A Melwen or Love-Maiden and her Suitor
Melwen (S."Lovemaiden" pl.Milwyn), also Sweetsinger and Nightsinger, originally was a common term in the Dúnadan Kingdoms of Arnor and Gondor to designate a female Minstrel and Dancer who was a learned entertainer and companion, however the term soon fell into disgrace and became a synonym for a mistress, courtisan and later an ordinary prostitute.Since prostitution was not allowed or at last not socially acceptable under the Dúnadan rule, sweetsingers often formally worked as seamstresses or in brothels disguised as bathhouses.
Sweetsingers usually recruited from the lowest and poorest classes of society and were usually common men, not of Dúnadan heritage.A few brothels however gained riches and reputation for service and discretion and some Milwin were quite wealthy ,although disrespected, citizens.
Roleplaying
in Rolemaster a Melwen may be interpreted as an Enchantress, Geisha or Houri.