According to the delux edition or with the 5.1 stereo DVD edition, Mikail's intro says that Melinda is to be subject to an arranged marriage, much to her dislike. So she's not a nun.
This is seriously challenging Ghost Reveries and Back To Times Of Splendor (from Disillusion) as my all time favorite album. It just won't let me go. Why do you have to be such a mastermind Akerfeldt? Why?