I shouldn't have to go through these gymnastics in order to avoid a character that could potentially ruin my romance for me. I don't even like Shadowheart (sorry for the blasphemy in this thread), but please, that's ridiculous game design.
To be honest I just found that by accident. I just responded to Halsin as if he was a quest giver and not a companion and it fell into place.
Again, I have no strong opinions about Halsin. I've never traveled with him and I was surprised to learn that some believe you have to travel with him.
