Will I still get the Haer'Dalis (or whatever his name is - the bard gone missing) quest, even if I don't take Aerie into my party?

<font color="gold">Yep, and easily too.
Go to the Five Flagons Inn (tavern in the Bridge District), and to the west. Go down the stairs. When you come down, a woman will encounter you, and ask if you want tickets to the evenings show. Say yes (or no), and walk into the hall. A play will automaticly start, with terrible actors. Then, after get beeped out, Raelis will ask if anyone can help them. Then, just go backstage, and talk to her, to get the quest rolling.</font>


see ya!

You should be able to go to the playhouse in the basement of the tavern, and talk to the leader of the actors.