Opportunity

When they had roasted the outermost flesh and draw it from the spits, they divided up the portions and had a splendid feast.

Odyssey Book 20 line 246-248 Barry B Powell
Odyssey Book 20 line 248-250 Barry B Powell

It is to be assumed that the suitors would have gone to Pyrgi also, but today Penelope has to (re)marry. Therefor all the palace personnel had to return to the palace in preparation for the marriage. The suitors apparantly didn't leave the palace at all.

One of these things must have been that no-one is supposed to visit the palace these days.

The suitors started their own feast in the palace awaiting Penelope's choice of marriage.

They gave the same portion to Odysseus as they recieved themselfs, for Telemachos, the dear son of godlike Odysseus, commanded that it be so.

Now that all the people of Ithaca await the sun to set for the last time this year and are feasting at Pyrgi, the suitors are awaiting the moment on which Penelope decides who she would marry and therefor remaind at the palace. This is the moment to use the opportunity that the suitors are separated from the rest of the people. Who will make the first move?

And remember, Telemachos went off to the assembly. He must have returned after the butchering, and took the oppertunity to speak to the eldest without the suitors having control over it. Telemachos must have set things right for what is going to happen today, at the feast of Apollo, Penelope's possible marriage and for tomorrow, for Apollo's Day.

Next to the stone threshold Telemachos arranged a shabby stool and a tiny table for the stranger Odysseus.