[IronDragon]

yes it is doable. For most NPC’s there is a dialogue option where they tell you where they can be found, Minsc for example goes and hangs out at the Copper Coronet and some NPC’s have an option where they will remain where you left them just waiting for you to get interested in them again. I forget exactly where Nalia goes but I do know you must have saved her family’s keep before a dialogue option comes up. How willing a NPC is to go and just wait for you depends on the status of their personal quests, your reputation and their moral. So yes some may be unhappy and leave forever.