Aaron smiles and shakes his head. "No, no," he says gently, "it's not about who has it easiest and who has it hardest. One person's problems don't invalidate anyone else's. Don't discount your own feelings or feel ashamed of them." His voice is quiet, and if Arnold's hands are still fidgeting out on the table, Aaron will reach out and take one in a steady grip. "It's not that you shouldn't feel bad because others have it harder. It's that you can learn from those who are dealing with greater things and both admire and take strength from their example."

It might be that Aaron is good at being reassuring when he means to be. It might also just be that he gets along very naturally with Elves. It's remarkable, honestly. Usually, Aaron Strider is the opposite of reassuring.

Elves, man.