Not sure which quest you're referring to - the Cardolan trinkets introduction quest that used to be at the Bree Hunting Lodge was removed from the game over ten years ago.
Then at some point more recently, SSG added random quest completion requirements to use the reputation items. The current quest needed for use of Cardolan trinkets is the second part of a chain from the group of NPCs located on the road between the Old Forest and the Barrow Downs, not at the Hunting Lodge. (Wiki page here should have the exact information about who to talk to where. https://lotro-wiki.com/index.php/Cat...w-downs_Quests)
As for talking to Halbarad, the only thing I could think of is to make sure you're at the correct building? After completing volume I book 3, Halbarad permanently moves to a different building in Esteldin, but as far as I know, the quest radar continues to show him at both buildings. Only one will be accessible; the other is locked.
Hopefully that's at least some what helpful to you.
Well, I suppose you could always say "flame resistant sunglasses" if you prefer that to "shoes"