The relation of rights to reality is that rights are principles that dictate how a society can become optimal, just as the laws of gravity dictate the influence of matter on other matter. The second method, advocated by Peikoff and other Objectivists, is the derivation from rationality. While this method may seem backwards, it is actually the other side of the coin. This will become soon apparent. Once again we start from objective premises, that is, that rationality must guide our actions.
Rationality is the epistemic basis for our analysis of values.
It is tautological to say that the use of reason is fundamental for the exercise of rational ethics in society. But the use of reason implies, once again as far as it is non-random, the opportunity to choose. If humans were omniscient, we would not need reason, and therefore we would not need choice - everything would be strictly delimitated by everyone's mind. It is obviously not the case that omniscience exists, in humans or otherwise. Rationality requires the exercise of free will, and by extension a directed thought process.