79 It hadn't bothered me that much until lately I
began to notice how well I picked up your emotions, and that sometimes
I could even feel when you were touching someone. Tonight I happened to
be passing the Doctor and her strong thoughts of what she had in mind
with you reached my mind. It has been more than one-hundred years since
I have touched a woman, and felt fire in my body.
80 The temptation was too great; the need, too strong. I used my
abilities to violate the mind of someone I have considered my friend. I
understand his repulsion and his justified attack. As I have said
before, you have my resignation, but I hope at least
you might understand the need, and forgive the weakness. A new Teacher
will be found worthy of the position. "
81 North shook his head. "The resignation," he argued, "is
unacceptable. I will not lose one who has endeavored so strongly to
teach me how to control those fires that rage within me. Nor, will I
condemn a man with so desperate a need for finding a way to fulfill his
desires.
82 You mistake surprise and bewilderment for anger. I cannot say that I
do not find the situation a little strange, but I do not find it
offensive. After all, you are not exchanging with me or desiring me,
myself. You want to feel what I feel.
83 I think this is an acceptable condition, as long as my partners know
what is going on. I do not consider it an invasion of my privacy as
long as I know what is going on. This will be between the two of us,
and of course, my ladies. No one else need know."
84 "I don't know what to say!" gasped Great Bear. "I know how you feel
about men who do sexual things with other men. I do not know how to
express my gratitude."
85 "First of all," North comforted, "by never thinking of yourself in
that way. You are as much of a man as any other, and what we do is
nothing like that at