Answer:
My snake-like body cracks and burns. I cause pain but pleasure too. What am I?
I go up and never come down no matter how hard you wish. As I get higher more wrinkles crawl onto your face.
What is always coming but never arrives?
I have a gown but I'm not a priest; I have a crown but I'm not a king.
I always have to work with something in my eye.
Dark, feathery, and popular in Baltimore and fantasy books.