Uh, the neutral ending is regardless of choices, just make sure you bought the emblem in the auction, find Thane in the last part of the war instead of following through with the chief's plan, and enter the painting in the bull temple (a few times if you never entered before), don't stop Thane before reaching the cave in it.

For the date, just make sure Nauxus has not more than 3 points, i take it you read the chart i left in the guide for the math, (3 points means he is tied or lower than Axel).