I've gone through all the proper steps in the correct order. I go upstairs at the inn and he won't say anything. I've done this many times before and I know what to do and I'm still stumped. Now, the real problem, I don't have any old saves if it happens to be a tech problem. I'm trying to set up for the long haul (SoA+ToB), and have high hopes for my character. Help is needed. Thanks.

<font color=33CC33>If you don't have a patch installed, you can try to do that. And if you have it, then you might want to use console to create what item you need. Some people might consider it a cheating although I think that it's not.

If you decide to use console then this is what you have to type in it:
AddexperienceParty(1500)
TakePartyItem("SCRLJALA")
GiveItem("POTN20",LastTalkedToBy)
SetGlobal("MarekMove","GLOBAL",1)
Global("LothanderMove","GLOBAL",5)
EscapeArea()

However, save your game before you try to do this, 'cause I'm not sure if it will work.</font>

Write this instead:
CLUAConsole:SetGlobal("LothanderMove","GLOBAL",2)
and talk to him.