It does sound pragmatic. Which is not a bad thing, as far as John is concerned. As an army man, spells for healing and defense would be useful for him to know, on the battlefield. There is no guarantee that the healers will find you in time, if at all. He has helped to carry men to the field surgeon more times than he would care to count. If there were at least some way of aiding himself, or his companion where they fall, he would take it in a heartbeat.

His attention catches on the rest of the other man's explanation and he tilts his head to the side, inquiring. His 'partner'.

"There are others here with you, from your home?" he asks. He was not sure how common this is, although -- John does have Claire, and he is not complaining of her companionship, even if she does not reside here in Thorne with him.