I prefer to have RP consequences. For example, in the above example, Unnis does not appear to be a violent person until she suddenly and jarringly challenges you to a battle to the death. She is also not effective in battle, and she clearly has a child to protect.
Worst of all, after
killing her, there appears to be no real consequences.
Perhaps there should be a form of impact on your reputation. Like she runs away and tells her friends who then no longer trust you. Maybe the prices in shops get more expensive? Maybe they follow you around when you walk around their house? Or Unnis's friends (who may be quite strong) later confront you and eventually battle you in a more fair fight. There are different ways you can handle it depending on how elaborate and creative you want to get with it.
Although I still think battles should not always result in death. There is actually
another example here of a battle (between two PCs) that ends before death, which is refreshing to see.
