Hide the weapon and play nice

Jessica steeled herself. Gathering nerve.

The last leg was just around the top of stairs. This man was probably a hunter, out looking for beasts, keeping his home safe. If he sees you're afraid he may think something is off...

At the base of the staircase, the man's gaze seemed far off. He had the same matted wirey hair look as some of her customers, but she could see their eyes, barely visible as they were.
"Um...." Jessica started, her voice both quieter and louder than she liked.
The man started, hefting his weapon. Freezing when he saw her. His eyes barely glinted any light, his dark eyes eating up the light.
"Might... I pass sir hunter?" Jessica continued, voice wavering. "I live just around the corner." The man relaxed his stance, weapon aimed upward. Returning to his relaxed posture.
"Oh course love, just come up de steps" the man replied, extending a hand down toward her. Jessica regarded the path, she would go right by the man.
Jessica swallowed the gorge of fear in her throat. She was so close to home, and this man clearly had his wits still about him. Not a beast like that other... thing.
The man was still as stone as Jessica ascended the steps. As she passed him, the man broke his stillness, and grabbed her wrist, causing her to drop the lighter still clenched in her fist.
"Now lass, I must ask" He began, guiding Jessica back down a step and against the wall by twisting her wrist to cause a discomforting pain and setting her off balance.
His face got uncomfortably close hers. Jessica turned away, rather than regard the man fully.
"Why would a pretty gurl like ya be out this late? On the night of the hunt nonetheless?" He hissed into Jessica's ear as she shirked away. "Are ya out to fuck these beasts heavy cocks is it? Us hunter's too good for ya yeasty cunt? huh?"