s around,” he says. “And now that I have this tattoo, it’s like a piece of him is with me. Always.”

Phil, who didn’t know Seb deeply at first, grew close over time — and the loss hit harder than expected.

“When I got the call that he was gone… I was at work. It was so sudden,” Phil says. “This tattoo? It’s a promise. A way to say, ‘You mattered to me.’”

✨ Small Word, Huge Legacy

In his senior yearbook, Seb wrote that he just wanted to be remembered. His friends made sure of it — with black ink, Elvish curves, and a lot of heart.

Wherever they go, Seb goes with them. On their skin, in their stories, and in every DnD session where a natural 20 rolls in his honor.

Pictured: “Seb” in Elvish, tattooed on Phil’s arm in memory of his friend.

P.S. Would you get a tattoo to remember someone? Or maybe so no one ever forgets you?