I have to agree with Etzel on this one - Edit 2
Before modification by DomA at 02/07/2010 11:56:27 PM
That makes more sense, because the foretelling states that the future is still undecided, while TG should actually be the decision. This motif of a blade can also be found in other Prophecies which clearly refer to a time before TG. Besides that, no other Prophecy does refer that clearly to a time after TG and explicitly tells that TG will be won/"done". Thus, it's simply more likely that it refers to a time before or during TG.
In my head that doesn't fit... but as I said below RAFO
What doesn't make sense is that the future will still be balanced on the edge of a blade after TG is over.
I've been arguing for years now that this foretelling refers to a/the great battle in the "TG war". Most likely, it refers to the big battle that will begin TG at the end of TOM.
TGS only added to the evidence/clues: there is a prophecy about the three becoming one and a sword.
It can't really be more obvious that the last part of Nicola's foretelling has a double meaning... the future of Creation is uncertain and the future of Creation is balanced on the edge of the blade referred to by the three-as-one+sword prop.
I wouldn't say it's "definitely pre-TG" - more likely it will be the beginning of it, but almost for sure this is pre-sealing stuff. Most of the foretelling alludes to Arthurian parallels, which suggests strongly the "Battle of Caemlyn"/Camlaan/Camelot.
The other big clue for the timeline is "the guardians balance the servants". Pre-COT/KOD there used to be massive doubts the Asha'man and Aes Sedai could come together before TG, but few still believe this alliance/reunion will happen only after the LB... Again, it will most likely happen at/around/right after the event of dealing with Mazrim Taim.