Gwen is really eager to teach you about your new life as the Spiritfarer! So eager that she gets a little uncooperative if you try and get ahead of her plan. Be sure to check out your Request log by pressing Tab on keyboard or Select/Touch Pad on controller to make sure you haven't missed anything!
If the prices are still too high at the Hummingberg shop and Gwen isn't speaking up to get you a discount, please backtrack to Barkensheim Creek and try speaking with her there. After that, she should be all ready to help you take on those prices!