Presentation Ball

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The Presentation Ball is a formal occasion in which a young noble lady who comes of age in her culture, usually 16, is presented to the ruler of the realm. By attending this ball, it is announced to the world that the girl is available for courtship. The gentlemen attending take notice. It is pretty much a debutante ball and prom night combined for these young debutantes.
The young lady is done up to look her absolute best, the occasion being as nearly a significant formal and life changing event as her wedding. It is considered somewhat crass to immediately propose at the Presentation Ball unless it is from the girl's already known lover (and even then the proceedings are tastefully coy for at least a few days), but introductions are made and signals are sent. Of course, the debutante isn't necessarily the only one fishing for some attraction. Her pretty friends are here to catch someone's eye as well.